ERM’s Commitment to Decarbonisation and a Sustainable Future

As global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and social inequality continue to intensify, organisations are increasingly seeking expert guidance to navigate evolving landscapes. 

Environmental Resources Management (ERM) has established itself as a leading force in sustainability consulting, partnering with organisations worldwide to drive meaningful change. 

Through its expertise, innovation and commitment to collaboration, ERM continues to help shape a more sustainable future for businesses, communities and the planet.

Sustainable change through innovation

Since its founding in 1971, the company has built a reputation for excellence in environmental, health, safety, risk and social consulting, supporting clients across a wide range of industries. 

ERM’s purpose, to shape a sustainable future with the world’s leading organisations, guides every aspect of its work and aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The company combines technical expertise with a practical “boots-to-boardroom” approach, ensuring clients receive support at every level of decision-making. 

Operating in more than 40 countries, ERM’s global network of experts collaborates to address complex sustainability challenges while identifying opportunities for long-term value creation. 

Through continuous investment in innovation, technology and data-driven solutions, ERM remains at the forefront of sustainability consulting and corporate transformation.

The ERM Foundation

A key part of ERM’s sustainability commitment is demonstrated through the ERM Foundation, which was established in 1995 to support nonprofit organisations and social enterprises worldwide. 

The Foundation combines grant funding, professional pro bono services and employee volunteering to deliver measurable contributions toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

Its work focuses on promoting sustainable livelihoods, advancing human rights, tackling modern slavery and supporting a nature-positive, net zero future. 

“The ERM Foundation sits at the heart of our business, bringing our purpose and beliefs to life through the passion and commitment of our people,” says Sabine Hoefnagel, Interim CEO of ERM, on LinkedIn.

“This year’s Annual Review highlights the meaningful impact we continue to deliver with our partners around the world, supporting 46 non-profit and social enterprise organisations across 28 countries.

“From technical pro bono support to grant funding and volunteering, our teams are helping to shape a more sustainable future, whether that’s exploring innovative solutions in biodiversity and carbon or strengthening the capabilities of organisations working on the ground.

“As we build on more than 30 years of the ERM Foundation, I’m incredibly proud of what we’re achieving together and the difference our people continue to make in communities globally.”

Over the past three decades, the Foundation has distributed more than US$7.4m in grant funding, provided more than 21,500 hours of technical pro bono support and helped protect, restore or rewild more than 480,000 hectares of land. 

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The Foundation has also contributed to improving access to clean water and sanitation for more than three million livelihoods globally. 

By leveraging ERM’s expertise and the passion of its employees, the Foundation continues to create meaningful social and environmental impact in communities around the world.

Leading a sustainability vision

As Interim CEO, Sabine brings nearly three decades of sustainability consulting experience and a deep commitment to ERM’s purpose. 

Having joined ERM in 2000 as a Senior Consultant, she has progressed through a series of leadership roles, including Global Director of Strategy and Global Leader of Sustainability and Risk, before assuming the Interim CEO position in 2026. 

“I am honoured to step into the role of interim CEO of ERM, the company that has been my professional home for the last 25 years,” writes Sabine after her Interim CEO appointment.

“As the world’s largest sustainability consultancy, we have a unique platform of extraordinary talent and brilliant experts united by the same purpose of shaping a sustainable future with the world’s leading organisations. 

“I joined this company — and I stayed — because of that purpose. The work we do matters. It has always mattered and in today's volatile and uncertain world, it matters more than ever.

“I care deeply about our people, our clients and the impact we have together on the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges. 

“I look forward to steering ERM through to the next phase of its growth journey and, together with our partners and wider stakeholders, increasing our positive impact on the world. “

Her expertise spans sustainability strategy, human rights, social performance management and risk assessment across sectors including finance, energy, mining, manufacturing, chemicals and agribusiness. 

Prior to ERM, Sabine worked as a legal specialist for the United Nations Environment Programme, collaborating with major international institutions and development organisations to advance sustainability initiatives. 

She is also a member of the Supervisory Board of Rewilding Europe, reflecting her commitment to addressing climate change, nature loss and social inequity. 

Under her leadership, ERM aims to help clients unlock commercial opportunities that align environmental, climate and social objectives while continuing to increase the company’s positive impact on global sustainability challenges.