Economic and industrial activities are subject to environmental regulations, which set requirements to ensure that they are compatible with environmental protection, as well as in compliance with climate change, circular economy, and energy transition goals.
Factors such as the complex authorisation processes for industrial activities, compliance with regulations in daily operations, and adaptation to constant legislative changes make it essential to have specialised legal advice on environmental regulations. This specialisation not only provides the necessary legal certainty for business operations but also improves efficiency in adapting to an ever-evolving regulatory environment.
In recent years, environmental law has advanced significantly. Traditionally focused on classical intervention instruments (such as permits or environmental impact assessments), it has incorporated new tools and modernised existing ones. This shift presents a new scenario for businesses and industries. From 2024 onwards, sustainability regulations (CS3D) require large companies to comply with due diligence obligations in human rights and environmental matters.
These obligations cover not only their direct operations but also those of their subsidiaries and business partners throughout the entire value chain. At the same time, sustainability reporting requirements (CSRD) are increasing, while funding opportunities grow for companies aligning their activities with the principles and criteria established in the EU taxonomy delegated acts.
Compliance with environmental regulations is an unavoidable obligation for economic and industrial activities. Failure to comply can cause severe reputational damage, administrative sanctions, and even lead to environmental crimes. However, this challenge is also an opportunity to optimise production processes, foster innovation in resource and energy efficiency, and strengthen business resilience against climate change. Moreover, aligning with environmental regulations and integrating ESG criteria into corporate strategies increases funding opportunities and enhances business competitiveness.
Among the services offered by Terraqui are the following:
- Monitoring and analysis of applicable legislation at local, national, European, and international levels concerning environmental regulations for economic and industrial activities, as well as their interpretation by the courts.
- Advice on drafting regulations regarding environmental intervention in economic activities and industries.
- Advice to ensure business and industrial activities are aligned with applicable environmental regulations (water, waste, products, extended producer responsibility, industrial emissions, emissions trading scheme – EUTS2 –, biodiversity, renewable gases, hazardous substances and SEVESO regulations, extractive activities, among others).
- Legal advice for obtaining environmental licences and permits for developing economic and industrial activities.
- Legal advice on environmental assessment procedures for projects related to economic and industrial activities.
- Legal advice on compliance with due diligence regulations (CS3D).
- Legal advice on compliance with sustainability reporting regulations (CSRD).
- Advice on the implementation of environmental management systems (ISO 14001, EMAS). and obtaining environmental certifications (ISO 14001, EMAS, EU Ecolabel).
- Identification of grants for environmental improvement projects.
- Legal advice on the interpretation and compliance with sustainable finance regulations (EU taxonomy).
- Legal advice on compliance with the do no significant harm (DNSH) principle.
- Submission of administrative appeals against sanctioning resolutions for non-compliance with environmental regulations.
- Legal representation in administrative and judicial procedures related to activities and industries concerning compliance with environmental regulations.
- Development of criminal prevention models focused on preventing environmental crimes.
- Legal actions to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
- Training on environmental regulations applicable to economic activities and industries.
- Legal support in identifying and obtaining grants for projects related to sustainable activities and industries.
- Advice on incorporating environmental clauses in tenders and grants.
