The Chancery Lane Project and Foot Anstey: What clause and why?

“I believe that net zero clauses do and will play an even greater role in driving the change in behaviours that really needs to take place if we are going to be successful in limiting global warming, so it is really important that lawyers understand how to use and implement these.

“My favourite TCLP clause is Casper’s Clause. Casper’s Clause incorporates sustainability linked loan principles into standard financing documents, making climate finance more accessible, affordable and mainstream.”

“Although it is difficult to select one TCLP net zero clause, I particularly appreciate Emma’s Clause. This Green Residential Lease Clause imposes obligations on buyers and tenants in leasehold agreements to use the property in an environmentally conscious way. I think the wide-reaching potential of this clause is noteworthy.”

“Urgent transformation is needed if we, as a global society, are to stand any chance of avoiding the most damaging impacts of irreversible climate change. Net zero clauses give me a chance to use my skillset to contribute to sustainability efforts at this crucial time for our planet. Tristan’s clause is a favourite of mine because it provides a means of dealing with embodied carbon, a key issue for the built environment.”

“Climate change is an ever-growing and urgent concern that individuals and businesses need to address. By using a contract to impose climate change obligations, net zero clauses are an excellent and simple way to help address the crisis!

” Aside from helping clients achieve their business goals and climate targets, it’s great to feel that my role also allows me to contribute to positive changes to the planet too.”

“Working towards net zero is vital to everyone, and net zero clauses give us as solicitors a tool to help work towards that goal. I believe that climate change is a risk that is often overlooked by our clients. Beginning to implement these net zero clauses will start a discussion with our clients and their partners, and hopefully lead to real progress towards our net zero targets.”

“A favourite TCLP clause of mine is Ashkan’s clause. This clause states that parties undertake sustainable on-site working practices. The clause itself is one which I consider really drives actual practices which can help with those carbon emissions which are known to be associated within the construction industry. In addition, the clause helps focus the mind of the parties involved to look at their working practices and consider what they can do to meet such practices.”

“My favourite of the TCLP clauses are the “Coolerplate” clauses. The Coolerplate clauses are not a dramatic departure from the status quo of commercial contract drafting and should act as an intermediary method of introducing climate change obligations into commercial negotiations. Hopefully after using the Coolerplate clauses businesses will become comfortable with climate change drafting and will then introduce more onerous climate change obligations into other clauses.”