Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) is more important today than ever. ESG stands for the three main factors that determine a company or organisation's sustainability and societal impact: Environment, Social and Governance. These three pillars serve as guidelines for climate-friendly and ethical business practices and are gaining importance among investors, consumers and governments worldwide.
The shift to sustainable business practices is not only an ethical issue; it is also of strategic importance. ESG is increasingly considered a basic requirement in Belgium rather than a voluntary supplement.
Investors often prioritise companies with an eye for social and environmental responsibility in addition to profitability. Consumers are also making more conscious choices and are more sensitive to companies' social and environmental policies, which gives sustainability a marketing value as well.
In addition, national and European policies require companies to be more transparent in their ESG practices. The introduction of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) means that around 2,300 Belgian companies will soon have to report on their ESG performance. The CSRD goes beyond simple reporting. Companies that meet this obligation are more likely to select their suppliers and contractors based on ESG compliance. As such, ESG criteria are evolving from nice-to-have to an essential business interest.
In addition to the CSRD, there are numerous other laws and regulations that encourage companies to take a transparent and responsible approach to ESG. Caluwaerts Uytterhoeven closely follows developments in these regulations.
Some key legislation and initiatives include:
Caluwaerts Uytterhoeven also monitors the evolution of global climate disputes and other legal issues affecting companies' ESG strategies.
ESG criteria present specific legal challenges that can be complex and may vary by sector. Caluwaerts Uytterhoeven offers support in navigating these issues and finding solutions that meet the unique needs of individual businesses. Some common ESG challenges include:
Our team of experienced lawyers offers extensive expertise in the rapidly changing ESG landscape. We provide practical, business-focused legal solutions to help companies ensure compliance, risk management and corporate responsibility. Our firm supports companies throughout every step of their ESG journey, from CSRD compliance to liability and reputation risk management.
Our team of ESG specialists collaborates with companies that value sustainability. We tailor our legal advice to meet changing regulations and the specific needs of our clients.
Our law firm in Antwerp and Turnhout has expertise in various legal fields, including construction law, environmental and planning law, company law and M&A, mediation & arbitration, commercial & distribution law, and much more.
Caluwaerts Uytterhoeven has offices in Antwerp and Turnhout, where we provide our clients with personal and professional legal counsel.
Get in touch or make an appointment with one of our staff members.
If you would like more information, a personal conversation is the most appropriate way to do so. You can always make an appointment by phone or e-mail, or contact us directly.