Sustainability & ESG Law
We assist companies with their ESG needs in order to achieve compliance with the existing and upcoming ESG legislation.
In today's rapidly evolving global landscape, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and sustainability law have emerged as critical areas of focus for businesses and legal professionals alike. As the world grapples with the pressing challenges of climate change, social inequality, and corporate governance, the demand for robust ESG frameworks and sustainable practices has never been greater. Governments, investors, and consumers are increasingly holding companies accountable for their environmental impact, social responsibility, and ethical governance, making ESG and sustainability law a hot topic in the legal arena.
The importance of ESG and sustainability law is underscored by the growing body of regulations and standards aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and long-term value creation. Companies are now required to navigate a complex web of legal requirements, from carbon emissions reporting and waste management to labor rights and anti-corruption measures. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant legal, financial, and reputational risks. As such, businesses are seeking expert legal counsel to help them develop and implement effective ESG strategies that not only meet regulatory requirements but also drive sustainable growth and competitive advantage.
At our international law firm, we specialize in providing comprehensive legal solutions that address the multifaceted challenges of ESG and sustainability. Our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to helping clients understand and navigate the evolving legal landscape, ensuring they remain compliant while seizing opportunities for innovation and leadership in sustainability. By partnering with us, businesses can confidently pursue their ESG goals, enhance their corporate reputation, and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.
Our Solutions
Meet our team
Our Sustainability & ESG Law is co-led by Peter Suykens, Valérie Havaux and Chloë Boeykens.
Recognize any of these situations?
| Scenarios | Solutions | |
| 1. | Find your way in the legislative maze when it comes to ESG legislation and identify which obligations will apply to you specifically. | In close cooperation with (international) colleagues from within EY's network, we developed a specific methodology and technology in relation to ESG and sustainability. Through a thorough analysis of the group structure of your organization and the ESG legislation, we are able to (i) identify the applicable ESG obligations, (ii) help you to address the highly differentiated sustainability priorities and challenges of your organization and (iii) assist you with the implementation of the right processes and tools in order to achieve full compliance with ESG legislation. |
| 2. | Secure your company's compliance with the Digital Product Passport (DPP). | We provide expert advice on regulatory obligations, contractual frameworks, and compliance strategies to ensure transparent product data sharing and alignment with EU sustainability standards, while protecting personal data, trade secrets and IP. |
| 3. | Achieve full corporate compliance with mandatory reporting and due diligence obligations under the CSRD & the CS3D. | Our experienced lawyers help businesses navigate the complexities of CSRD and CS3D by offering services that span scoping analysis to determine applicability, designing robust due diligence frameworks and double materiality assessments, drafting essential supply chain contracts, managing regulatory liaison, and providing defense against potential civil liability risks. |
| 4. | Structure your sustainability communications to meet the EmpCo requirements | In close cooperation with EY, we have developed specific tools and technology to obtain a clear and structured overview of all sustainability‑related communications (“green claims”) of a company or group, in order to test these against the applicable obligations under the EmpCo Directive. Through a legally grounded analysis of your business activities, communication practices and governance structures, we can (i) identify compliance risks linked to sustainability claims and marketing statements, (ii) translate the regulatory expectations into concrete internal processes and (iii) integrate communication‑related risks into existing risk management and compliance frameworks, to reduce exposure to legal, operational and financial risks. |
| 5. | Navigate the increasingly strict and fragmented regulations across global markets with respect to Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) and identify which obligations will apply to your specific sector and business. | Our lawyers have the necessary expertise to guide you through the existing and upcoming EPR obligations (including the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation), including obligation & scope assessment, compliance strategy & registration, training and reporting & documentation services. |
| 6. | Keep track of upcoming ESG legislation (including the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), Forced Labour Regulation (FLR), Green Claims Directive, etc.), and plan ahead. | We provide comprehensive legislative tracking solutions that monitor, analyze, and alert our clients on evolving ESG regulations, thereby ensuring timely compliance and strategic adaptation. |
| 7. | Understand and mitigate ESG liability risks for your executives with our in-depth risk assessment. | We have developed a workshop to help clients to identify the risks related to the role of director or daily manager (including specific ESG-related risks). During such a workshop we also explain what you can do to mitigate exposure and help with the implementation of the necessary solutions. |
Not sure if this service is for you?
EY Law Belgium offers to its clients a broad spectrum of legal services, check the full overview here.