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

As in many other areas related to environmental, social, and human responsibility, when we talk about sustainability, it is essential to recognise that our actions must go beyond what is written. In other words, we cannot limit ourselves to merely complying with regulations or adhering to what has already been envisioned; we must actively identify areas for improvement and address them in every action we take.

This philosophy has guided me professionally, as I believe it is crucial to pay close attention to details, no matter how small, and to use them as opportunities to enhance and strengthen sustainability efforts. Everything we do should incorporate this perspective, and if it does not, we must work to create it.

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

The role of in-house lawyers is unparalleled when it comes to contributing to corporate sustainability, as it allows for the integration of regulatory, legal, and ethical perspectives with operational and strategic considerations. This comprehensive approach ensures that sustainability is supported by best practices across all fronts.

Given that in-house lawyers are trusted advisors within their organisations, particularly in matters of corporate governance, they are in a strong position to effectively communicate the need to reinforce sustainability-related practices. By embedding sustainability and responsibility at the core of corporate operations, in-house counsel can develop policies that not only comply with legal requirements, but also reflect broader social values.

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

Corporate sustainability discussions and practices are predominantly focused on quantitative aspects, such as carbon footprints and energy efficiency. While these are valuable reference points for identifying areas of improvement or deficiencies, it is equally important to emphasise qualitative objectives.

True sustainability extends beyond regulatory compliance and reporting; it requires a deep corporate awareness where every member of the organisation becomes an ambassador and advocate for sustainability and its related practices. In addition to implementing strong present-day practices, companies must also consider how to improve in the future how to refine existing sustainability efforts and drive innovation in sustainability.