Environmental Protection & Waste Management

Environmental law is crucial today because it effectively determines whether investments - especially energy and infrastructure projects - can proceed at all. Rapidly evolving EU regulations (ETS, CBAM, the Taxonomy) and increasing administrative requirements mean that companies need precise legal guidance to avoid risks, penalties and delays. At the same time, investors and financial institutions condition financing on environmental and ESG compliance, making these issues a strategic element of doing business. As a result, environmental law has become one of the most important practice areas for modern law firms.

Our environmental law practice supports private and public clients across the full spectrum of regulatory, investment and compliance matters. We advise entities from the energy, industrial, infrastructure, municipal and financial sectors, operating at the intersection of law, technology and the energy environmental transition. Our advisory services cover both day to day environmental obligations and comprehensive support for investments, permitting processes, administrative proceedings and disputes.

Key Areas of Expertise

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance

We advise on obligations arising under environmental law, including:

  • industrial emissions (IED), air emissions, noise, vibration and odor nuisance,
  • waste management, including hazardous, municipal and industrial waste,
  • soil contamination and land remediation,
  • water and wastewater management, water law permits and water services,
  • packaging, extended producer responsibility (EPR), batteries, electrical and electronic equipment,
  • reporting and registry obligations (BDO, KOBIZE, PRTR),
  • EU regulations such as REACH, CLP, EU ETS, CBAM, F gases and Ecodesign,
  • compliance in the energy, fuels and emissions sectors, including SENT and DIWASS.

We conduct compliance audits, prepare internal procedures and represent clients during inspections by environmental and regulatory authorities.

Environmental Permits

We have extensive experience in handling proceedings concerning:

  • environmental impact assessment decisions (EIA/DUŚ),
  • integrated permits (IPPC),
  • sectoral permits (air, waste, noise, water),
  • water law permits and approvals for water services,
  • location and construction decisions related to environmental impact,
  • permits for the use of environmental resources,
  • operational permits for energy and industrial installations.

We represent clients in appeals, administrative court proceedings and disputes involving the blocking of investments by environmental organizations.

Renewable Energy and Energy Infrastructure Projects

We advise at all stages of project development, including:

  • photovoltaic farms,
  • onshore and offshore wind farms,
  • battery energy storage systems (BESS),
  • biogas and biomethane installations,
  • hybrid projects.

Our support includes:

  • environmental due diligence,
  • obtaining environmental decisions and permits,
  • EIA procedures,
  • land access and grid connection matters,
  • negotiating EPC/BoP, O&M and PPA agreements.

Advisory for Industrial and Energy Intensive Sectors

We support industrial operators in:

  • meeting environmental and emissions requirements,
  • optimizing energy and fuel procurement costs,
  • participating in support schemes (e.g., compensation for energy intensive sectors).

Disputes and Administrative Proceedings

We represent clients before administrative authorities and courts in matters involving:

  • environmental decisions and permits,
  • concessions and concession conditions,
  • refusal of grid connection,
  • administrative penalties for environmental violations,
  • disputes concerning infrastructure investments,
  • domestic and international arbitration,
  • transboundary shipment of waste.

Legislative and Public Affairs Support

We assist clients in legislative processes by:

  • monitoring regulatory developments,
  • preparing legal opinions and position papers,
  • representing clients in public consultations and developing industry standards.
Why us?
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In our work, we emphasize efficiency, transparency, and proper communication.

We understand that we are entrusted with managing strategic projects and are always available. We strive not only to answer questions but, above all, to address the real business needs of our clients.

SK&S lawyers are recommended in national and international rankings (Legal 500, Chambers & Partners, IFLR 1000).