Neal Gerber Eisenberg Becomes First Law Firm to Achieve Net Zero Certification

Chicago-based law firm earns dual certification for energy and carbon from the Green Building Initiative.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 4:34pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Neal Gerber Eisenberg (NGE), a leading Chicago law firm, has become the first law firm globally to achieve Certified Status for both Energy and Carbon through the Green Building Initiative, Inc.'s (GBI) Journey to Net Zero for Sustainable Interiors assessment. This rigorous certification verifies that NGE's three-floor office space has achieved a 100% reduction in energy and carbon impacts through efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy sourcing.

Why it matters

As the legal industry faces growing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint, NGE's achievement demonstrates that professional services firms can meet ambitious sustainability goals through intentional design, operations, and transparent reporting. This certification positions NGE as a leader in the industry's transition toward net zero.

The details

To earn the GBI certification, NGE underwent a comprehensive evaluation of its energy use intensity (EUI) and operational carbon emissions, confirming the firm has met advanced baseline standards for decarbonization. This includes strategies like energy modeling, sustainable material selection, renewable energy procurement, and daily operational practices. The certification is valid for three years and requires ongoing verification and improvement over time.

  • NGE earned LEED Platinum Certification for its newly built-out office in July 2025, becoming the only law firm in Chicago and the second-largest LEED Platinum Certified interiors project in Illinois.
  • NGE recently released its Corporate Social Responsibility Report, detailing progress across environmental stewardship, pro bono service, community partnerships, and internal education efforts.

The players

Neal Gerber Eisenberg (NGE)

A leading law firm in Chicago that has achieved dual certification from the Green Building Initiative for both energy and carbon reduction in its office space.

Green Building Initiative, Inc. (GBI)

A non-profit organization that provides sustainability assessment and certification programs for the built environment, including the Journey to Net Zero for Sustainable Interiors standard that NGE has achieved.

Sonia Menon

The Chief Operating Officer of NGE, who stated that sustainability is embedded into how the firm's office functions every day.

Laci Hoskins

The Principal at Novo Sustainability, who said that NGE's certification reflects a high level of rigor, strong documentation, and a clear commitment to operating at a verified net zero energy and carbon level.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This certification reflects years of intentional decisions rather than a single initiative. From energy modeling and material selection to how we procure power and operate our space, sustainability is embedded into how our office functions every day. We're proud to be the first law firm to meet GBI's Energy and Carbon standards and hope it demonstrates what is possible for professional services firms committed to measurable, accountable progress.”

— Sonia Menon, Chief Operating Officer of NGE

“Achieving Certified Status for both Energy and Carbon under GBI's Journey to Net Zero program requires more than good intentions. It requires verified performance. NGE's certification reflects a high level of rigor, strong documentation, and a clear commitment to operating their space at a verified net zero energy and carbon level under the program's standards.”

— Laci Hoskins, Principal at Novo Sustainability

What’s next

The GBI certification is valid for three years, during which time NGE will need to continue verifying and improving its energy and carbon performance to maintain the certification.

The takeaway

NGE's achievement as the first law firm to earn dual net zero certification from the Green Building Initiative demonstrates that professional services firms can lead the way in reducing their environmental impact through intentional design, operations, and transparent reporting. This sets a new standard for the legal industry's sustainability efforts.