Sustainability Hub

Doing well by doing good is no longer just an ethical choice.

For businesses, investors and those managing private wealth, navigating the risks and tapping into the opportunities created by environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues is now key to financial performance, resilience and sustainable value creation.

As a firm we work with listed and privately owned businesses, investors, trusts and estates, individuals, families, charities, regulators and public bodies – helping them to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape of ESG, sustainability and responsible business, to think long term, to look beyond compliance to purpose and values and to advance on their own sustainability journey.

In this Sustainability Hub we share updates and insights on this important and wide-ranging topic - please contact us to discuss how these issues are most relevant to you.

Responsible Business Report 2022

Our annual report tracks our yearly progress and explains the targets and actions we've set ourselves to achieve positive social and environmental impact.

View the report

Meet the team

Kerry Stares
Kerry Stares

Partner & Director of Responsible Business and Pro Bono

London office
David Berry
David Berry

Partner & General Counsel

Commercial

London office
James Broadhurst
James Broadhurst

Partner

Corporate

London office
Andrew Collins
Andrew Collins

Partner

Corporate

London office
Henry Fea
Henry Fea

Partner

Private Client

Cheltenham office
Tristram van Lawick
Tristram van Lawick

Partner

Private Property

Cheltenham office
Christopher Page
Christopher Page

Partner

Private Client

Cheltenham office
Megan Paul
Megan Paul

Partner

Commercial

London office
Michael Powner
Michael Powner

Partner

Employment

London office
Sarah Rowley
Sarah Rowley

Partner

Charities & Philanthropy

London office
Jason Saiban
Jason Saiban

Partner

Commercial

London office
Victoria Younghusband
Victoria Younghusband

Partner

Corporate

London office

Podcasts

Sustainability Leaders: Guy Battle, Social Value Portal and Liam Ronan-Chlond, Socius Development

What does creating social value mean for property developers and how they can measure and manage it?

Sustainability Leaders: Colin le Duc, Generation Investment Management

What is the future for ESG?

Sustainability Leaders: Peter Dickinson, Mitie Group Plc

Why do businesses of all types and sizes need to be taking ESG issues seriously?

Property Patter: The Notorious ESG?

ESG is everywhere.

2023: Spotlight on ESG in the product and supply sectors

Whilst 2022 was ground-breaking in the number of new cases related to ESG issues, 2023 is looking to be equally as important.

Lessons from Davos: Private Capital and ESG

The scale of the investment needed to achieve global climate and social goals is far beyond what public funds can afford.

ESG in Sport – net zero targets and “coolerplate” clauses

There is evidence of a change within the sports industry as the conversation on climate change moves from theory to action.

Scrutiny over 'Greenwashing' continues: ASA upholds complaint over ad claims that Alpro's products are 'Good for the planet'

The CMA's Green Claims Code has put businesses on notice - they have until the New Year to make sure they comply with the law.

ESG investment and the challenges for trustees

What challenges does the ESG revolution present for trustees of private family trusts?

Don't Spin the Greenwashing

Brands are increasingly putting sustainability and environmentalism at the core of their identities.

Stewardship: word of the moment, guiding principle for past generations and shining light for the next

If stewardship is an old idea, why are we talking about it now?

Social Investment Tax Relief (SITR)

Social Investment Tax Relief (SITR) allows individuals to help social enterprises grow by offering a tax relief on investments.

Linking ESG and Executive Pay

How does a business go about embedding a focus on strong ESG performance into the structures and culture of its organisation?

ESG – Searching for substance behind the acronym

ESG is an acronym much used but perhaps less understood.

Delayed Environment Bill To Return Autumn 2021

After significant delay due to the 2019 election and COVID-19 , estimates suggest the Environment Bill will become law this autumn.

The Purpose Podcast: Corporate purpose

Simon Ridpath discusses corporate purpose and the rise of environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues in “The Purpose Podcast”

Can contract clauses change the world? We think they can!

With the UK’s services centric economy, the F&B sector can play its part in moving towards a sustainable low to zero carbon economy.

