Environment and Energy
The Federal Council's Energy Strategy 2050 has been accepted by the Swiss electorate. With the phasing out of nuclear energy and the promotion of renewable energies, Switzerland is currently undergoing an important energy transition.
Our firm has extensive expertise in the field of environmental and energy law.
We assist our clients in their projects to reduce their carbon footprint and promote renewable energy, including waste management and recycling, geothermal energy, emission allowances (CH/EU emissions trading system), building renovations and energy contracting solutions.
We advise our clients on regulatory issues related to energy supply (including electricity), operators and suppliers liability, as well as on legal questions in relation to concessions, monopolies and public procurements.
In the context of construction projects, we deal with all administrative law issues having an impact on the environment (air, noise, wildlife, pollution, transportation, etc.).
In the context of M&A transactions, we advise our clients on the allocation of risks in relation to the pollution of land and buildings, as well as on the relevant administrative authorizations.
Some of our attorneys have personal experience working in the legislative branch at the Swiss federal, cantonal and local levels, as well as in the executive branch of the City of Geneva. Through this, they have a broad understanding of the intricacies of the political decision-making processes in Switzerland. They frequently appear before and work with elected leaders, senior staff, legislative committees, regulators and agencies at all levels of government.
Guillaume Barazzone has set up a seminar dealing with environmental, energy and infrastructure law. The seminar is co-led with Professor Jean-Baptiste Zufferey, Chairman of the Institut of Swiss and international construction law. Participants are divided into two groups: private companies and public institutions such as municipalities and state-owned companies. The aim of the seminar is to provide legal training to the participants and to foster the sharing of best practices in this sector.
