Sustainability
Sustainability Viewpoints →
Read about the latest legal and regulatory developments in Asia
Sustainability Resources →
Check on legal and technical requirements according to ESG principles and guidelines
Sustainability Experience →
Read more about our matters
Sustainability Team →
Meet our regional team of experienced lawyers
There is a global shift from a paradigm focusing mainly on economic development to a more sustainable one – where Environmental, Social and Governance considerations are balanced with the pursuit of development and an improved quality of life. Climate change and social and economic problems can affect lives and livelihoods and the recognition of such problems is rapidly changing the mindsets of governments, businesses and the general population. Consumer behaviour has shown inclination towards sustainable products and services. Laws and regulations and investment policies are put in place to bring about meaningful, measurable and impactful change for a better and more sustainable world.
Featured insights
Managing Greenwashing Risks: A Southeast Asian Lens
What exactly is “greenwashing” and are there legal and regulatory frameworks in place to deal with this? In this Guide, we aim to provide you with the state of play in the greenwashing legal landscape from a Southeast Asian perspective.
We understand that that a better world does not come easy, and it involves navigating complex and wide-ranging issues. There may be legal or regulatory obligations. There may be board or stakeholder requirements for compliance with international goals, standards and frameworks. There may be the voluntary adoption of internationally-recognised principles and framework as a commitment by the businesses to manage environmental and social risk. We understand how the multi-layers of policies, regulations, principles and frameworks have to be aligned, consistent and operationally workable.
We Can Help You
When it comes to environmental advisory, business conduct, corporate governance, and other sustainability issues, we take pride in our pioneering role. We have been at the forefront of numerous groundbreaking transactions, including green and sustainable financing, sustainable investments, renewable energy projects, and advancements in sustainable technology.
With our deep expertise and experience, we will help you unpack and reconcile the different global standards and regulations on ESG factors in your sustainability journey. Beyond regulatory compliance, we will bring in our expertise in tax, corporate and capital markets, funds, infrastructure, international arbitration, technology, to name a few – because we have seen how various issues pan on the transactions we have worked on. We can help you address the commercial aspects and economic objectives of the transactions, and at the same time fulfil the legal and technical requirements set out in the various ESG principles and guidelines.
We have Integrated Expertise. We are Accessible.
Being part of a full-service firm with integrated practices means that our clients have access to the experience and skills of all our lawyers across the full spectrum of legal practices.
Our Practice works closely with the other lawyers in the firm and the Rajah & Tann Asia network to provide clients with a comprehensive, multi-jurisdictional and quality service.
We are accessible whenever you need us. We work efficiently and deliver value – placing great importance on allocating the right lawyer to the right task to ensure high quality yet cost-effective service.
Do reach out to us to find out more.
Related Links
- Banking & Finance
- Capital Markets
- Competition & Antitrust
- Construction & Projects
- Corporate & Commercial
- Dispute Resolution
- Employment
- Energy & Resources
- Environmental Law
- Financial Services Regulatory
- Foreign Investment
- Funds & Investment Management
- Medical, Healthcare & Lifesciences
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Private Client & Wealth
- Real Estate
- Shipping
- Tax
- Trade
- Technology, Media & Telecommunications
Recognition
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Asia Top 15 ESG Law Firms (Singapore, Indonesia)Asian Legal Business SE Asia Law Awards (2024)
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Recognised in The Legal 500 Green Guide (Singapore, Indonesia)The Legal 500 Green Guide: Asia Pacific (2024)
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Net-Zero Transition Award (Singapore)IFLR1000 Asia-Pacific (2023)
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ESG and Sustainability Law Firm of the Year (Singapore)Asian Legal Business SE Asia Law Awards (2022)
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"Has particular expertise advising corporate and financial clients on projects which help decarbonise Southeast Asian infrastructure, housing, and power generation."The Legal 500 Green Guide: Asia Pacific (2024) (Singapore)
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"Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP is also at the forefront of sustainability-linked and green loans, especially those connected to real estate acquisitions and developments."The Legal 500 Asia Pacific (2024) (Singapore)
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"With long-standing experience in renewable energy and sustainable finance deals, Indonesian full-service commercial law firm Assegaf Hamzah & Partners handles major, innovative mandates for public and private sector clients."The Legal 500 Green Guide: Asia Pacific (2024) (Indonesia)
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"Assegaf Hamzah & Partners handles PPP and foreign direct investment projects and is involved in projects related to the government’s power expansion programme and renewable energy initiatives."The Legal 500 Asia Pacific (2024) (Indonesia)
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"Active on solar farm acquisitions, waste-to-energy development, and thermal power plant projects, Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers has a strong understanding of the transaction and financing piece, as well as regulatory and compliance issues."The Legal 500 Asia Pacific (2024) (Vietnam)
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"Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio well versed in project finance, including in the LNG and renewable energy sectors."Chambers Asia-Pacific (2024) (Philippines)
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“Capable of handling Shari'a-compliant financings and green financing."Chambers Asia-Pacific (2024) (Singapore)
Has particular expertise advising corporate and financial clients on projects which help decarbonise Southeast Asian infrastructure, housing, and power generation.”
