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For the third consecutive year, the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at 91��Ƶ partnered with the Westchester County Association to host its Annual ‘Profit and Purpose’ Sustainable Business Conference at the Law School. The conference, held on Friday, September 13, brought together well over 100 business, nonprofit, and government leaders to discuss how businesses are innovating around climate change and social responsibility and inspire organizations to apply these principals to advance ESG in their practices.

The conference kicked off with remarks from Horace E. Anderson, Jr., Dean of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at 91��Ƶ and Michael N. Romita, president and CEO of the Westchester County Association (WCA). Dr. Stephen Hammer, Founding CEO of The New York Climate Exchange, delivered opening remarks, sharing the vision of its innovative center for climate solutions on Governors Island. Through its many partnerships, the Exchange leverages the collective power of education, research, workforce development, policy development, and public programming to advance climate action at the local, national, and global level. Referring to the conference, Hammer said, “Its these kinds of conversations that are so helpful because they make it very clear as to the challenges or opportunities on the ground.”

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The half-day conference offered four panel discussions featuring experts in energy policy, business strategy, finance, law and compliance, including two panels led by several 91��Ƶ | Haub Environmental Law faculty and alumni.

Gilbert and Sarah Kerlin Distinguished Professor of Environmental Law, Associate Dean of Environmental Law Programs and Strategic Initiatives, and Faculty Director, Sustainable Business Law Hub, Jason Czarnezki moderated a panel titled, “What do ESG Lawyers and Sustainability Consultants Do?” which examined the rapid rise of sustainability and ESG expertise in law, accounting, and consulting firms. Haub Law alums Lauren Bachtel ‘13, Senior Counsel, Linklaters LLP; Zachary L. Berliner ‘18, Associate, Lowenstein Sandlers LLP’s Environmental Law & Litigation Group and ESG Practice; and Samantha Perlmutter ‘23, Sustainability Tax Staff at EY, along with Elizabeth Gousee Ballottee, Partner at PKF O’Connor Davies, joined the panel to discuss what services these professionals provide to clients such as advising on the role of directors in business sustainability, socially responsible investing and ESG ratings, voluntary reporting, and other voluntary sustainability regimes.

Another panel on “Greenwashing, ESG/Climate Disclosures, and The Chevron Doctrine’s Death” was moderated by 91��Ƶ | Haub Environmental Law Professor Josh Galperin, and included Sustainable Business Law Hub Fellow Barbara Ballan, LLM ‘24, former Sustainable Business Law Fellow Maggie Pahl ’23, Environmental Attorney with Holland & Knight, and Brendan Reilly ‘04, Senior Legal Director of ESG Disclosures at PepsiCo. The panel addressed the laws and regulations that cover ESG disclosure, as well as consumer and securities greenwashing litigation, especially in light of recent decisions about regulatory authority from the Supreme Court, highlighting litigation risks.

The 2024 WCA Sustainable Business Conference offered key insights to help businesses start on a path to sustainability:

1. How Consumers Are Demanding Sustainability – and Why You Should Listen: Customers are choosing businesses that prioritize sustainability. This demand presents an opportunity for companies to innovate, build stronger brands, and attract new markets. Transparency and responsible practices are key to winning over today’s socially-conscious consumers.
2. New York's Clean Energy Push: Are You Ready for Challenges Ahead? The state's clean energy goals are revealing the complexities of transitioning to a sustainable future. While the journey has had its hurdles, progress continues, driven by policy changes. Businesses need clear timelines, flexibility, and resources to adapt.
3. The ESG Regulations You Can't Afford to Ignore to Stay Ahead of the Game: The landscape of ESG reporting is constantly changing. While Europe is ahead in standardization, U.S. regulations are catching up. Businesses should prepare to align with frameworks like SSB and TCFD, ensuring their sustainability practices are not only effective but compliant with emerging standards.
4. Is Your Organization Ready for Climate Risks? Here's What You Need to Know: From flooding to business interruptions, the impacts of climate change can be serious. Understanding these risks and planning for them is essential for resilience. Insurance and risk mitigation strategies can help protect businesses from climate-related disruptions.
5. Collaboration Is the Secret to Sustainability – Don't Miss Our on These Opportunities: Tackling sustainability challenges requires teamwork. Cross-industry collaboration, like Con Edison’s Clean Energy Networks and the NY Climate Exchange, offers opportunities to develop new solutions. Working together with other businesses, policymakers, and educational institutions can help create practical, effective strategies for a sustainable future.
6. Your Business Can't Ignore ESG Anymore. Here's Why: While addressing environmental issues may seem straightforward, social and governance challenges are just as critical. DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) is gaining importance in sustainability efforts, especially with policies like the Inflation Reduction Act’s "Justice 40" clause. Westchester businesses need to embrace the full scope of ESG to stay ahead.

A special thanks to the 2024 conference sponsors: