In my opinion, in-house lawyers now, more than ever, play a critical role in advancing a company’s renewable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly activities.

First and foremost, in-house lawyers contribute through compliance and regulatory guidance to ensure that the company complies with environmental laws and regulations at both the local and international levels. This includes, among other things, understanding the requirements for emissions reduction, waste management, renewable energy, sustainability reporting, and more.

In-house lawyers should also play an active role in risk management by identifying and mitigating legal risks associated with sustainability initiatives, such as potential liability from environmental harm or non-compliance. This helps protect the company from fines, lawsuits, and reputational damage.

Additionally, in-house lawyers should assist in policy development by helping create internal policies related to environmental sustainability. This includes waste reduction initiatives, energy efficiency programmes, and sustainable procurement practices. In corporate governance, they support the company’s sustainability commitment by advising on shareholder proposals related to environmental issues and ensuring proper disclosure of sustainability initiatives in public filings.

In terms of stakeholder engagement, in-house lawyers facilitate communication with stakeholders, such as investors, customers, and government entities, regarding the company’s sustainability goals and initiatives. They also play an important role in education and training, providing employees with the necessary knowledge on legal requirements and best practices related to sustainability initiatives, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility within the organisation.

Lastly, in-house lawyers assist in monitoring and reporting progress towards sustainability goals, ensuring that the company’s sustainability claims are substantiated and transparently reported in line with recognised standards and frameworks.

By fulfilling these roles, in-house lawyers can significantly contribute to the company’s long-term sustainability objectives while ensuring that legal and regulatory frameworks are respected and upheld.