The US arm of A&O Shearman’s global ESG group provides policy and transactional expertise for leading sustainability organisations, private equity firms, and innovative energy infrastructure projects.

In a multi-jurisdictional matter led by international environmental head Ken Rivlin in New York, the firm advised the Equator Principles Association on preparing the loan documentation guidance for the fourth edition of the Equator Principles, which provide developed and developing countries a benchmark by which to assess and manage environmental and social risk in project finance.

Rivlin is also conducting environmental diligence and ESG analysis for Apollo Global Management funds in their $265m structured investment to acquire an equity stake in US Wind, with the financing supporting the development and construction of an offshore wind project off the coast of Maryland.

Demonstrating further experience on important sustainable project financings, the firm advised on The Nature Conservancy’s Blue Bond for marine conservation in Belize. Within the innovative $364m transaction, the firm provided restructuring and financial advice, helping create a green approach to debt relief whereby the proceeds are split between reducing national debt and funding the protection of the country’s marine biodiversity zones.

For the Summit Carbon Solutions project – which will connect over thirty carbon-emitting power plants to a carbon capture, transport, and storage facility – the firm advised on structuring, project development, and debt and equity financing.

With a Science Based Targets initiative-approved target to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, the firm is working to abate its direct carbon emissions as well as those emissions generated from its supply chains and procurement policies. 

Contributing to the development of green legal expertise, Rivlin also teaches on ESG at Columbia Law School.