Setting up a charitable foundation and sustainable investment

Heather Maizels and Sarah Rowley discuss aspects of philanthropy, including setting up a charitable foundation and sustainable investments

Retail Recovery: Sustainability & Climate Change

How can brands and retailers plan for a more sustainable future?

Climate-related financial disclosures for premium listed commercial companies

Reviewing the UK Government’s Green Finance Strategy and its proposals for a new climate-related disclosure rule for premium listed issuers.

Our thinking

Net Zero Transition Planning for Property-Intensive Business Panel

Kerry Stares

Events
06 Jun 2023
Join us for our panel and networking event where we will be joined by various expert panellists. Read More Join us for our panel and networking event where we will be joined by various expert panellists.
European Council Adopts Sweeping Regulation on Deforestation-free Products

Octavia Morgan

quick reads
22 May 2023
On 16 May 2023, a historic piece of EU legislation on deforestation was adopted by the European Council, thus concluding over 18-months of informal... Read More On 16 May 2023, a historic piece of EU legislation on deforestation was adopted by the European Council, thus concluding over 18-months of informal...
From Farm to Fork: The Vital Role of Traceability in Meeting the UK's Sustainable Food Demands and Fighting Food Fraud

Jamie Cartwright

quick reads
26 Apr 2023
According to a report by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, the food industry has seen a significant increase in consumer demand f... Read More According to a report by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, the food industry has seen a significant increase in consumer demand f...
Kerry Stares writes for Funds Europe on private companies entering a new era of transparency on ESG

Kerry Stares

In the Press
18 Apr 2023
Get your ESG house in order, whatever your size Read More Get your ESG house in order, whatever your size
Key takeaways from the UK Government's "Green Day"

Martha Glaser

quick reads
06 Apr 2023
“Green Day” on Thursday last week saw the UK government publish a suite of policy documents to support its energy security and net zero objectives ... Read More “Green Day” on Thursday last week saw the UK government publish a suite of policy documents to support its energy security and net zero objectives ...
Updated Green Finance Strategy

Emily Sutton

quick reads
05 Apr 2023
In a big week for green news, the UK government last week published its ‘Green Finance Strategy 2023’ (GFS) which sets out its plan to mobilise the... Read More In a big week for green news, the UK government last week published its ‘Green Finance Strategy 2023’ (GFS) which sets out its plan to mobilise the...
Are green dilapidations on the ESG horizon?

Laura Bushaway

quick reads
28 Mar 2023
Green lease clauses in commercial leases are increasingly being discussed by landlords and tenants wishing to meet their own ESG credentials. The s... Read More Green lease clauses in commercial leases are increasingly being discussed by landlords and tenants wishing to meet their own ESG credentials. The s...
Greenwashing Guidance Gathers Momentum: the Crackdown is Nigh

Peter Carlyon

quick reads
06 Mar 2023
The UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) recently updated their guidance for advertisers making e... Read More The UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) recently updated their guidance for advertisers making e...
Ben Butterworth writes for P3 Pharmacy on what pharmacy businesses need to know about energy regulations

Ben Butterworth

In the Press
03 Mar 2023
Energy regulations: Change around the corner Read More Energy regulations: Change around the corner
Time to turn down the lights

Eddie Richards

quick reads
16 Feb 2023
The City of London Corporation will be asking property owners to dim their lights at night in a bid to achieve carbon net zero in the Square Mile b... Read More The City of London Corporation will be asking property owners to dim their lights at night in a bid to achieve carbon net zero in the Square Mile b...
Introduction to ESG Disputes

Dalal Alhouti

Insights
14 Feb 2023
Where ESG has come from; its status globally; how disputes arise from it; and the current position in the Middle East. Read More Where ESG has come from; its status globally; how disputes arise from it; and the current position in the Middle East.
The Law Society Gazette quotes Cara Imbrailo on ESG considerations for the property sector

Cara Imbrailo

In the Press
13 Feb 2023
'This has become part of the lexicon for us now. Landlords can’t put this to one side; the ESG noise is only growing louder.’ Read More 'This has become part of the lexicon for us now. Landlords can’t put this to one side; the ESG noise is only growing louder.’
FCA warns asset managers against greenwashing

Jessica Arrol Caws

quick reads
09 Feb 2023
The FCA has specifically warned asset management firms against greenwashing in its latest "Dear CEO" letter (dated 3 February 2023). The letter set... Read More The FCA has specifically warned asset management firms against greenwashing in its latest "Dear CEO" letter (dated 3 February 2023). The letter set...
New and enhanced EPR framework: more stringent responsibilities on producers – what does this mean for your business?

