Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)

Climate change and sustainability are set to be defining issues of this decade. CMS is committed to addressing our own impact on the environment and approach to sustainability, as well as advising clients with their related legal needs.

The shift to a sustainable energy sector and the decarbonisation of existing energy systems, agrowing market for sustainable investments, increased focus on ESG criteria in urban planning, tax reforms and sustainability incentives to reach climate goals – these are just a few of the developments that are shaping the business environment.

Our teams are helping clients to navigate this rapidly evolving legal and regulatory landscape and advising on first-of-their-kind deals.
 

To find out how CMS can support you and your business with ESG click here >>

Recent Articles

  •  
    11/04/2025
    Ireland

    EU Omnibus Update: Impact for Irish Businesses

    In our recent article, we explored the sweeping changes proposed by the European Commission (“EC”) in its ‘Omnibus’ packages, namely:a directive to postpone the application of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (“CSRD”) to wave 2 and 3 companies by two years and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (“CS3D”) by one year (“stop-the-clock proposal”);a directive introducing substantial amendments to the CSRD and the CS3D;a regulation to amend the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (“CBAM”); anda delegated...
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  •  
    09/04/2025
    United Kingdom

    CMA issues informal guidance on Builders Merchants Fed­er­a­tion’s supply chain initiative: A framework for ensuring compliance of sus­tain­ab­il­ity agreements?

    On 28 March 2025, the CMA published informal guidance issued to the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) in respect of a proposed supply chain assurance initiative for use by its members (BMF Guidance). The BMF Guidance is made pursuant to the open-door policy under the CMA’s Green Agreements Guidance on the application of the Chapter I prohibition to the Competition Act 1998 (CA98) to environmental sustainability agreements (CMA Guidance).  This is the third time the CMA has published such informal guidance. Other instances relate to supply chain emissions and fairtrade initiatives in...
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  •  
    07/04/2025
    Turkiye

    Türkiye’s Green Leap: Paving the Way to Net Zero with Landmark Climate Law Proposal

    Türkiye’s Green Leap: Paving the Way to Net Zero with Landmark Climate Law ProposalTürkiye has taken a major step toward meeting its national and international obligations in the fight against climate change by introducing its first-ever climate law proposal. On 20 February 2025, Türkiye’s first Climate Law Proposal (the “Draft Law”) was submitted to the Presidency of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye. This landmark legislation is designed to align with Türkiye’s green growth vision and its commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2053,...
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  •  
    04/04/2025
    Europe

    CSRD and CS3D ‘stop-the-clock’ proposal approved by European Parliament

    On 3 April 2025, the European Parliament voted in favour of the “stop-the-clock” proposal, without any amendments, to delay the application of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (“CSRD”) for wave 2 and 3 companies for two years and the application of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (“CS3D”) for one year.The stop-the-clock proposal now requires formal approval by the European Council which already endorsed the proposal on 26 March 2025.[1] Once formally approved, the amending Directive will be published in the Official Journal...
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  •  
    28/03/2025
    APAC

    Malaysia enacts Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage legislation – A Significant Step Towards Carbon Reduction and Meeting 2050 Net Zero Goals

    On 25 March 2025, Malaysia passed the Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage Bill 2025 (the “CCUS Act”) - a comprehensive legislative framework aimed at regulating the capture, transportation, utilization, and permanent storage of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in Malaysia.CCUS is one of the six energy transition levers in Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap, Malaysia’s plan to steer the country to a high-value green economy. The enactment of the CCUS Act is meant to pave the way for increased investment and economic growth in the CCUS sector. Equally, recognising...
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  •  
    28/03/2025
    Poland

    Poland proposes law creating incentives for investing in renewable energy

    On 24 March 2025, the Polish government submitted to the Sejm, the lower house of the Polish parliament, a draft law amending the law on investments in wind power plants and other laws, which removes investment restrictions hindering the rapid development of renewable energy sources in Poland, particularly in the wind energy sector.One of the most important components of this draft, however, are the legislative changes concerning the implementation of biomethane and biogas projects. The new regulations are intended to create incentives for investment in large biomethane plants and complement the...
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