Honors & Awards

Godfrey & Kahn Welcomed into Green Tier Program
Godfrey & Kahn has joined the Green Tier ranks of Wisconsin companies committed to exceeding the standards for environmental regulations.

Aimed toward rewarding environmentally responsible businesses in Wisconsin, Green Tier is the first program of its type in the nation. Qualified businesses and associations make legal commitments to superior environmental performance through agreements with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

In exchange, these businesses are given incentives to achieve superior environmental performance. Green Tier makes it easier for good environmental stewards to perform even better, allowing the DNR to focus its resources on facilities that are not meeting environmental requirements.

"As the first law firm to join Green Tier, Godfrey & Kahn is demonstrating how smart and efficient office operations can benefit the bottom line and the environment," DNR Secretary Matt Frank said. "It also demonstrates how offices in all types of businesses can be environmental stewards."

As the first law firm to receive Green Tier status, Godfrey & Kahn joins Yaggy Colby and Perfect Environmental Performance as the only service firms in the program. By attracting companies that work broadly with other Wisconsin businesses, Green Tier expands the range of the program and promotes environmental excellence in areas that the DNR would likely never reach.

The firm qualified for the program when it adopted a Green Office Policy in November 2007, which involved purchasing only Energy Star technology, setting all displays to go to sleep when inactive, eliminating paper in all internal communication, converting to a paperless filing system, using bike messengers for downtown package deliveries and offering transportation subsidies to employees who use the bus or carpool. Additionally, Godfrey & Kahn worked with the Natural Resources Foundation to promote reforestation and conservation of Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula.

Some of the firm's future activities include replacing existing lights with energy efficiency options and greening marketing and outreach efforts, including planning for energy efficiency and environmental excellence in its new office building. Additionally, the firm plans to increase incentives to encourage using the bus or carpooling and finding ways to cut travel. These efforts carry over into client work as well. The firm continuously strives to help clients incorporate sustainable, green efforts into their daily business practices.

The American Bar Association Names Godfrey & Kahn an Eco-Challenge Partner
The American Bar Association (ABA) recognized Godfrey & Kahn as an Eco-Challenge Partner on January 31, 2008.

As of that date, Godfrey & Kahn was one of only 38 firms across the country, and the only firm in Wisconsin, honored with this designation. The firm is currently certified in the Best Paper Practices category and is working toward other certifications.

The ABA Section of Environment, Energy and Resources (SEER), together with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency designed the program to encourage firms to take simple, practical steps to become better environmental and energy stewards.