Climate change and its impact on the boardroom

Parallel sessions

1. A national CO2 tax; an effective instrument to meet climate goals? 

Marloes Brans - counsel Houthoff

For the heavy industry to meet its climate goals great debate has developed over implementing an effective instrument: either an additional national CO2 tax or a bonus/malus system for ETS companies. The Dutch government is expected to present its proposal in the final Climate Agreement expected in May 2019. This session will discuss the legal impacts of the government proposal, on top of the existing EU ETS scheme. Furthermore, experiences will be shared from the Swedish system that implemented a CO2 tax for non-ETS companies in 1991 already.

2. Legal consequences of changing business models

Walter van Overbeek - partner Houthoff & Dominik Wendel - partner Noerr

More information will follow. 

3. Project financing

Jessica Terpstra - partner Houthoff & Monica Colombera - partner Legance

More information will follow. 

4. Prudential supervision, effects of climate legislation on financial enterprises

Roel Theissen - 

More information will follow. 

5. Restrictions on competition law and state aid

Greetje van Heezik - senior lawyer Houthoff & Weijer VerLoren van Themaat - partner Houthoff

More information will follow. 

6. Reducing your carbon footprint

Kirsten Berger - partner Houthoff & Marc van Beuge - senior lawyer Houthoff

All across the globe companies are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint. Some out of intrinsic motivation, others under pressure from their shareholders, clients or suppliers. Their efforts range from using recycled office stationery and compostable catering supplies to implementing energy efficiency and energy saving practices. On the road to carbon neutrality, companies are increasingly initiating projects aimed at using renewable energy sources including solar, wind and biomass, to power their operations. This session will highlight legal aspects of such projects including self-generation and the sourcing of renewables from market players.

7. Climate change and real estate

Marco Witmer, Dolf de Jong, Pernille van der Plank 

Climate change also has an impact on real estate and its development. Stricter sustainability requirements from the government and social pressure to build more sustainably lead to a different view of real estate and property development. In this parallel session we will discuss (real estate-related) circular business models and their impact on property ownership and its financing. In addition, we will also discuss how floating cities can help to limit the effects of climate change
Finally, we will discuss various points of attention and application possibilities of collective energy systems in the redevelopment of existing real estate and the realization of new real estate.