Businesses are under pressure to become more sustainable with regulations expanding and consumers becoming more aware of environmental issues.

Without specialised knowledge and expertise, it can be really difficult to transform a business and embed ESG in operational strategy. 

Consulting firms with experience in sustainability can bring the skills needed for sustainable transformation and preparation for a green economy.

We’ve ranked 10 of the top sustainable consulting firms.

10: EcoEngineers

EcoEngineers is a consulting, advisory and audit firm that focuses exclusively on the energy transition. Its services include asset development, life cycle analysis, compliance management and regulatory engagement.

When CEO Shashi Menon was made redundant in 2009 he contemplated the twin faces of scarcity and abundance, which led him to founding EcoEngineers. 

He says: “Now, EcoEngineers is one of the leading consultancies supporting a host of Fortune 500 companies through the energy transition.

“It is exciting, overwhelming, and thoroughly satisfying.”

9: Bain & Company

Bain & Co. has established itself as a frontrunner in sustainability consulting, offering services that span from strategy development to organisational transformation. 

It has been a carbon neutral company since 2012 and became net negative carbon in 2021. Bain & Co. uses 100% renewable energy.

Jean-Charles van den Branden, Global Sustainability Practice Leader at Bain & Co., says: “Every industry is facing seismic shifts, creating a unique chance for forward-thinking leaders to shape the future.”

8: KPMG

Research from KPMG estimates companies with strong ESG practices can achieve up to 33% higher operating profits than those without, so the company aims to bring these benefits to those it supports alongside its own business. 

KPMG offers support across climate and nature strategy, energy transition, DE&I, supply chain sustainability and sustainable finance. The firm’s global reach allows it to provide localised insights while leveraging international best practices.

7: Accenture

Accenture’s research shows just 18% of companies are cutting emissions fast enough to reach net zero by 2050 and it aims to support more businesses to boost this percentage. 

The company offers a wide range of sustainability services and is committed to driving positive environmental and social impact. Its global scale allows for tailored sustainability support. 

It aims to reduce its Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 80% and Scope 3 by 55% by 2030.

6: PwC

PwC leverages advanced technologies to help clients improve their sustainability performance and produce measurable results. It has ambitious sustainability goals of its own, aiming to achieve 100% carbon emissions removal by 2030. 

Mohamed Kande, PwC’s Global Chairman, says: “We remain committed to a sustainable future. That’s why sustainability is at the heart of our global strategy. We are not just adapting to change; we are driving it. Together, we can and will make a difference.”

5: Boston Consulting Group

Boston Consulting Group (BCG) offers a range of sustainability services and leverages its partnerships with organisations such as the World Economic Forum. 

The consultancy has its own dedicated Climate and Sustainability Hub in the Middle East.

“With abundant renewable resources, deep technological know-how and a drive to innovate, the region has the opportunity to take bold and targeted actions to address the global climate crisis and improve Middle East sustainability,” says Shelly Trench, Senior Partner and Managing Director at BCG.

4: Deloitte

Deloitte offers end-to-end sustainability services that support organisations to embed sustainability into their core operations, including developing ESG strategies, managing climate risks and meeting regulatory requirements. 

Joe Ucuzoglu, Deloitte’s Global CEO, says: “We are seeing more organisations looking to transform their core business models to address climate change, leverage climate action to drive innovation and growth, create new value for their stakeholders and differentiate themselves from their competitors.”

3: ERM

ERM is the world’s largest consultancy with a pure focus on sustainability issues, allowing it to provide highly specialised services across a variety of industries. 

Tom Reichert, Group CEO at ERM says: “For more than 50 years, ERM has helped clients to operationalize sustainability throughout their organisations. 

“Working with clients, partners and the broader sustainability ecosystem, we are committed to helping organisations build resilience and translate sustainability strategies into commercial success.”

2: EY

EY offers a wide range of sustainability services, from creating ESG strategies that deliver long-term value to implementing change projects across the value chain. 

It became carbon negative in 2021 and aims to achieve net zero in 2025, setting a leading example for the businesses it supports. It is investing in services, technology and products to support its clients’ sustainability journeys alongside its own. 

“In today’s fast-evolving landscape, the urgency for businesses to take meaningful action to be genuinely more sustainable is greater than ever,” says Matthew Bell, EY Global Climate Change and Sustainability Services Leader.

“Whether it’s delivering integrated sustainability assurance services through our ‘one team’ approach or leveraging connected technology platforms, we are here to support organisations so that together we can shape a more sustainable future with confidence.”

1: McKinsey & Company

McKinsey’s specialised platform, McKinsey Sustainability, aims to support clients across industries in transforming their sustainability functions. The firm has aims to halve its own emissions by 2030. 

In 2022, around 80% of global emissions reductions were represented by McKinsey clients. 

Bob Sternfels, Global Managing Partner at McKinsey, says: “We aspire to be the largest private‑sector catalyst for decarbonisation. That begins with our client work, which included 1,720 sustainability engagements with 761 clients in 2023 alone. 

“Creating positive, enduring change means working side by side with leaders from idea to impact delivery. We encourage them to take action and we build their capabilities to help them continue driving transformative impact over time. 

“It’s our privilege to serve our clients and communities in this way, and I’m humbled to help add this chapter to the nearly 100‑year story of our firm.”

To read the full article in the magazine, click HERE.

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