Harris Kyriakides
Harris Kyriakides

Expertise

Where legal acumen meets innovative solutions

ESG & Environmental Compliance

Environmental compliance and sustainability have become central to corporate strategy, driven by the growing emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Stakeholders—ranging from regulators and investors to customers—are increasingly holding organisations accountable for their environmental practices. This shift reflects the need for businesses to integrate proactive environmental management into their operations, ensuring compliance with an evolving regulatory landscape and meeting heightened societal expectations for environmental stewardship.

At Harris Kyriakides, our ESG & Environmental Compliance practice offers specialised expertise in Cyprus environmental law and international ESG standards. We assist clients in navigating complex regulatory frameworks, managing environmental risks, and implementing sustainable practices. Whether addressing compliance challenges, advising on ESG reporting obligations, or supporting environmentally sensitive transactions, our team provides tailored solutions that align with business objectives and long-term sustainability goals.

Our practice spans a broad spectrum of environmental law and ESG-related matters, including regulatory compliance with Cyprus and EU environmental laws, pollution standards, and waste management. We advise on renewable energy integration, ESG strategy development, and the creation of policies that address carbon neutrality, biodiversity, and resource efficiency. Clients turn to us for drafting and negotiating agreements that include environmental and ESG provisions, as well as conducting due diligence for mergers and acquisitions involving environmentally sensitive industries.

We are experienced in environmental litigation and regulatory defence, representing clients in disputes and prosecutions related to environmental torts and compliance issues. Our team provides guidance on the development of environmental policies and legislative reforms, offering critical support to governmental entities. We also design environmental management systems, conduct audits, and provide strategic advice to minimise environmental liabilities, including assessing the applicability of insurance coverage for such risks. For clients engaged in planning and development, we assist in overcoming environmental constraints and navigating regulatory hurdles.

By combining deep legal expertise with an understanding of environmental science and policy, we empower clients to address challenges and capitalise on opportunities in the evolving ESG and environmental compliance landscape. Our clients include leading organisations across diverse sectors such as energy, natural resources, shipping, manufacturing, utilities, and government, all of whom benefit from our commercially driven and pragmatic approach.

RELEVANT EXPERTS

LATEST NEWS

News
Cyprus progresses towards competitive electricity market
23 January 2025 | 4 mins read

Cyprus is making significant strides in modernising its energy sector with the scheduled launch of a competitive electricity market by July 2025. This initiative aims to lower electricity costs for households and businesses, improve economic - Read More...

News
The right to the environment: A new chapter in Cyprus’ constitutional framework
13 January 2025 | 4 mins read

The protection of the environment has now acquired a constitutional dimension in Cyprus through the enactment of the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution (Law 171(I)/2024), published in the Official Gazette of the Republic on 31 - Read More...

News
Changes to the Cyprus UBO Registry framework
3 January 2025 | 2 mins read

The Department of Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property (DRCIP) has announced significant updates to the implementation framework of the Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBO) Registry in Cyprus. These changes stem from the enactment of the - Read More...

News
Cyprus updates legislation on recovery and resolution of credit institutions and investment firms
18 December 2024 | 2 mins read

Introduction The Cyprus House of Representatives has approved two legislative amendments to align national laws with EU directives on the recovery and resolution of credit institutions and investment firms. These developments are part of a - Read More...

News
Cyprus passes law restricting large cash transactions to strengthen AML efforts
16 December 2024 | 6 mins read

Introduction On 5 December 2024, Cyprus parliament approved a significant piece of legislation aimed at curbing large cash transactions, enhancing the country’s anti-money laundering (AML) framework. The proposal, first introduced on 30 October 2024 by - Read More...

News
Cyprus Ministry of Interior issues Best Practices Report to combat terrorism financing in non-profit organisations 
13 December 2024 | 4 mins read

On 26 November 2024, the Registrar of Associations and Foundations, which is part of the Ministry of Interior, issued a new Best Practices Report providing information on the risks faced by Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) in - Read More...

News
Cyprus Parliament approves new framework for beneficial ownership compliance
2 December 2024 | 3 mins read

On 21 November 2024, the Cyprus Parliament approved a landmark amendment to the Prevention and Suppression of Money Laundering Activities Law. The legislation introduces a comprehensive framework for the enforcement of penalties related to beneficial ownership - Read More...

News
Changes brought about by GDPR: increasing liability for data processors
31 October 2024 | 5 mins read

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has increased the liability of data processors, imposing direct regulatory obligations and leading to a more complex and accountable data protection regime for both controllers and processors.  Background A - Read More...