Sustainability Resources
Laws and Regulations
Environmental Laws
- Air Navigation (Carbon Emissions and Reporting) Regulations 2022 under the Air Navigation Act 1966
- Biological Agents and Toxins Act 2005
- Building Control (Environmental Sustainability) Regulations 2008, together with the Building Control (Environmental Sustainability) (Amendment) Regulations 2021, and Building Control (Environmental Sustainability) (Amendment) Regulations 2022
- Building Control Act (Environmental Sustainability Measures for Existing Buildings) Regulations 2013
- Carbon Pricing Act 2018
- Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Act 2000
- Control of Plants Act 1993
- Deep Seabed Mining Act 2015
- Energy Conservation Act 2012
- Environmental Protection and Management Act 1999
- Environmental Public Health Act 1987
- Hazardous Waste (Control of Export, Import and Transit) Act 1997
- Resource Sustainability Act 2019
- Transboundary Haze Pollution Act 2014
- Wildlife Act 1965
- Merchant Shipping (Wreck Removal) Act 2017
- Merchant Shipping (Civil Liability and Compensation For Oil Pollution) Act 1998
- Parks and Trees Act 2005 (2020 revised edition)
- Prevention of Pollution of the Sea Act 1990
- Radiation Protection Act 2007
- Sewerage and Drainage Act 1999
Social Laws
- Workplace Safety and Health Act 1996
- Employment Act 1968
- Consumer Protection Act 1994
Governance
- Companies Act 1967
- Prevention of Corruption Act 1960
- Securities and Futures Act 2001
- SGX (Listing Rules) and the Code of Corporate Governance for SGX-listed companies
- Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act 2003
- Misrepresentation Act 1967
Important Notification: As a service to the industry, Rajah & Tann provides links to other websites that feature discussions of issues, products, or services relating to sustainability. In doing so, however, Rajah & Tann does not, expressly or by implication, endorse the referenced sites, nor does it vouch for the accuracy or reliability of the information, products, or services featured on those sites. Rajah & Tann is not responsible for the opinions, ideas, data, site security, products, or services presented or discussed at those locations.
Principles, Standards and Taxonomies
International Principles
- UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Principles of UN Global Compact
- UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
- Information Note on Climate Change and the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights released on June 2023
- Singapore Building and Construction Authority’s (BCA) Green Mark
- ILO’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work
- Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) accreditation
Reporting Standards
General sustainability reporting
- International Sustainability Standards Board’s (ISSB) IFRS S1
- Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards
- Integrated Reporting Framework
- Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Standards
- Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)
- For listed companies in Singapore: Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (SGX-ST) Listing Rules 711A and 711B on Sustainability Report and Practice Note 7.6 Sustainability Reporting Guide
- For maritime companies in Singapore: Maritime Sustainability Reporting Guide
Climate-related reporting
- Recommendations from the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
- ISSB’s IFRS S2
- Climate Disclosure Standards Board (CDSB) Framework
Greenhouse gas emissions accounting
- GHG Protocol
- Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials
Nature-related reporting
- Recommendations from the Task Force on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures
Important Notification: As a service to the industry, Rajah & Tann provides links to other websites that feature discussions of issues, products, or services relating to sustainability. In doing so, however, Rajah & Tann does not, expressly or by implication, endorse the referenced sites, nor does it vouch for the accuracy or reliability of the information, products, or services featured on those sites. Rajah & Tann is not responsible for the opinions, ideas, data, site security, products, or services presented or discussed at those locations.
Certifications, Benchmarks and Guidelines
Real Estate and REITs
- Code for Environmental Sustainability Measures for Existing Buildings
- Code for Environmental Sustainability of Buildings, 4th edition
- Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor (CRREM)
- Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB)
- Singapore Building and Construction Authority’s (BCA) Green Mark
- Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) accreditation
Financial Institutions
- UN Principles for Responsible Investment
- Net Zero Investment Framework
- Poseidon Principles
- Equator Principles
- Singapore Stewardship Principles for Responsible Investors
- Financial Institutions Climate-Related
- Disclosure Document under the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)-convened Green Finance Industry Taskforce (GFIT)
- UN Environment Programme – Finance Initiative’s (UNEP-FI) Guidelines for Climate Target Setting for Banks
- The Association of Banks in Singapore’s (ABS) Guidelines on Responsible Financing
- MAS circular CFC 02/2022 on disclosure and reporting guidelines under the Code on Collective Investment Schemes and the Securities and Futures (Offers of Investments) (Collective Investment Schemes) Regulations
- MAS Guidelines on Environmental Risk Management for Financial Institutions
- MAS Guidelines on Transition Planning for Financial Institutions
- Science-Based Target initiative’s Financial
- Sector Science-Based Targets Guidance
Industrial Conglomerates
- Aluminum Stewardship Initiative standards
- Sustainable STEEL Principles
- Mission Possible Partnership standards
- Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) standard
- Global Cement and Concrete Association’s (GCCA) Sustainability Guidelines
- Science-Based Target initiative’s Cement Guidance
Food Production and Management
- Singapore Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
- Singapore Clean and Green Urban Farms
- No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation (NDPE) standards
- Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification
- Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification
- Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC)
- Science-Based Target initiative’s Forest, Land, and Agriculture (FLAG) guidance
Transportation
- International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC)
- Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) certification
- Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA)
- 2023 International Maritime Organisation (IMO) GHG Strategy
- Science-Based Target initiative’s Maritime Guidance
Important Notification: As a service to the industry, Rajah & Tann provides links to other websites that feature discussions of issues, products, or services relating to sustainability. In doing so, however, Rajah & Tann does not, expressly or by implication, endorse the referenced sites, nor does it vouch for the accuracy or reliability of the information, products, or services featured on those sites. Rajah & Tann is not responsible for the opinions, ideas, data, site security, products, or services presented or discussed at those locations.
Our Sustainability Team
Chief Representative, Shenzhen Representative Office
