Green Policies, Regulations & Standards

Norway’s packaging EPR regime (Waste Regulations Chapter 7) requires producers that import or manufacture packaging or packaged products for the Norwegian market to participate in an approved producer responsibility system and pay EPR fees. PROs must report annually to the Norwegian Environment Agency, and producer compliance depends on proper registration, fee payment, and accurate declarations of packaging placed on the market. Recent scope changes, effective from 1 July 2025, increased the number of obligated companies by removing the prior de minimis threshold referenced in compliance updates.

Regulation (EU) 2019/876, commonly known as CRR II, amended the EU Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR) to strengthen the prudential framework for banks. While the regulation primarily implements Basel III reforms, it also introduced the EU's first explicit prudential disclosure requirements for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks through Article 449a. The provision requires certain large listed institutions to publicly disclose their exposure to ESG risks, particularly climate-related transition and physical risks, as part of their Pillar 3 disclosures. These requirements are intended to improve market transparency and encourage the integration of climate-related financial risks into banks' risk management practices.

ISO 20121 is an international standard for event sustainability management systems. It provides a framework for organizations to identify, manage, monitor, and continually improve the environmental, social, and economic impacts of events. Applicable to events of all sizes and types, the standard helps organizers integrate sustainability throughout the event life cycle, from planning and procurement to delivery and post-event review. Organizations can demonstrate conformity through self-declaration, second-party validation, or independent third-party certification.

The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) is a voluntary sustainability reporting and rating framework for colleges and universities developed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). It enables institutions to measure, benchmark, and publicly report their sustainability performance across academics, campus operations, engagement, and governance. Participating institutions can earn Reporter, Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum recognition based on their overall score. STARS is designed to support continual improvement while providing a common framework for comparing sustainability performance across higher education institutions worldwide.

The Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR), Regulation (EU) No 528/2012, ensures that biocidal products placed on the EU market are safe, effective, and properly controlled. It applies to disinfectants, preservatives, pest control, and antifouling products. Under BPR, all active substances must be EU-approved, and all products must obtain authorization before sale. The Regulation replaces the Biocidal Products Directive (98/8/EC) and is enforced by national authorities with oversight by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). It promotes harmonized safety standards, transparent labeling, and reduced animal testing, supporting the EU’s Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability.

The New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) is a mandatory cap-and-trade system covering key emitting sectors such as energy, industry, waste, and forestry. Participants must register, report verified emissions, and surrender New Zealand Units (NZUs) each year. Established under the Climate Change Response Act, the scheme supports New Zealand’s transition to a low-emissions economy. While participation is compulsory for covered sectors, agriculture and certain small emitters are currently exempt. Non-compliance can result in financial penalties and enforcement actions by the Environmental Protection Authority.

The UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) is the United Kingdom’s cap-and-trade system for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It applies to power generation, energy-intensive industries, and aviation, requiring operators to monitor, verify, and report emissions annually. Participants must submit verified reports by 31 March and surrender allowances by 30 April each year. The scheme, in force since January 2021, replaces the UK’s participation in the EU ETS and is managed jointly by the UK, Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish authorities. It forms part of the UK’s strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with upcoming expansions to the maritime and waste sectors. Non-compliance may result in financial penalties, permit suspension, or public disclosure of breaches.

The BEHG establishes a national emissions-trading system for fuels, applying carbon pricing to heating, transport, and other non-ETS sectors. This article summarises obligations for fuel suppliers, price steps, and compliance rules.

The Australia Climate Change Act (2022) legally commits the nation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43% below 2005 levels by 2030 and to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Adopted in September 2022, the law requires the federal government to set legally binding targets, report annually to Parliament, and ensure independent oversight through the Climate Change Authority (CCA). It aligns national policies with the Paris Agreement and strengthens transparency by mandating progress statements and public accountability. The Act provides the legislative backbone for Australia’s clean-energy transition, supporting initiatives such as the Rewiring the Nation Plan and Safeguard Mechanism reforms for industrial emitters.

The EU Nature Restoration Law (Regulation (EU) 2024/1991) establishes legally binding restoration targets for degraded ecosystems across the EU. In force since August 2024, it requires Member States to develop national restoration plans by 2026, restoring at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea by 2030 and all degraded ecosystems by 2050. The regulation covers forests, wetlands, rivers, agricultural soils, and marine habitats, promoting biodiversity recovery and enhancing natural carbon sinks. By reconnecting rivers, restoring peatlands, and improving soil and forest health, the law contributes to climate adaptation, resilience, and food security under the European Green Deal.