Energy & natural capital
Our integrated and multi-disciplinary energy team advises on all aspects of the energy and natural capital supply chain.
Overview
Harnessing the full power of Scotland’s resources
Scotland’s energy & natural capital sector plays an unparalleled role in the country’s economy and future prospects – and we are very much part of the efforts to harness the abundance of energy that makes the country rich in energy potential, while recognising the impact a sustainable future has on our economy and communities.
Our award-winning energy & natural capital group is a multi-disciplinary team of highly experienced lawyers who provide innovative legal advice on every aspect of the energy supply chain, from planning permission and property advice for wind and minerals projects, to advice on securing funding, negotiating community benefits and taking advantage of incentives.
Our renewable energy solicitors have advised on completed renewable electricity projects totalling more than 6GW of installed capacity – more than 40% of total renewable electricity development installed in Scotland.
We are involved in some of Scotland’s largest energy and energy-related projects including vital infrastructure, housing and the built environment, natural capital, and the rural and marine economies.
Climate change and net zero
At Harper Macleod, we put climate change at the heart of our practice. Our specialists throughout the firm advise organisations and businesses on projects across Scotland and beyond on issues which affect and are affected by the need to make significant changes to the way we all do things. These projects are significant contributors to Scotland and the UK’s efforts to reach net zero targets.
Our impact on the environment
We aim to make a positive contribution towards a greener planet in our own internal practices and policies, with the aim to achieve net zero by 2045. Our net zero journey is underpinned by our ESG framework, which includes our Sustainability Policy, Carbon Reduction Plan and ESG Route Map.
Our framework commits us to sustainable practices and minimising our environmental impact. Since 2018, we have reduced electricity consumption by 21% and total emissions by 46%.
In 2024, and for the second year running, we were named ESG Firm of the Year at the Legal 500 Scotland Awards. We were also recommended in Legal 500’s Green Guide 2025, the only Scottish-headquartered firm to be included.
THE TEAM
Our multi-disciplinary team of energy lawyers advise businesses and organisations on all aspects of the energy and natural capital sector.
HM Publications
Read our report on the future of Scotland’s natural capital
The Blueprint
Overview
In partnership with AtkinsRealis, we brought together stakeholders with a direct interest in Scotland’s public sector built environment. The Blueprint is a culmination of those discussions, focusing on innovative funding in housing partnerships, retrofitting at scale, community building, and city centre regeneration, all under the lens of achieving net zero goals.
Read the latest publication
Green Freeports – An empowered opportunity
Overview
During Harper Macleod’s third annual Marine Economy Week, we published a report into Scotland’s two new Green Freeports in the Forth, and Inverness and the Cromarty Firth.
These two new trading zones are being created to enhance investment, jobs and regeneration, and will be key assets in Scotland’s marine economy. Our report looks at the work that’s been done so far, and the impact these Green Freeports could have in the future.
This report has been produced following two roundtable events with stakeholder representatives who covered a wide spectrum of interests, including local authorities, development agencies, business groups, infrastructure providers, skills development and other professional advisors, as well as representatives from each of the Green Freeports themselves. Thank you to our attendees for their time and insights.
The discussions were constructive and wide-ranging, spanning issues such as public and private sector collaboration, international investment, skills, local infrastructure provision and the transformative potential both zones can deliver for their respective communities.
Read the report
Marine Economy Week
Overview
Harper Macleod’s fourth annual Marine Economy Week looked at a wide variety of Scotland’s rich and diverse maritime sector and its related industries.
When you consider that Scotland’s coastline is around 11,500 miles long, more than four times that of England, it underlines the importance of our waters to the economy, natural habitats and communities. Alongside that, with Scotland’s two Green Freeports hitting key milestones and the new Labour government aiming to increase the offshore wind output, global investors are actively looking at major opportunities on our doorstep.
Our programme of virtual events featured a live webinar where attendees will had the opportunity to put questions to our panellists, and on-demand videos available to be watched at any time.
We’ve also be published new insights and articles covering a range of marine topics.
