Overview

A vast array of modern infrastructure projects have at their core environmental objectives such as carbon reduction, flood defence and clean energy generation. We specialise in these projects.

Environmental factors and challenges are also playing an increasingly important part in all infrastructure projects. These challenges can arise at any stage of a project – from procurement and planning to construction and operation. Without specialist advice, these issues can disrupt a project with profound knock-on effects or even mean the project is scrapped.

We combine expertise across our environment, procurement and projects teams to help our clients to overcome all types of environmental issues. Our lawyers are skilled in making what are often complex issues simple to understand. We understand the pressures facing our clients and provide clear, effective solutions rooted in their commercial objectives.

Our specialist lawyers have a proven track record in all types of infrastructure projects. We also have particular expertise in projects based in the nuclear, renewables, waste and water sectors.

Areas of focus

Our environmental projects expertise includes the following:

  • Carbon and clean energy regulation and incentives.
  • Ecology and environment lead design and planning constraints.
  • Embedded generation and energy price security.
  • Environmental cleanup and liability for contaminated land.
  • Environmental permitting.
  • Flood risk management.
  • Project contracts and environmental documentation.
  • Environmental insurance.
Experience

Advising MeyGen on its 400MW tidal (clean) energy project at the Inner Sound, Pentland Firth.

Advising a generator on EU Habitats challenges to a major infrastructure project through consents and the Environmental Damage Regulations.

Advising a wind developer on major consent challenges around environmental noise and habitats.

Advising energy from waste developers on waste supply contracts, waste regulation and disposal and the definition of “waste”.

Advising industrial operators on regulatory proceedings for breach of environmental laws.

Advising major utilities on the Water Framework Directive and the Industrial Emissions Directive.

Meet the team
Ross Fairley

Ross Fairley Partner

  • Energy and Utilities
  • Head of Renewable Energy
  • Environment
Nick Churchward

Nick Churchward Partner

  • Head of Resource and Waste Management
  • Projects
  • Energy and Utilities
Ian Salter

Ian Salter Partner

  • Head of Nuclear
  • Head of Projects
  • Environment
James Phillips

James Phillips Partner

  • Head of Energy & Utilities
  • Head of Energy Transition
  • Energy Regulation
Michael Barlow

Michael Barlow Partner

  • Head of Environment
  • Head of Water
  • Head of ESG

What others say...

The firm provides first-rate response times and they always keep us informed of progress and any problems with delivery.

Chambers UK 2024

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