Via its environmental practice group which supports the firm’s project finance and commercial law teams, business and litigation law firm Fasken has expertise providing sustainability-focused advice across environmental and renewable energy projects.

Francois Joubert advised DRDGOLD – which rehabilitates sterilised mine land for agricultural, urban, and industrial uses, thereby improving the local environment while facilitating economic and social development – on environmental and regulatory requirements, and on the client’s sustainability and circular-economy strategy. Also within the environmental solutions sector, the firm is experienced in advising on the regulatory requirements and implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility Policy and Scheme. 

Assisting Nedbank and ABSA Bank as lenders in the portfolio financing of five wind energy projects, the firm provided advice on financing and environmental considerations. As one of the largest single renewable energy financings in Africa, the project, targeting a 700 MW capacity, will support the expansion of South Africa’s renewable electricity provision. 

The firm is also active in advising on renewable energy projects within the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPP). Key individuals include managing partner for South Africa Blaize Vance and co-leader of the firm’s global energy and climate group Ashen Jugoo.

Through its ‘Project Tomorrow’ programme, the firm is committed to making a positive impact through implementing internal ESG strategies. Having established a Green Team within the office to work specifically toward reducing internal greenhouse gas emissions, the firm has since worked with expert consultants to assess and reduce its environmental footprint. Toward attaining its emission-reduction objectives, the firm has installed solar panels which meet the energy demand at its Johannesburg office.