ESG and Sustainability Insights newsletter

Whilst there continues to be debate about the meaning and importance of ESG and sustainability, what is certain is that these considerations are mainstream and impact all businesses globally.

Explore our insights and resources to stay up to date on key topics affecting your business, including climate change and regulation, business and human rights, sustainable finance, energy transition and more.

Stay in touch with the latest developments by subscribing to our newsletter.

From our latest newsletter

LMA Green Loan Rider – what you need to know

On 7 November 2024, the LMA published its long-anticipated bolt-on LMA Draft Provisions for Green Loans (the Green Loan Draft Provisions).

Modern Slavery Act: House of Lords Select Committee recommends that UK adopts supply chain due diligence requirements and import bans

On 16 October 2024, the UK House of Lords Select Committee (Select Committee) published its report on the review of the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015 (MSA).

Human Rights Due Diligence in the EU

Human rights and environmental due diligence ("HRDD" or “HREDD”) requirements introduced or proposed in several European countries in recent years – particularly the German Supply Chain Act which came into force this year – pose unprecedented compliance challenges for multinational companies.

Recent proposed amendments to the UK and EU Emissions Trading Schemes (ETS)

In this article we provide an update on significant new proposals affecting the UK and EU ETS. In particular, we consider the recent consultation on the potential expansion of the UK ETS to include waste, waste incineration and greenhouse gas removals (GGRs).

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive: building a sustainable future

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (the Recast EPBD) entered into force on 28 May 2024. The Recast EPBD repeals the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2010 (the Repealed EPBD). The Repealed EPBD will remain as transposed in the laws of England and Wales, and the Recast EPDB will only be transposed into the national legislation of EU Member States. The overarching aims of the revisions set out in the Recast EPBD reflect the common themes of European climate legislation to speed up the transition to renewables and rapidly reduce energy consumption. We set out below a summary of the key provisions under the Recast EPBD, when the provisions take effect and a comparison with the Repealed EPBD.

Supreme Court judgment will significantly impact planning decisions for fossil fuel projects

In a highly anticipated judgment, a majority of the Supreme Court held that when assessing a planning permission application for the extraction of oil for commercial purposes, a council should have taken into consideration the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that will occur from the combustion of the oil produced (Finch v Surrey County Council [2024] UKSC 20).

Thought Leadership

“Double materiality”: what does it mean for non-financial reporting?

In an article recently published in Butterworths Journal of International Banking and Financial Law, we clarify what “double materiality” means and provide the context of its regulatory background within the EU. We also consider the significance of “double materiality” and give our views on the potential consequences for companies of non-compliance.

Global

The Law Society of England and Wales: 'Guidance on the Impact of Climate Change on Solicitors'

London team advises the Law Society of England and Wales on its landmark climate change guidance for the profession.

Global

ESG Loans Insights Report

The market for green loans, sustainability-linked loans (SLLs) and social loans (collectively, ESG Loans) is growing rapidly. However, it is moving so quickly that it can be hard to get a grip on market trends. We have developed an online platform which helps provide a more complete, and data-driven, picture of the market.

United Kingdom