The NOVA Knowledge Centre for Business, Human Rights and the Environment
The NOVA Knowledge Centre for Business, Human Rights and the Environment (NOVA BHRE) is an innovative and multidisciplinary academic centre within the Nova School of Law. It was founded by its current director Claire Bright, and is supported by a team composed of experts both from NOVA School of Law and NOVA School of Business & Economics (NOVA SBE) as well as external experts from all around the world.
The main goal of the NOVA BHRE is to foster responsible business conduct that upholds respect for human rights, decent work and environmental standards throughout their entire global value chains, thereby also advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The centre is focused on applied academic work, which puts the latest academic research directly into practice, and clarifies the role of law in corporate sustainability.
News
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NOVA BHRE Newsletter July 2026
Upcoming events, activities, publications and blog posts.
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NOVA BHRE Newsletter June 2026
Upcoming events, activities, publications and blog posts.
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NOVA BHRE Newsletter May 2026
Upcoming events, activities, publications and blog posts.
Our latest blog post
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Combatting Green Washing and Promoting More Sustainable Consumption: The EU Empowering Consumers Directive
The EU Empowering Consumers Directive (EmpCo), which aims to protect consumers from misleading sustainability claims and amends the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (UCPT), enters into application on 27 September 2026. This blog explores the Directive’s key reforms, including new bans on greenwashing practices, stricter requirements for sustainability labels and environmental claims, and enhanced protections against practices that undermine product durability and repairability. It further considers the implications of these rules for businesses, particularly in relation to human rights and environmental due diligence, and highlights practical measures companies should take to prepare for compliance.