Originally conceived following the United Nations launch of six responsible investment principles in 2006, ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) is now being adopted as a framework not only for financial institutions, but also by many other organisations looking to report and measure broader sustainability credentials.
Environment
- greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, monitoring and reporting
- impact on the environment (e.g. biodiversity)
- circular economy
- waste management & hazard regulation
- permitting, pollution and contamination
- carbon regulation and renewable energy
Social
- pay ratios
- human rights
- health, safety and wellbeing
- diversity
- financial inclusion
Governance
- directors’ duties, ethics and transparency
- fair labour practices
- supplier code of conduct
- anti-corruption measures
- sustainability reporting and verification
ESG auditing and advice
While many of these factors apply to all organisations, each sector has its own particular concerns and opportunities. We combine teams of lawyers with sector and sustainability credentials to conduct a legal ESG audit of your organisation helping you shape Board level reporting, governance and risk management strategies. Areas of expertise include:
- Environment - our Environment Law team is ranked Band 1 in the legal directories. Combined with our dedicated Band 1 Energy & Climate Change practice we have unique expertise to support you in this area.
- Social – robust policies around human rights, pay, diversity and wellbeing have huge benefits for a brand and help mitigate litigation risk. Our global Employment, Corporate & Commercial teams focus on these areas for global and national organisations.
- Governance – in addition to the complexities of ESG reporting, Directors face increasing scrutiny, while strong governance is a vital issue for investors. Our market-leading Risk, Regulatory and Corporate teams support your organisation in this area.
Sector focused ESG advice selected track record
Contamination & Pollution
Managing, advising and acting on air, soil and groundwater pollution incidents, are major elements of our practice. This includes all aspects of regulatory investigations and potential civil disputes.
Greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting
Advised an international manufacturer with installations across the EU and elsewhere, on GHG and non-financial reporting obligations at EU and UK levels.
Global airline
Advising on all employment issues in the UK and coordinating the harmonisation of employee contracts and employment policies across 34 jurisdictions in Europe. We also advised on our client’s international employment model and strategy.
Global bank ESG training
Provided training on the legal and regulatory aspects of ESG and sustainable finance for the legal team of a major global bank.
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