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During his presidency, Theodore Roosevelt established over 230 million acres of public lands, including 150 national forests, 55 federal bird reservation and game preserves, 18 national monuments, and 5 national parks. In 1905, Roosevelt created the US Forest Service. His most trusted advisor, Gifford Pinchot, served as the organization’s first chief forester.
As pioneers in environmentalism, Roosevelt and Pinchot sought to convey the purpose of their efforts through a shared vernacular that would resonate with the US population. They coined the term “conservation,” which not only defined a movement but also provided clarity on necessary environmental actions.
The conservation of natural resources is the fundamental problem. Unless we solve that problem, it will avail us little to solve all others.
President Theodore Roosevelt
The lesson gathered from Roosevelt and Pinchot’s efforts is a poignant reminder of the power of words in shaping, understanding, and catalyzing action. Much like “conservation” served as a rallying cry in Roosevelt’s time, a new word, “ecoprudence,” emerges as the contemporary call to action of our era. Ecoprudence emphasizes a holistic approach to environmentalism that integrates ecological wisdom, sustainable energy practices, and legal acumen to prioritize environmental sustainability and responsibility in decision-making.
Today, general counsels (GCs) and their legal teams explore the steps they can take to integrate ecoprudence into their practices. By doing so, they can effectively steer organizations toward a future where environmental considerations are embedded into strategic decision-making processes, ultimately leading to sustainable transformation.
1. Embrace Curiosity
To initiate sustainable transformation, GCs must cultivate curiosity about their company’s operations and environmental impact. By delving into areas such as energy consumption and waste management, GCs can gain the insights necessary for driving informed decision-making. Leveraging their legal expertise, GCs can advocate for and negotiate contracts with sustainable energy providers while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. If you’re unfamiliar with this topic, resources such as energy.gov can provide valuable information to help you get started on your journey (search: Zero Energy Buildings: Districts & Communities).
2. Foster Collaboration and Integration
Effective energy transition necessitates cross-functional collaboration. GCs can facilitate alignment between legal considerations and overarching business strategies by working closely with stakeholders from operations, finance, and sustainability departments. By integrating regulatory requirements seamlessly into organizational frameworks, legal departments not only ensure compliance but also foster forward-thinking approaches to energy transition. The San Francisco business community is an excellent example. By selecting a decarbonized energy provider with water sustainability objectives, these business leaders epitomize ecoprudence in practice.
3. Drive Proactive Engagement
C-suite leaders, including GCs, must proactively drive transformation initiatives within their organizations. By staying on top of regulatory developments and industry trends, GCs anticipate legal challenges and advocate for proactive measures. Embedding sustainability initiatives into legal department culture catalyzes organizational transformation and positions companies as leaders in the energy transition landscape. Establishing a structured approach, with the GC at the helm, ensures sustained momentum.
4. Utilize Data for Demonstrable Impact
Relying solely on anecdotal evidence falls short in the realm of ecoprudence. To truly showcase the effectiveness of embedded environmental thought leadership, GCs need to adopt a data-driven approach to decision-making. This involves gathering and analyzing pertinent data, such as energy consumption metrics, emissions reductions, and cost savings, to quantify the benefits of the initiatives they advocate for. By presenting concrete data, GCs can effectively advocate for ongoing investment in energy transformation efforts, reinforcing the importance of prioritizing environmental responsibility within their organizations.
Although they’re not the Rough Riders of Roosevelt’s era, today’s GCs wield significant influence in shaping a sustainable future through ecoprudence. Armed with legal expertise and a commitment to environmental health, they navigate the green frontier, driving decarbonization initiatives and paving the way for a greener tomorrow.
About the author:
Anza D’Antonio serves as general counsel at Cordia.
