Climate Change and Resiliency

SPR’s work across practice areas is not only affected by climate change—it is often a direct response to climate change.  SPR is advising governmental agencies on the environmental impact review and permitting of several large-scale resiliency projects throughout Lower Manhattan to strengthen New York City’s defenses to storm surge, sea level rise and other foreseeable climate change-related impacts.  SPR also represents the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in the legal defense of New York City’s congestion pricing program to reduce traffic and greenhouse gas emissions, and supported the program’s environmental impact review.

SPR regularly assists clients with integrating climate risk, decarbonization, and resiliency considerations—and related costs and liabilities—throughout the lifecycle of their real estate projects.  Greenhouse gas emissions, energy and water use, vulnerability to sea level rise and other climate impacts are relevant throughout the real estate lifecycle, from due diligence and acquisition/leasing; through design, environmental review, and permitting; to construction and operations.  Buyers, sellers, lessees, property managers, lenders, shareholders, and insurers all have a stake in these considerations, made all the more tangible with building emissions standards like NYC’s Local Law 97, SEC disclosure requirements, and corporate ESG goals.

SPR’s long-standing experience with environmental issues in real estate—paired with SPR’s early and active work on building decarbonization and resiliency—situate the firm as a skilled and knowledgeable advisor on climate risk and building sustainability planning and compliance. SPR provides actionable, strategic advice on waterfront planning for flood zones, building energy efficiency, and decarbonization, as well as detailed support for waterfront permitting, building code compliance, energy audits, green leases, penalty mitigation and defense, and the like.

These services are complemented by SPR’s expertise in transactional due diligence, environmental impact review and permitting, construction, and renewable energy development and project finance.