ESG

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria are at the forefront of corporate strategies due to investor, customer and regulator expectations. ESG is broadening its scope of influence to cover all economic and policy sectors. From energy, finance and urban planning to tax – these are just a few of the areas that are being impacted.

We advise clients – from multinationals to start ups – in all sectors and areas of ESG-related law, including:


At CMS, our approach is integrated and multidisciplinary. This enables us to anticipate and understand the issues in the rapidly evolving ESG landscape. With their in-depth expertise in these areas, our teams of lawyers around the world identify risks and threats while seizing opportunities arising from the increasing focus on ESG for our clients.

We will help you successfully meet the demands of climate change, technological disruption, urbanisation and social concerns.

Choose area

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Climate Risk, Resilience & Reputation
The threat of climate change litigation continues to grow as the clamour for responsible action puts increasing pressure on businesses, organisations
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Energy and Climate Change
The biggest medium and long-term issue of our time is how to meet our energy needs in a way that sustains the future of the planet, while also sustain
Environmental Impact
The imperative for climate change has led businesses to explore opportunities, address their impact on the environment and monitor relevant regulation
Financial services: greenwashing claims and regulatory risk
The combination of a developing regulatory framework and heightened market expectations on both ESG disclosure and practices is creating a fertile gro
Governance
Good governance will ensure the efficient running of a business, support from investors and consumer confidence. It is vital that every stakeholder un
Social
The social element of ESG encompasses an organisation’s relationships with its people, suppliers and communities. Investors, and the market gene
Sustainable Finance
Sustainable Finance and Responsible Investment is an issue of global importance which is front and centre of political, legal and market priorities. A

ESG contacts at CMS

Portrait ofPenelope Warne
Penelope Warne
The Senior Partner
London
Portrait ofMunir Hassan
Munir Hassan
Partner
London
Portrait ofOlivia Jamison
Olivia Jamison
Partner
London
Portrait ofLaura Houët
Laura Houët
Partner
London
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Advising the Board
13/12/2023
MEES - are the regulations working?
MEES is a flagship policy to help the UK meet its net zero targets. MEES returns over 50million hits on Google, so it is undoubtedly a widely discussed piece of legislation that should play a major role in reducing the carbon footprint of the non-domestic property stock in the UK. But is there sufficient bite to these regulations? 

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27/03/2024
Plastics and packaging laws in the United Kingdom
The laws outlined in this section are principally similar across the UK. However, as the UK comprises four nations with devolved administrations, for convenience we have primarily set out the position...
Comparable
12/03/2024
After EU Commission's first decision on Carbon Contracts for Difference,...
The European Commission approved the first Carbon Contracts for Difference (CCfD) scheme under the new Guidelines on State aid for climate, environmental protection and energy 2022 (CEEAG).Fol­low­ing the...
23/02/2024
The CBAM – what is it and how will it affect the market?
Regulation (EU) 2023/956 establishing a carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) entered into force on 17 May 2023. The implementation of the CBAM has been divided into a transitional period (from 1...
21/02/2024
MEES - why are local authorities failing to enforce?
The UK government has a continued drive and commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Yet the risk of MEES enforcement is low. Against a hotly discussed political backdrop, why is it that local...
20/02/2024
MEES - why are local authorities failing to enforce?
The UK government has a continued drive and commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Yet as highlighted in the first of this series of publications, “MEES – are the regulations working?” the risk of MEES enforcement is low. Against a hotly discussed political backdrop, why is it that local authorities are continually failing to enforce the MEES regulations? Left alone, the existing approach serves to undermine the UK’s net zero strategy.
19/01/2024
Greenwashing: Stricter EU rules on environmental marketing ban misleading...
On 17 January 2024, the European Parliament voted to adopt the Directive on Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (the ECGT Directive), which seeks to protect consumers from various misleading...
19/01/2024
CBAM: Just over a week to comply
As the deadline for the first Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) report approaches on January 31st, it is crucial for undertakings engaged in importing relevant goods into the European Union to...
13/12/2023
MEES – are the regulations working?
MEES is a flagship policy to help the UK meet its net zero targets. But is there sufficient bite to these regulations?CMS acts for commercial landlords of different sizes, in all sectors, across England...
13/12/2023
Solutions for the voluntary carbon market
Unlocking finance has been a key theme of the COP28 climate summit. Banks, regulators and top officials at COP28 have thrown their weight behind efforts to revive the global trade in voluntary carbon credits which is plagued by criticisms over lack of transparency and inadequate regulation.
13/12/2023
Innovation, regulation and investment needed for sustainable transport...
The CMS Urbanisation and Transport Roundtable, held during COP28, brought together a host of infrastructure businesses to reflect on the commitments and agreements that have been made.
13/12/2023
MEES - are the regulations working?
MEES is a flagship policy to help the UK meet its net zero targets. MEES returns over 50million hits on Google, so it is undoubtedly a widely discussed piece of legislation that should play a major role in reducing the carbon footprint of the non-domestic property stock in the UK. But is there sufficient bite to these regulations? 
08/12/2023
Key takeaways from Energy Day at COP28
As a young professional in the legal field, attending COP28's Energy Day was an eye-opening experience that provided valuable insights into the future of environmental policies and their potential impact. Day 6 of COP28 showcased a collective determination to address the pressing challenges of our time. The discussions emphasised the urgency of transitioning to sustainable energy sources, with a focus on innovation, collaboration and policy frameworks. Supply chain planning, streamlining approvals through a clear permitting process and advocating for mandatory carbon pricing were some of the other key points discussed in the various panel sessions we attended. Another noteworthy aspect was the emphasis on international co-operation and the role of legal frameworks in facilitating cross-border partnerships. Governments were urged to think strategically beyond the present, emphasising long-term planning for renewable energy expansion.  COP28 Key Takeaway  The key takeaway for me was not just the global agreements discussed but also amplifying the voices of those on the front lines – farmers, coal workers, the youth, indigenous people and others. What set this COP apart was its focus on showcasing these voices, by, for instance, dedicating a full day to discuss the impact of climate change on health. These voices are essential in translating agreements into on-the-ground success and bridging this gap between policy decisions and the real life experiences of those directly affected by climate change is our collective responsibility, ensuring the protection of our planet for present and future generations. The Impact on Legal Practice The outcome of COP28 may lead to more stringent regulations and compliance requirements, presenting both challenges and opportunities. Legal practitioners will play a pivotal role in navigating these complexities, offering counsel to businesses and other organisations seeking to align their operations with emerging environmental standards, one way of doing this would be through using contracts as a mechanism to de-risk. As we move forward post-COP28, the legal community's commitment to guiding clients through these evolving landscapes will be instrumental in ensuring progress in the renewable energy transition. In conclusion, COP28 has been a catalyst for reflection and action. It is an exciting time to be in the legal field, with the potential to be at the forefront of shaping legal frameworks that promote a more sustainable future.