Sustainability

There is a global shift from a paradigm focusing mainly on economic development to a more sustainable one – where Environmental, Social and Governance considerations are balanced with the pursuit of development and an improved quality of life. Climate change and social and economic problems can affect lives and livelihoods and the recognition of such problems is rapidly changing the mindsets of governments, businesses and the general population. Consumer behaviour has shown inclination towards sustainable products and services. Laws and regulations and investment policies are put in place to bring about meaningful, measurable and impactful change for a better and more sustainable world.

At Rajah & Tann Singapore, we understand that that a better world does not come easy, and it involves navigating complex and wide-ranging issues. There may be legal or regulatory obligations. There may be board or stakeholder requirements for compliance with international goals, standards and frameworks. There may be the voluntary adoption of internationally-recognised principles and framework as a commitment by the businesses to manage environmental and social risk. We understand how the multi-layers of policies, regulations, principles and frameworks have to be aligned, consistent and operationally workable.

Our Expertise in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Practice

We are amongst the pioneers in Singapore when it comes to matters to do with environmental advisory, business conduct and corporate governance and other sustainability issues. We are proud to have been involved in many “first of its kind” transactions, ranging from the green and sustainable financing, sustainable investment, renewable projects and sustainable technology.

With our deep expertise and experience, we will help you unpack and reconcile the different global standards and regulations on ESG factors in your sustainability journey. Beyond regulatory compliance, we will bring in our expertise in tax, corporate and capital markets, funds, infrastructure, international arbitration, technology, to name a few – because we have seen how various issues pan on the transactions we have worked on. We can help you address the commercial aspects and economic objectives of the transactions, and at the same time fulfil the legal and technical requirements set out in the various ESG principles and guidelines.

How We Can Support Your ESG Journey

Environmental

We advise on a wide range of environmental matters, including:

Green and sustainable finance, such as assisting with green bonds
Green fund investments
Green construction and renewable projects
ESG and sustainability due diligence as part of transactions.
ESG frameworks
Sustainable technology

Social

Our social advisory services cover:

Employment and labour issues
Impact-focused investments, as well as fund formation
Supply chain matters
Workplace safety and health

Governance

In terms of governance, we provide guidance on:

Adoption of global ESG principles to manage environmental and social risk
Board and stakeholder requirements
Business conduct and ethics
Compliance with international ESG frameworks
Engaging investors and stakeholders on sustainability

Integrated Expertise for Successful ESG Practice

Being part of a full-service firm with integrated practices means that our clients have access to the experience and skills of all our lawyers across the full spectrum of legal practices. Our Practice works closely with the other lawyers in the firm and the Rajah & Tann Asia network to provide clients with a comprehensive, multi-jurisdictional and quality service. We are accessible whenever you need us. We work efficiently and deliver value – placing great importance on allocating the right lawyer to the right task to ensure high quality yet cost-effective service.

Do reach out to us to find out more.

Our Sustainability Matters

Our team has played a pivotal role in structuring and advising on various sustainability matters, including:

Acted as lead counsel to Malkoha (a subsidiary of Meta) on the development of a 141MWp hydrogen-ready floating solar farm at Kranji Reservoir, navigating complex regulatory frameworks to support Singapore’s net-zero goals.

Advised a Chinese state-owned client on its first solar project in Oman, including the EPC Contract, financing, regulatory compliance, and legal structuring for the 500MW Manah Solar II PV Park.

Acted for Coca-Cola Singapore Beverages Pte. Ltd., F&N Foods Pte Ltd, Pokka Pte. Ltd., BCRS Ltd in a landmark sustainability initiative involving the joint establishment and operation of Singapore’s first nationwide Beverage Container Return Scheme.

Advised PT ESSA SAF Makmur on the development of one of the first Sustainable Aviation Fuel Plants in Southeast Asia.

Acted as International Counsel for Shanxi Electric Power Engineering Co., Ltd. on the cross-border development of landmark 50MW solar project for Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara Capital City.

Recognition

Top Singapore Law Firm in ESG

The Straits Times: Singapore’s Best Law Firms (2025)
ESG and Sustainability Law Firm of the Year

Asian Legal Business SE Asia Law Awards (2022)
Asia Top 15 ESG Law Firms

Asian Legal Business SE Asia Law Awards (2024)
Net-Zero Transition Award

IFLR1000 Asia-Pacific (2023)
Recognised in The Legal 500 Green Guide

The Legal 500 Green Guide: Asia Pacific (2024)
"Has particular expertise advising corporate and financial clients on projects which help decarbonise Southeast Asian infrastructure, housing, and power generation."

The Legal 500 Green Guide: Asia Pacific (2024)
"Active on solar farm acquisitions, waste-to-energy development, and thermal power plant projects."

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific (2024)
"At the forefront of sustainability-linked and green loans, especially those connected to real estate acquisitions and developments."

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific (2024)
“Well equipped to handle the full range of litigation matters, including...environment disputes, before local courts and the Supreme Court.”

Chambers Asia-Pacific (2022)
"...green technology projects all make up key parts of the firm’s regular workload. "

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific (2022)
“Capable of handling Shari'a-compliant financings and green financing."

Chambers Asia-Pacific (2022)
"Project finance, green loans, and hospitality sector financings are also areas of strength."

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific (2021)

Has particular expertise advising corporate and financial clients on projects which help decarbonise Southeast Asian infrastructure, housing, and power generation.”

The Legal 500 Green Guide: Asia Pacific (2024)