The way the world does business is changing due to stakeholder expectations of environmental and social performance standards and corporate governance (ESG). It is rapidly moving up the agenda of CEOs and boards of businesses whose values take them beyond the traditional objectives of profit generation and shareholder returns. ESG issues are now at the forefront of corporate thinking, as a source of risk and opportunity. Several factors are driving this change – including stakeholder activism, consumer choice, ESG-related litigation, and new legislation on ESG related issues, much of which has extra territorial reach. Stakeholders, including shareholders, employees, contractors, consumers, communities and supply chains, are effectively influencing corporate behaviour.

To many, the ESG agenda feels more commercial than legal. They see false steps creating risks to reputation and market share, rather than legal liabilities. However, this ignores the exposure created by assumption of responsibility, the prevailing dynamic that society is demanding a higher standard of behaviour from businesses, and the evolving suite of new regulatory obligations.

Anticipate-Measure-Manage Methodology: a methodology and mindset for how to approach ESG

Click the image below to view Dentons' interactive ESG methodology.

New Dynamic

Providing tools and insights for our clients and communities. ESG is part of Dentons' New Dynamic offer. In this hub you will find our latest global legal news as well as guidance on how to progress a digital strategy at this time; quick pivots you might like to consider; how to scenario plan for the months ahead; the importance of taking time out to reflect on your leadership skills and guidance on supply chain resilience issues.

Beyond regulation

At the heart of understanding and addressing ESG performance is business' adoption of commitments that extend beyond existing regulatory requirements. Our ESG practice enables business to confidently anticipate measure and manage the standards that make sense in each individual case. To discuss our bespoke ESG products and services please contact Helen Bowdren or Stephen Shergold. Legal compliance sits at the foundation of this approach, and for insight on the key regulatory frameworks associated with ESG, please visit our Global Practice Group pages:

• Corporate Governance
• Employment and Labour
• Environment and Natural Resources
• Occupational Safety and Health

If you are interested in ESG-related resources or accessing any other support Dentons can provide across markets, please contact: esg@dentons.com

Insights

Investing in renewable energy projects in Europe

February 2023

The imperative to grow the sector massively and rapidly has never been clearer, whether considered from a climate or geopolitical perspective. There has been some remarkable progress recently in terms of projects and policymaking. However, at the same time, developers, governments and regulators face an abundance of challenges, both old and new.

Investing in renewable energy projects in Europe

February 2022

Across the EU and its near neighbors, legislated climate targets require huge and rapid growth in renewable electricity generating capacity by 2030 and beyond. In many jurisdictions (some with mature renewables sectors and others where renewables are much less well-established), the market is delivering this. However, as the ESG agenda spurs corporate demand for renewable PPAs, and attention turns to the need to electrify heat and transport, there is always a need for more renewable energy. Yet the potential barriers to expanded deployment sometimes feel all too familiar.

A guide to key international climate change agreements and terminology (UK focus)

November 9, 2021

United Kingdom: The UK is hosting the next UN Framework Convention on Climate Change "Conference of the Parties" (COP26) between 31 October 2021 and 12 November 2021 in Glasgow. Over the next two weeks, international representatives will negotiate on key issues such as targets to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050.

View all insights for Environmental, social and governance in the United Kingdom