Ciara Coyle

quick reads
01 Feb 2023
In 2019 the UK government committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 100% of 1990 levels by 2050 under the Climate Change Act 1990 – ... Read More In 2019 the UK government committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 100% of 1990 levels by 2050 under the Climate Change Act 1990 – ...
Charles Russell Speechlys Luxembourg represents Elemental Holding Group

Yacine Diallo

News
16 Jan 2023
This capital will be committed to funding the Company’s exciting pipeline of growth projects... Read More This capital will be committed to funding the Company’s exciting pipeline of growth projects...
Sustainability disclosure requirements: Time is short to comment on FCA's proposals

Jessica Arrol Caws

quick reads
10 Jan 2023
The FCA has set out its proposals for a UK regime for financial services sustainability disclosure requirements (SDR) in an October 2022 consultati... Read More The FCA has set out its proposals for a UK regime for financial services sustainability disclosure requirements (SDR) in an October 2022 consultati...
Mandatory climate-related financial disclosures requirements for companies and LLPs

Jodie Dennis

Insights
17 Nov 2022
Internationally, companies are becoming increasingly aware of the risk that climate change poses to their business prospects. Read More Internationally, companies are becoming increasingly aware of the risk that climate change poses to their business prospects.
South China Morning Post quotes Simon Green on Hong Kong investment into UK property

Simon Green

In the Press
26 Oct 2022
“With the increase in energy prices in 2022, this will be something for buyers and homeowners to consider.” Read More “With the increase in energy prices in 2022, this will be something for buyers and homeowners to consider.”
Charles Russell Speechlys features in the Financial Worldwide discussing sustainability in the retail industry

Jason Saiban

News
17 Oct 2022
Our experts discuss the factors pushing sustainability up the agenda in the retail industry. Read More Our experts discuss the factors pushing sustainability up the agenda in the retail industry.
Charles Russell Speechlys advises AgDevCo on its multi-million investment into Flow Equity

Adrian Mayer

News
13 Oct 2022
Charles Russell Speechlys has advised longstanding client AgDevCo on its recent participation in a $14 million funding round in Flow Equity Read More Charles Russell Speechlys has advised longstanding client AgDevCo on its recent participation in a $14 million funding round in Flow Equity

Show all News & Insights

Sustainability Hub

Responsible Business Report 2022

Meet the team

Podcasts

Our thinking

Net Zero Transition Planning for Property-Intensive Business Panel

European Council Adopts Sweeping Regulation on Deforestation-free Products

From Farm to Fork: The Vital Role of Traceability in Meeting the UK's Sustainable Food Demands and Fighting Food Fraud

Kerry Stares writes for Funds Europe on private companies entering a new era of transparency on ESG

Key takeaways from the UK Government's "Green Day"

Updated Green Finance Strategy

Are green dilapidations on the ESG horizon?

Greenwashing Guidance Gathers Momentum: the Crackdown is Nigh

Ben Butterworth writes for P3 Pharmacy on what pharmacy businesses need to know about energy regulations

Time to turn down the lights

Introduction to ESG Disputes

The Law Society Gazette quotes Cara Imbrailo on ESG considerations for the property sector

FCA warns asset managers against greenwashing

New and enhanced EPR framework: more stringent responsibilities on producers – what does this mean for your business?

Charles Russell Speechlys Luxembourg represents Elemental Holding Group

Sustainability disclosure requirements: Time is short to comment on FCA's proposals

Mandatory climate-related financial disclosures requirements for companies and LLPs

South China Morning Post quotes Simon Green on Hong Kong investment into UK property

Charles Russell Speechlys features in the Financial Worldwide discussing sustainability in the retail industry

Charles Russell Speechlys advises AgDevCo on its multi-million investment into Flow Equity

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