The shift from “soft” expectations to “hard” requirements governing how businesses manage and report on environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters has made sustainability a central part of business strategy – and an increasingly important driver of value creation.
We combine legal precision with commercial understanding, advising on existing and forthcoming sustainability regulation, ESG due diligence, risk assessments and green finance. Through a multidisciplinary approach, we help businesses achieve robust compliance, effective risk management and long-term value creation.
Our advice includes
- Climate risk and corporate governance: Climate change entails both physical and transition risks, while expectations regarding how boards and management assess and address these risks continue to increase. We advise companies and board members on sound governance and realistic climate targets, the establishment of ESG frameworks and internal procedures, and compliance with sustainable corporate governance requirements.
- Climate litigation and legal risk: The number of climate-related lawsuits seeking to hold companies accountable for climate impacts is increasing internationally – including in cases where there has been no direct breach of law. Climate change is increasingly creating tangible legal risks for both private and public-sector organisations. We assess the legal implications of climate- and sustainability-related decisions and assist companies in preventing and managing litigation risk.
- Sustainable procurement: Climate and environmental requirements in procurement are becoming increasingly important as instruments for the green transition. We advise both suppliers and contracting authorities on ensuring that procurement processes comply with current and forthcoming requirements while contributing to sustainable solutions throughout the value chain.
- Responsible business conduct and transparency: Businesses are facing increasingly stringent requirements relating to responsible business conduct. Companies must comply with requirements under, among other things, the Norwegian Transparency Act and regulations concerning sustainability claims, product information and the circular economy. We assist companies with due diligence assessments, information requests and reporting, as well as with marketing, labelling and product design in compliance with an expanding body of product regulation.
- ESG in transactions: ESG factors have become central to transactions and investments. We conduct ESG due diligence, assess risk and assist with integrating sustainability objectives following completion.
- Sustainability reporting (CSRD): The EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) imposes extensive requirements on in-scope companies to report on environmental, social and governance matters and also affects businesses within their value chains. We advise on whether and when reporting obligations apply and on adapting reporting to meet the expectations of investors and regulatory authorities.
- Sustainable finance: The EU regulatory framework for sustainable finance has expanded significantly in recent years and continues to evolve, whether through simplification measures or new requirements. We advise financial institutions, asset managers and investors on understanding and complying with requirements under, among other frameworks, the SFDR and the EU Taxonomy, structuring green financing solutions and taking advantage of opportunities arising from the transition to a sustainable economy.
- Emissions trading and carbon credits: Emissions trading and carbon credits are key instruments in climate policy. We assist businesses in navigating the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), voluntary carbon credit schemes and reporting requirements, and in ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Sector-specific sustainability regulation: Sustainability requirements are developing differently across sectors. We provide advice tailored to sector-specific regulatory frameworks, with particular expertise in shipping, renewable energy, real estate and finance, as well as environmental law, permitting, regulatory processes and enforcement matters.
Sustainability is an integral part of our legal advice across industries and practice areas. We assess the long-term implications for the business, whether in relation to transactions, regulatory matters, compliance or dispute resolution.
