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

  •  
    20.03.2023
    United Kingdom

    Men­tal health in a cost-of-liv­ing crisis

    The Mental Health Foundation recently published a report saying that they expect the effects of the cost-of-living crisis on public mental health to be on a scale similar to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over a quarter of employees say that financial concerns affect their ability to do their job, according to research by the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (“CIPD”), and nearly a third say cost-of-living financial worries have negatively impacted their productivity. In addition, the Health and Safety Executive (“HSE”), report that stress and poor mental health...
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  •  
    17.03.2023
    Middle East

    Elec­tric Vehicle Char­ging In­fra­struc­ture in the United Ar­ab Emir­ates and the King­dom of Saudi Ar­a­bia

    With the transport sector accounting for a major part of greenhouse emissions in the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (“KSA”), the rapid take up of Electric Vehicles (“EVs”) will be vital for the UAE and KSA to meet their carbon neutrality targets by 2050 and 2060 respectively.In the UAE, encouragement to transition to EVs has been enhanced by incentives and measures promoting EVs, such as the Roads and Transport Authority’s (“RTA”) creation of free parking spaces, exemptions from RTA EV registration and renewal fees...
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  •  
    14.03.2023
    United Kingdom

    Neurodi­versity in the work­place

    13 – 19 March 2023 is Neurodiversity Celebration Week, a worldwide initiative aiming to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences.Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a great time to publicise the benefits of having a neurodiverse workforce and for employers to think about steps they can take to better support neurodiverse employees. To do this effectively employers should, of course, be aware of their legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010. In this Law-Now we discuss the benefits of embracing neurodiversity within your workforce, practical steps employers...
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  •  
    09.03.2023
    International

    CMS Ex­pert Guide to ESG Com­pens­a­tion

    Incorporating ESG KPIs into directors’ remunerationThe urgent need to place sustainability at the heart of company strategy is inextricably linked to incentives provided to its directors and employees. This Expert Guide aims to provide practical insights into key market practices and trends aimed at incorporating sustainability and/or Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) KPIs into directors’ remuneration.The regulations and recommendations on ESG-related remuneration vary considerably from sector to sector and from country to country. The trend is, however,...
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  •  
    09.03.2023
    United Kingdom

    Why tax should be part of your ESG strategy

    With a growing public perception of tax avoidance as a moral issue, tax disputes have the potential to cause significant reputational harm. At the same time, tax is also expected to be a key tool in helping to drive sustainable behaviours and the transition to net zero. This article, part of our Healthy Horizons guide to doing business responsibly in Life Sciences & Healthcare, discusses why its important for all businesses in the life science and healthcare sector to make tax a fundamental part of their broader ESG strategy. Click here to read the fourth article in the series.
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  •  
    07.03.2023
    United Kingdom

    The new era of data re­port­ing leg­al re­quire­ments to re­duce food waste for a cir­cu­lar eco­nomy

    The emerging duties of data collection and reporting reflect a trend that is expected to be extended to food waste in the drive for sustainability and a circular economy. Although there are numerous individual projects addressing food waste there is currently little composite information on waste disposal within the food waste industry. As initially flagged by the Dimbleby National Food Strategy (NFS), the Westminster government is now addressing measures to gather data to better understand food waste systems and practices. Government is calling on industry to assist in gathering information...
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