Sustainable development

Sustainable development—content

Content on sustainable development in this subtopic includes the following Practice Notes:

Sustainable development in England and Wales

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Climate change and sustainability issues for Construction—which considers the ramifications of climate change, and the push by the UK and governments around the world to achieve net zero, on the construction industry and the drafting of construction contracts
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ESG and sustainability—decarbonisation and net zero—which provides practical guidance on decarbonisation for businesses and will be of interest to practitioners (including inhouse and GCs) advising businesses on climate change
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Sustainable development—definition and application at UK level—which outlines the definition and application of sustainable development at UK level
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Sustainable development—the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 —which outlines the key provisions in the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 (Future Generations Act). It covers the background to the Future Generations Act, the well-being duty which includes the sustainable development principle, the Auditor-General for Wales, the Future Generations Commissioner (FGC), and the Public Service Boards (PSBs)
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Climate change and sustainability issues for Construction—which provides guidance on the implications of sustainable development for developers,

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Latest Environment News

ECHA proposes EU-Wide restrictions on hexavalent chromium substances

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has proposed an EU-wide restriction on certain hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) substances to reduce their harmful effects on workers and the public. Developed at the request of the European Commission, the proposal is based on an assessment that identified Cr(VI) as a potent carcinogen linked to lung and intestinal cancers, presenting significant risks to both workers and local communities near industrial sites. The proposal intends to replace the current authorisation requirements under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) framework. It calls for a ban on Cr(VI) substances—with exceptions for specific use categories that meet defined limits for worker exposure and environmental emissions—and includes barium chromate to prevent substitution with similarly hazardous chemicals.

Defra announces enhanced measures to tackle illegal waste operations

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced new measures to combat waste crime. Local authorities will receive powers to seize and destroy vehicles used in fly-tipping operations, supported by drone and CCTV surveillance capabilities. The measures include increased prison sentences of up to five years for illegal waste operations and cost recovery mechanisms for vehicle seizures. The Environment Agency will gain enhanced enforcement powers, including the ability to conduct identity checks, revoke permits and issue fines. A ministerial review aims to reduce administrative barriers to vehicle seizures and the government has allocated £69bn to council budgets across England to support implementation.

DESNZ opens consultation on BUS and clean heat installation certification rules

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation on proposed changes to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) and certification requirements for clean heat installations. The two-part consultation addresses amendments to BUS, including new heat pump purchase options and expanded eligibility for low carbon heating technologies and proposes making the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) the sole certification scheme for clean heat installations across multiple programmes. The proposals aim to streamline certification processes while enhancing consumer protections through measures such as upfront grant deductions by installers. The consultation will close on 11 June 2025.

FMSB publishes Statement of Good Practice on governance of SLPs

The Financial Markets Standards Board (FMSB) has published a Statement of Good Practice on the governance of sustainability-linked products (SLPs) to establish globally applicable standards. The guidance comprises six key statements of good practice and is supported by a Risk Register that identifies major risks and recommends mitigants aligned with existing guidance from bodies such as the International Capital Market Association (ICMA), the Loan Market Association (LMA), and the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA). The initiative addresses concerns over the credibility and robustness of SLPs, including issues related to greenwashing, and is intended to enhance the robustness and consistency of governance frameworks for SLPs and thereby boost market confidence, investor trust, and the role of SLPs in transition finance and the decarbonisation of the economy.