Alongside record flows into sustainable funds and investments, growing attention on ESG presents opportunities and challenges for investors and fund managers alike. Watch our latest video on key steps to harnessing the opportunities and mitigating the risks that ESG investing brings. ...

The release of the new LEP guideline in December 2021 was the first step towards major rezoning reform.  The second step - outlined in a discussion paper by the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) aims to rewrite the rulebook. Here, we explore the changes already made, as well as those open for comment. ...

In late 2021, extensive planning reform proposals were announced across a range of policy areas. In this series of Insights, our Planning and Environment team will cover what you might’ve missed, and the key points to consider when preparing submissions and responding to these reforms. ...

NSW mine operators should closely monitor the trends emerging from planning and court decisions, particularly operators with upcoming expansions or new projects that will require new or modified approvals. It is also important for mine operators to be across the numerous pending legal reforms which will come into effect in 2022 and ensure they are complying with the new requirements. ...

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) recently concluded its 26th Conference of Parties to the Paris Agreement (COP26) in Glasgow, which placed a major spotlight on climate issues. Together with the Glasgow Climate Pact, a suite of announcements signal important changes and opportunities. In this Insight we unpack some of the key outcomes from COP26 and what they mean for Australian businesses. ...

Hydrogen is swiftly gaining traction as an attractive proposition in the renewable energy sector due to advancements in technology. That said, investment in hydrogen technology and projects requires strategic management of intellectual property (IP) risks and opportunities. Putting in place good IP governance at the outset will help avoid project setbacks and build a strong platform for future investment and innovation. ...

The Federal Government recently announced a scheme under which Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) projects can generate tradeable Australian carbon credit units (ACCUs). ...

Australia's abundant renewable energy resources and existing infrastructure make it well placed to become a leading producer of green hydrogen. However, given Australia's scarce water resources, hydrogen producers may face challenges in securing reliable, long-term access to the volumes of water that will be required to support large-scale hydrogen projects. This Insight explores the issues that investors and developers need to consider in securing access to water for hydrogen projects in Australia, as interest in the industry continues to grow. ...

One of the most significant developments in the loan markets over the past year or so has been the rapid increase in the use of green and sustainable financing products. These include sustainability-linked loans, green loans, social loans ...

Following the release of the National Hydrogen Strategy in 2019, Australia is seeing exciting developments in government funding, new project announcements and private sector interest in a hydrogen industry. Federal and state governments are partnering with the private sector to support hydrogen technologies, in the race to become a premier exporter of clean hydrogen to the decarbonised global economy. This Insight explores the opportunities for Australia to establish a leading hydrogen industry, including recent policy developments, the latest funding announcements and key legal issues to be aware of. ...