UK Knowledge Collection | Case studies in decarbonising, biodiversity net gain, and marketing cryptoassets
Published on 30th Jun 2023
Welcome to this week's Knowledge Collection
Decarbonising to reach net zero goals remains a global priority. We have commissioned a case study, written by Economist Impact, exploring three very different world cities' trials of new technologies deployed to support a sustainable future. Their implementation experience highlights the importance of getting to grips with the underlying legal issues involved.
In the UK, the Labour Party has announced its proposals to make Britain a "clean energy superpower". In the second of our occasional series looking at its developing policies on business and law, we consider its policy paper offering an overview of its green ambitions.
Decarbonisation targets are not the only environmental concern affecting businesses. Developers are preparing for new biodiversity net gain obligations to be introduced later this year. Our webinar next week looks at the current status of the requirements and strategies for ensuring compliance with them.
In addition, regulatory focus on greenwashing is tightening. The European Supervisory Authorities have been reviewing the practice in the EU's financial services sector, and will be reporting next year. In the UK, the Competition and Markets Authority has published a report outlining its concerns about misleading claims to consumers in the green heating and insulation sector.
Also in the UK, consumer protection in the financial services sector is being enhanced in respect of cryptoassets. They are to be brought within the financial promotion regime in October. The Financial Conduct Authority has published near-final rules to give firms as much time as possible to prepare. Our Regulatory Outlook has updates on this, and other regulatory and compliance developments on the horizon.
Recent Insights
UK Regulatory Outlook
This month's edition includes updates on: the delay to the new UK procurement regime "go-live" date, the EU Horizontal Block Exemption Regulations (taking effect from 1 July 2023), greenwashing, and more.
Decarbonising technologies for cities: case studies of Barcelona, Delhi and Paris
The Economist Impact case study – commissioned by Osborne Clarke – on digital twins, district cooling and vehicle-to-grid initiatives considers the legal insight and frameworks required to successfully harness the benefits of these decarbonising technologies.
What would Labour do? The 'green prosperity plan' intended to boost UK jobs and energy security
The Labour Party has published a policy paper on its clean energy "mission" for the UK.
Marketing cryptoassets in the UK? Prepare for new rules this autumn
The FCA has confirmed in a policy statement its near-final rules that will govern how firms can promote cryptoassets to consumers from 8 October 2023.
European Commission introduces proposal for an open finance framework
The European Commission has published its proposal for a regulation on a framework for financial data access, the draft Open Finance Act, that builds on "open banking" rules. If adopted, it would have a significant impact on the financial industry.
Events
Providing for tomorrow today: understanding an ageing workforce
4 July | 16:45-18:30
The UK's working-age population is shrinking as the skilled worker shortage grows. This event explores our survey with Censuswide on employees working longer, with speakers from Barclays and 55/Redefined.
Biodiversity net gain: current status, market insights and natural capital solutions
5 July | 09:00-09:45
In this webinar we will discuss the current status of the net gain requirements and the principles for delivery being consulted on in connection with the Environment Act 2021.
From completion to operation: maximising performance and returns of energy assets
13 July | 09:00-10:00
A look at managing energy projects to achieve successful completion, including how to get to final acceptance, to address poor operational and maintenance performance, and to resolve energy disputes through adjudication.
