Responsible business and human rights

Responsible business and human rights—content

Content on responsible business and human rights in this subtopic includes the following Practice Notes, Checklists and Precedents:

Corporate responsibility and environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG)

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ESG—new starter guide—which provides practitioners new to environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues with an overview of what ESG is, how it has developed and the key drivers and legislation behind it. It provides key practical tips useful to practitioners talking to clients about ESG implementation; whether for an ESG strategy generally or focussing on specific aspects of the E, S and G
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ESG and sustainability—biodiversity and nature-related risks—which provides guidance on biodiversity and business and why this area is rising up the corporate agenda, alongside climate change. It provides details on a natural capital approach, nature-based solutions (NbS) and how a whole value chain approach is relevant. The Practice Note also provides information on the business risks and opportunities associated with biodiversity loss, as well as details on future reporting frameworks such as the Taskforce on nature-related Financial Disclosure (TNFD), Science-Based Targets (SBTs) for Nature (SBTN) and any requirements stemming

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Latest Environment News

Defra and Environment Agency announce £2.65bn flood defence investment programme

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and Environment Agency have announced a £2.65bn two-year investment programme for flood defence infrastructure. The programme encompasses over 1,000 flood schemes, with £430m allocated for construction and £220m for defence reinstatement for 2025. The government has prioritised £140m to complete 29 schemes facing cost pressures. Major projects receiving funding include: the Derby Flood Risk Management Scheme (£34.6m), North Portsea Island Coastal Flood scheme (£13.8m), and Preston and South Ribble scheme (£10.4m). The investment aims to protect communities and businesses from flooding impacts while supporting local economic growth.

EA publishes consultation outcome on standard permit rules consultation number 28

The Environment Agency (EA) has published the consultation outcome to the consultation on the development of new standard rules that would allow operators of existing installations to apply for a bespoke permit variation to permitted activities. The consultation received 16 responses, with most supporting the new approach. The EA has reviewed the responses, finalised the standard rules and generic risk assessment, and plans to publish them by April 2025. Guidance will be provided to help operators notify research and development (R&D) operations under the standard rules.

Defra consults on proposed amendments to Heather and Grass Burning Regulations

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has launched a consultation, seeking views on proposed amendments to the Heather and Grass etc. Burning (England) Regulations 2021, SI 2021/158. The proposals include: (1) extending the ban of burning on deep peat to cover a larger area of upland peat, increasing the protected area by 146,000 hectares; (2) revising the definition of deep peat to include peat over 30cm deep; and (3) amending the licensing regime to allow land managers and owners to apply for a licence to burn peatlands in limited circumstances. Applicants must demonstrate why alternative methods are ineffective and outline a plan to transition the land away from the need for future burning. The consultation closes on 25 May 2025.

DESNZ launches call for evidence on innovative H2P projects

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a call for evidence, seeking views on innovative hydrogen-to-power (H2P) projects that can be rapidly deployed by 2030, ahead of large-scale hydrogen infrastructure development. The consultation aims to gather technical information on the scope of planned projects, timelines, costs, and potential barriers. The call for evidence closes on 12 May 2025.

Responsible business and human rights