Clauses that deliver legally enforceable decarbonisation through contracts are available from today copyright-free for attorneys and others in the US under the latest initiative by The Chancery Lane Project.

The UK initiative collaborated with US attorneys to publish 10 climate clauses use in contracts under US law. The clauses can be written into commercial agreements and other legal documents, enabling parties to legally address climate risks and regulatory requirements.

Climate contracting, which involves using clauses that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in contracts, has gained momentum and continues to grow in popularity, the Chancery Lane Project said. The project is the largest global network of lawyers and business leaders working in the area, with some 3,600 professionals collaborating.  

The 10 US clauses span legal practice areas such as construction, commercial transactions, and energy, and differ in climate ambition.

Becky Annison, the project’s head of engagement, said: 'Contracts, once signed, lock in carbon emissions for the duration, so early insertion of climate clauses is vital. Many lawyers now realize the power of contracts to make or break climate goals and manage climate risk and are gearing up their teams to take action. The publication of many of our clauses in the United States provides an amazing opportunity to American businesses to get a jump start. We look forward to seeing how these clauses pave the way for new legal solutions to climate issues in American contracts as they do in the UK.’