[Policy Update] Supreme People's Court Issues Judicial Interpretation on Temporal Validity of Ecological and Environmental Code

📰 News Highlight

On August 6, 2026, the Supreme People's Court (SPC) officially issued several provisions regarding the temporal validity of the Ecological and Environmental Code of the People's Republic of China.

⚙️ Core Components

1.       Adherence to Non-Retroactivity: The provisions strictly adhere to Article 104 of the Legislation Law, upholding the principle that laws generally do not apply retroactively, while outlining clear exceptions where retroactive application is favorable to justice.

2.       Standardized Temporal Criteria: The provisions establish the timing of legal facts that gave rise to the environmental dispute as the primary standard for legal application.

💡 Key Takeaways

1.       Ensuring Legal Certainty and Predictability: By clarifying the temporal boundaries between legacy environmental legislation and the new Ecological and Environmental Code, the SPC eliminates judicial ambiguity for pending and future environmental litigation, ensuring a smooth statutory transition for businesses operating in China.

2.       Elevating Environmental Judicial Efficiency: Standardized rules for legal applicability provide clear adjudicative criteria for local courts across China, facilitating more efficient, consistent, and equitable resolution of complex ecological and environmental disputes nationwide.

[Market Update] Envision Group with Energy and Chemical Giant Sasol to Advance Green Hydrogen

📰 News Highlight

Recently, Envision Group officially established a strategic partnership with Sasol, a global integrated energy and chemical company. Under the agreement, the two industry leaders will jointly carry out a green hydrogen system design study at Sasol’s flagship manufacturing site in Sasolburg, South Africa.

💡 Key Takeaways

1.       Full-Stack Optimization for Cost-Competitive Green Hydrogen: Leveraging its end-to-end expertise across renewable generation, energy storage, electrolyzers, and AI-driven energy management, Envision will deliver an integrated system design optimized for local grid conditions and operational demands.

2.       Unlocking Next-Generation E-Fuels and Green Chemicals: Scheduled for completion within 2026, the comprehensive feasibility and design study will establish foundational technical and commercial references for future investment decisions.

[Carbon Market]

During August 03 – August 07, the total transaction volume of Carbon Emission Allowances (CEA) in the Chinese National Carbon Market reached 5,629,796 tons, with a total transaction value of USD 80,179,016.84. The highest price was USD 14.42/ton, and the lowest price was USD 13.99/ton. For bulk agreement transactions, the volume was 3,691,736 tons, with a transaction value of USD 51,930,921.77.