Law and Sustainability
Law and Sustainability
vvz. No.: 2614
OLAT: Law and Sustainability HS25
| Time | Thursday, 2 - 3:45 pm |
| Duration | 25. September - 18. December |
| Location | SOD 1 104 Ausnahmen: 25. Sept. 2025, KO2 F 152, 12:15 - 15:45 Uhr 5. Dez. 2025, HAH E 11 |
| Programs | Master of Law, International Students, LL.M. Students |
| Professors | Alexander/Atamer/Busch/Darbellay/Domej/Heinemann/Heiss/Kaufmann/Weber |
Content
The course will explore different legal aspects related to sustainability. Delving into the intricate interplay between law and sustainability, it will discuss the role of law and regulation in enhancing sustainable business practices. The study of international standards will illustrate how global developments contribute to shaping sustainability laws. The course will start with a general introduction to the UN sustainable development goals and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct. It will then go into details of the relevant private law aspects, with a specific focus on Swiss and European Union law, encompassing contract and tort law, insurance law, and private international law. It will also cover the topic of sustainability from the corporate, economic and financial law perspective, including aspects such as banking regulation, capital markets law and competition law. Students will develop a holistic understanding of the current legal framework while staying abreast of recent developments that pave the way for future reforms of the legal framework.
Upon completion of this course, students will acquire the ability to evaluate the importance of international standards in the realm of sustainability. They will also be able to compare their relevant national legal provisions, with a specific focus on Swiss and European Union law. Recognizing the fact that sustainability encompasses a diverse array of legal topics, students will develop the skill to adopt a holistic approach, facilitating the establishment of connections between various legal disciplines. In so doing, they will gain proficiency in understanding the interrelated nature of legal aspects contributing to sustainability. Finally, the course will engage students in a critical analysis of deficiencies and gaps within the existing legal framework, equipping them with the capacity to identify areas for improvement and potential avenues for legal reform in the context of sustainability.
Structure
| Dates | Topic | Professor |
|---|---|---|
|
25.09. 12:15 - 15:45 Doppelstunde |
Taking Global Action: The UN Sustainable Development Goals and Beyond (with a Focus on States) Corporate Conduct and Sustainability (UNGP, OECD Guidelines etc. with Focus on Private Actors) |
Kaufmann KO2 F 152 |
| 2.10. | Corporate Law and Sustainability: Corporate Governance | Darbellay |
| 9.10. | Financial Markets Law and Sustainability: Disclosure and Green Funds | Darbellay |
| 16.10. | Investment Management and Sustainability | Busch |
| 23.10. |
Financial Markets Law and Sustainability: Risk Management and Greenwashing |
Weber |
| 30.10. |
Banking Regulation and Sustainability |
Alexander |
| 6.11. |
Sustainable Insurance |
Heiss |
| 13.11. |
Competition Law and Sustainability: Environmental Economics; Sustainability Agreements |
Heinemann |
| 20.11. | Competition Law and Sustainability: Unsustainable Conduct as Abuse of a Dominant Position; Sustainability in Merger Control | Heinemann |
| 27.11. |
Enforcement through Courts |
Domej |
| 4.12. |
Tort Law and Sustainability: Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (EU) and Parallel National Regulation |
Atamer |
| Fr, 5.12. |
Consumer Law and Sustainability |
Atamer |
| 11.12. |
International Sales Law and Sustainability |
Atamer |
Organization of the Course
The class will be held in person, podcasts will be made available after each session.
PowerPoint presentations and some reading materials will be provided. Please consult the OLAT page of the course regularly for further information.
Exam
The examination will be oral, will last 15 minutes, and will be held on 18.-19. December 2025.
Please make sure to regularly check the general information on exams at the University of Zurich, which you can find here.