Climate change is one of the biggest environmental issues of our time. It affects the economic, legal and political landscape in which Australian businesses operate. As concerns about climate change are discussed and debated in the international arena, regulation at home continues to evolve and grow.
Companies who participate in activities that are proven to contribute to environmental degradation - fossil fuel combustion, cement manufacture, animal agriculture, deforestation - aren’t the only ones who need to think about climate change. New legislation and trading schemes affect businesses of all sizes, and those companies who understand how climate change could impact on them will be in a better position to handle these challenges in the long-term.
Businesses that get on board early and embrace the opportunities presented have an advantage over their competitors. Not only will they be at the forefront of environmental protection, they will enhance their reputation in the community and benefit from a position of leadership in this important area.
HopgoodGanim is well placed to deal with the opportunities and challenges of climate change legislation and green energy. We provide legal and strategic advice for a number of companies in the coal seam gas sector, who provide a more environmentally-friendly alternative fuel source for electricity generation. We also work with businesses in the emerging geothermal energy sector.
Practitioners from across the firm work together to advise clients from a range of industries, including banking, energy and resources, property, infrastructure, forestry and agriculture. We advise on the full spectrum of practice areas affected by climate change - intellectual property, corporate advisory, planning and development, environment, resources and energy, taxation, construction and infrastructure, and litigation and dispute resolution. One of our practitioners, Angie Coleman, has been accredited by the Green Building Council of Australia as a Green Star Associate.
HopgoodGanim has the expertise and experience to advise clients on their participation in emission trading schemes, carbon capture and storage, and the opportunities and risks presented by Australia’s proposed carbon pollution reduction scheme. We also help clients take advantage of state and federally funded schemes designed to maximise carbon-friendly electricity generation by wind and solar power.
We stay abreast of the latest local and international developments in this field to offer informed and innovative commercial and legal solutions.
Areas of Expertise
- Obligations under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Scheme and other climate change regulations and policies
- The opportunities and challenges of the Federal Government's proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme and other potential legislation
- Obligations in relation to green building and construction practices
- Developing, financing and investing in renewable energy projects
- Preparing environmental impact statements
- Drafting greenhouse gas and climate change policies
- Negotiating green energy contracts
- Assessing and managing risks associated with climate change
- Carbon-friendly electricity generation including wind and solar power
We can help you
- Invest in emissions reduction projects
- Develop and structure carbon trading strategies
- Take advantage of carbon reduction and offset schemes
- Generate and trade carbon credits
- Develop low emissions infrastructure
- Understand and implement carbon capture and storage
- Manage the tax implications of carbon credits and sequestration
