Green Policies, Regulations & Standards

The Germany Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (Lieferkettengesetz – LkSG), in force since January 2023, makes it mandatory for companies operating in Germany to prevent human rights and environmental violations across their supply chains. It applies to firms with more than 3,000 employees (and 1,000 from 2024) and requires them to identify and mitigate risks such as child labour, forced labour, unsafe working conditions, and pollution. Companies must establish risk management systems, complaint procedures, and publish annual due diligence reports. Enforcement is handled by BAFA, which can issue fines of up to 2% of global turnover or exclude companies from public contracts. The LkSG is a cornerstone of corporate accountability in Europe and a direct precursor to the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).

Greece’s Law 4414/2016 establishes a competitive support scheme for renewable energy based on feed-in premiums and auctions. RES developers must comply with grid rules, metering, scheduling, and construction milestones to secure payments. The law has accelerated the deployment of wind and solar, replacing older feed-in tariffs. Non-compliance results in loss of support and financial penalties.

Greece’s Law 3468/2006 established the foundational renewable energy licensing and feed-in tariff framework. Though updated by later laws, it still governs legacy projects and defines baseline RES rules. Developers must obtain licenses, meet environmental and grid requirements, and follow project timelines. Non-compliance can lead to loss of rights or fines.

Italy’s Legislative Decree 196/2021 implements the EU Single Use Plastics Directive. It bans several single-use plastic products, introduces consumption reduction measures, requires design and recycled content for beverage bottles, and mandates product marking and consumer information. Italy also allows certain biodegradable and compostable plastic alternatives, which has created friction with the European Commission over the scope of exemptions. Producers, importers, and retailers must phase out banned items, comply with labeling and design rules, and contribute financially through EPR schemes or litter cleanup measures.

Switzerland’s non-financial reporting requirements are set out in Articles 964a–964c of the Swiss Code of Obligations and impose mandatory ESG disclosure obligations on large companies. In-scope companies must publish an annual report covering environmental matters, climate risks, social and employee issues, respect for human rights, and anti-corruption measures. The report must describe policies, due diligence processes, key risks, and relevant performance indicators, or provide clear explanations where policies do not exist. Responsibility lies explicitly with the board of directors, and reports must be publicly accessible. While less prescriptive than the EU CSRD, the Swiss regime carries legal weight through corporate law and criminal sanctions, making accuracy and governance quality critical.

Guideline B-15, released by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), sets mandatory expectations for climate-related risk management in Canadian federally regulated financial institutions. It requires banks and insurers to integrate climate risks into governance, strategy, risk assessment, capital planning, and disclosure practices. The guideline introduces principles-based supervisory expectations for identifying, measuring, and mitigating both physical and transition climate risks. Institutions must conduct scenario analysis, enhance data quality, implement internal controls, and report climate-related exposures in line with international standards. B-15 is part of Canada’s broader effort to stabilize the financial system against climate impacts and ensure resilient, transparent, and forward-looking risk management.

Greece’s Law 4939/2022 defines the national circular-economy framework, requiring ministries, municipalities, and producers to implement circularity measures, eco-design rules, enhanced separate collection, and sustainable public procurement. It introduces a formal governance and monitoring system and supports transition through action plans and EU funding. Non-compliance leads to penalties for municipalities, public bodies, and producers.

Greece’s Law 4042/2012 implements the EU Waste Framework Directive and sets basic rules for waste classification, hazardous waste handling, extended producer responsibility, and environmental liability. Waste producers must manage waste safely, maintain documentation, and use authorised operators. Although newer laws strengthen the framework, Law 4042/2012 remains central for hazardous waste and liability requirements. Non-compliance triggers administrative and criminal penalties.

The Wasserhaushaltsgesetz (WHG) is Germany’s main law governing water management, including abstraction, wastewater discharge, flood protection, and aquatic ecosystem preservation. This article outlines regulatory obligations and enforcement mechanisms.

The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act establishes a legally binding governance framework for Canada’s commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The Act requires the federal government to set national emissions reduction targets, publish detailed emissions reduction plans, progress reports, and assess outcomes. An independent advisory body supports the process. While the Act does not impose direct obligations on private companies, it shapes future climate regulation, investment priorities, and long-term policy direction across the Canadian economy.