Jono Adams, Associate Director, Anthesis “UK municipal retail energy players – is this the start of something new?”
Jono has over 15 years’ experience driving sustainability change in both the private and public sectors. He has specific expertise in energy and leads Anthesis’ Energy and Carbon activity. His team provides strategic energy support as well as delivering on implementation, whether in terms of renewables and energy efficiency measures or more general low carbon energy market activity. Previously roles include leading environmental due diligence and climate change services at KPMG; Head of Environment Policy at the Civil Aviation Authority and Corporate Environment Manager at Network Rail. Jono has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Nottingham University and is a member of IEMA.
Jono’s presentation will look at the UK energy market which is in a state of profound change as we move from a ‘linear’ centralised system to one that is flexible, decentralised, dynamic and with a remit for low carbon intensity. The retail element of the market is no exception with new players, evolving traditional retailers and entire new roles being created with new commercial models and taking advantage of technological advancements. One interesting new entrant is the municipal retailer with the likes of Bristol, Nottingham having led the charge. Is this a flash in the pan or do they have a key role to play in a future market place?
David Short, Partner, Lux Nova “Beyond Risk Management: How sustainability is driving innovation in commercial real estate finance.”
David chairs the Commercial Real Estate Lender Working Group for the Better Buildings Partnership and is former sustainability director at GE Capital Real Estate where he established a sustainability program across a multi-billion dollar commercial real estate debt and equity portfolio. David started his career as a solicitor at CMS Cameron McKenna in the Environment Law Team and then the Commercial IP/IT Team. He is now a partner with Lux Nova, a boutique clean energy law firm, where he advises on environmental, commercial, technology and data protection law for clean energy and energy efficiency businesses. He also acts as adviser on sustainability and well-building strategy for real estate investors, occupiers and companies in the cleantech/proptech sector.
David will share his experience on how banks and debt funds have begun to incorporate sustainability practices into their real estate lending businesses. This started as a risk management exercise, in large part spurred on by the MEES regulations, and brought changes to due diligence, portfolio monitoring and borrower engagement. However, in recent years we are seeing lenders introducing innovative new initiatives and products to address the opportunity presented by the need to finance the sustainability transformation of our built environment, including sustainability apps for borrowers, energy efficiency mortgages and green lending funds.
Jonathan Kahn, Partner, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, Toronto, Canada “Meanwhile, Across the Pond...”
Jonathan Kahn is a leading Canadian environmental lawyer. He has, for 30 years, provided representation and advice on a broad range of environmental and natural resources law issues. He routinely represents clients on the purchase, sale, and remediation of contaminated land, renewable energy and mining project development and permitting, the transportation, handling and disposal of hazardous substances, air, water and waste regulation; and a range of other environmental matters. Jonathan is an officer of the American Bar Association's Section of Environment, Energy and Resources Law, the first non-American to serve on that organization's Executive Committee. In 2011, he was the first non-American to chair the ABA's Annual Conference on Environmental Law. Jonathan served as Chair of the National Environment, Energy and Resources Law Section of the Canadian Bar Association in 2012-13. He is also a former chair of the Environmental Law Section of the Ontario Bar Association.
Jonathan will review recent developments in the North American energy market. The North American market is experiencing much tension. The US and Canada find themselves on different paths relative to carbon and in many cases, local and regional governments are charting their own courses. Canada, being both a significant producer of oil and gas and a signatory to the Paris Climate Accord, must balance access to carbon markets with achieving a lower carbon footprint. At the same time, all forms of energy development, renewable and otherwise, must confront a host of political, social, environmental and indigenous issues.
Chair - James Phillips, Partner, Burges Salmon LLP
James is a leading energy law expert, qualified to practice throughout England and Wales and Scotland. James is well-known for providing regulatory and commercial legal advice to developers, funders, licensees and regulators on a wide range of onshore and offshore energy matters. His experience spans the oil and gas, nuclear and renewable energy sectors. He is also an experienced environmental law specialist. James is particularly respected for his knowledge of the regulatory framework underpinning the UK's gas and electricity markets. James has helped clients put in place robust contractual solutions in the context of energy trading, fuel supply, grid connection and heat supply arrangements. He is also currently helping clients to capitalise on opportunities in the smart metering, energy storage and balancing services markets. James has a keen interest in the legal issues relating to onshore and offshore decommissioning projects. He has recently chaired the Oil and Gas UK Legal Issues Forum Working Group on Decommissioning, examining the oil and gas industry's contractual approach towards major offshore decommissioning projects.