Carolyn S. Kaplan, a lawyer in Nixon Peabody’s energy and environmental practice, has become the law firm’s chief sustainability officer. The new position focuses on “green” initiatives. Kaplan will work to further reduce the firm’s carbon footprint and implement internal green initiatives while looking for opportunities to partner with clients and potential clients on joint sustainability activities.
PBN: Do you see your work potentially affecting other industry sectors in Rhode Island?
KAPLAN: I don’t think any industry is immune from the impacts of climate change and rapidly increasing energy costs. Companies within every industry need to examine their internal processes and operations and determine how they can modify their practices to make a difference. Rather than viewing this process as a burden, it should be treated as an opportunity to achieve cost savings and as a driver for creating new products and services.
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PBN: Can you talk about the importance of the newly created position?
KAPLAN: We understand that our clients are facing new challenges as they strive to implement more sustainable practices and develop ground-breaking technologies, particularly in emerging industries such as “cleantech,” renewable energy, and green building. In response, we’re developing ways of delivering legal services to help our clients address these challenges. We are also committed to the kinds of sustainable principles our clients are adopting and implementing, and willing to publicly share our own experiences and lessons learned.
PBN: What are the big issues that large corporations face as they attempt to reduce their carbon footprint?
KAPLAN: Large corporations may choose to start by establishing a baseline to better understand their impacts. But they need to balance this effort with the need to invest resources and take action immediately, before complete information is available. It generally makes sense for companies to focus first on those areas that will result in greater returns. For example, many large corporations are taking a hard look at their transportation practices, and working to reduce transportation-related emissions while simultaneously realizing cost savings. •
