Can you discuss your or your company’s efforts relating to renewability, sustainability, or other environmentally friendly activities? 

We are walking the path towards building a culture of sustainability, fostering initiatives regarding waste reduction and recycling, energy efficiency, alternative resources, and indoor air quality. These practices are not just good for the environment; they position us as significant players in the construction industry, making a real difference where it matters most.  

We are not just about profits; we are about ethical development and deployment, ensuring that every decision we make is guided by our commitment to a better, more sustainable future. Internally, we are passionate about raising awareness of the importance of reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainable policies.  

As the legal department, we ensure that we not only meet but exceed the highest regulatory standards and certifications. It is not always easy, but it is necessary if we want to operate sustainably and responsibly.

Why are in-house lawyers well-placed to drive change in their organisations? 

Our close collaboration with senior management and decision-makers gives us a seat at the table, allowing us to influence important decisions that shape the future of our company. 

We leverage our legal expertise and risk management perspective, combined with a deep understanding of the business landscape, to drive and implement key initiatives across all functions of the organisation. This collaborative approach allows us to bridge the gap between legal requirements and business objectives, ensuring that our initiatives are not only legally sound but also commercially viable.

Furthermore, we possess a deep understanding of the company’s structure and operations. This puts us in a unique position to identify opportunities for improvement and drive positive changes that benefit our organisation as a whole. 

We are not just legal experts; we are valuable change agents.

It can be challenging to measure a company’s track record in environmentally friendly behaviour. What, in your opinion, has mostly been missed in discussions about how green a company is?

Greenwashing. Even though we are amidst a trend where companies are seeking to establish ESG practices, I am not sure if the purpose of those initiatives aligns with the right goal. Companies are not prioritising the broader impact that their operations have on the planet, including their ecological footprint, conservation efforts, and contributions to environmental causes, and are treating this as a trend rather than a long-term strategy. 

In summary, we must strive for a company’s recognition of its responsibility to protect the planet for future generations and its dedication to operating in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. Additionally, we must discuss the importance of regulatory frameworks and standards in holding companies accountable for their environmental claims and promoting genuine sustainability practices.