The world is at a critical juncture in addressing climate change, with businesses across all sectors now recognizing the urgent need for sustainable transformation. Climate consultancy firms are rising to meet this demand, offering strategic guidance and innovative solutions.
From multinational giants to specialized firms focusing on niche areas of climate action, these consultancies are not only helping businesses comply with regulations but also driving them towards a more sustainable future.
Their work encompasses a wide range of services, including climate risk assessment, carbon management, and sustainable finance strategies. As stakeholders increasingly prioritize environmental responsibility, understanding the capabilities and offerings of these firms is essential for any organization looking to thrive in a changing world.
What is Climate Consulting?
Climate consultants provide a wide range of services to help organizations address climate change and sustainability challenges.
The climate consulting sector is witnessing exponential growth, driven by the urgent need for better environmental management in the corporate and public spheres.
Consultants offer vital expertise in emissions reduction, resilience-building, and ecological balance. Their services span policy research, climate modeling, and sustainability training for diverse organizations.
Consultants navigate complex regulatory landscapes while developing innovative solutions for clients. They bridge the gap between environmental imperatives and corporate objectives. This burgeoning field blends scientific knowledge with strategic business acumen.
Here is a video from Ugreen talking about Climate & Sustainability consultants and how they can help companies achieve their sustainability goals while also contributing to a circular economy.
The Booming Climate Consulting Landscape
The global climate change consulting market is experiencing rapid expansion. Valued at USD 6.04 billion in 2024, it’s projected to reach USD 9.37 billion by 2031. This surge reflects the increasing recognition of climate change as a critical business issue.
Climate consulting firms are riding a wave of unprecedented demand. Corporations are scrambling to adapt to a warming world and stringent regulations. Investors are demanding strong climate strategies, pushing businesses to seek expert guidance.
This sector’s growth, however, isn’t just about numbers. It’s a testament to shifting global priorities. Companies now view sustainability as a competitive advantage, not just a compliance issue. This paradigm shift is fueling the consulting boom.
Innovative solutions are emerging at breakneck speed. AI-powered climate consultant software, blockchain for carbon tracking, and IoT for real-time emissions monitoring are revolutionizing the field. These tech-driven approaches are attracting both clients and top talent.
Despite hurdles, opportunities abound. Emerging markets are embracing sustainability, opening new frontiers for consultants. Sector-specific expertise are becoming increasingly valuable.
From agriculture to finance, every industry will need tailored climate solutions. Climate consultants are shaping the business landscape of tomorrow, one strategy at a time.
When to Hire Climate Consultancy Firms
The decision to engage climate consultancy firms is becoming increasingly critical. As global temperatures rise, so does the urgency for businesses to act. But when is the right moment to bring in the experts?
Regulatory pressures are mounting at an unprecedented rate. Companies find themselves navigating a complex web of environmental laws and carbon pricing schemes. When compliance becomes a labyrinth, it’s time to call in the climate consultants.
Investor scrutiny is intensifying. ESG metrics are no longer optional but essential. If your sustainability reports are raising more questions than answers, climate consultants can provide clarity and direction.
Supply chain vulnerabilities are exposed as climate risks escalate. When extreme weather events threaten business continuity, consultants can help build climate resilience. Climate resilience consulting can assist with risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
Right now, technology is evolving at breakneck speed in the sustainability space. AI, blockchain, and IoT are transforming climate action. If your company is struggling to keep pace with these innovations, consultants can bridge the knowledge gap.
Competitive advantage is increasingly tied to sustainability performance. When rivals are outpacing you in green initiatives, it’s time to level the playing field. Climate consultants can help you leapfrog the competition with innovative strategies.
Employees, customers, and communities are demanding concrete climate action. Consultants can help align intentions with outcomes by making your climate action effort more impactful.
As climate change accelerates, the window for effective action narrows. The question isn’t if you’ll need climate consultants but when. Proactive engagement can mean the difference between leading the charge and playing catch-up in the race to a sustainable future.
What do Climate Consultancy Firms Have to Offer?
Climate consultancy firms are expanding their service portfolios to meet the evolving needs of businesses in a warming world. Their offerings span a wide range of critical areas, each designed to help organizations navigate the complex landscape of climate change. Here are some of the key services they provide:
1. Carbon Footprint Analysis
Consultants deploy sophisticated tools to measure emissions across entire value chains. They don’t just count carbon; they identify hotspots and prioritize reduction strategies.
2. Climate Risk Assessment
As extreme weather events intensify, climate risk assessment is gaining traction. Firms use advanced modeling to predict potential impacts on assets, operations, and supply chains. These insights drive resilience planning and inform strategic decisions.
3. Regulatory Compliance Support
With governments tightening environmental regulations, consultants help businesses stay ahead of the curve. They translate complex policies into actionable plans, ensuring clients avoid penalties and capitalize on incentives.
4. Sustainable Finance Advice
Sustainable finance is booming. Consultants guide companies through the maze of green bonds, ESG reporting, and climate-related financial disclosures. They help unlock new funding streams and satisfy investor demands for transparency.
5. Net-Zero Strategy Development
Net-zero strategy development has become a flagship offering. Firms craft tailored roadmaps to achieve carbon neutrality, balancing ambition with feasibility. They factor in emerging technologies, market trends, and stakeholder expectations.
6. Circular Economy Solutions
Circular economy solutions are gaining momentum. Consultants reimagine business models to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency. They identify opportunities for product redesign, recycling, and closed-loop systems.
7. Climate-Related Innovation Support
Climate-related innovation support is on the rise. Firms help companies develop low-carbon products and services, tapping into growing markets for sustainable solutions. They facilitate partnerships and guide R&D investments to drive green innovation.
As the climate crisis deepens, these services are no longer luxuries; they are essential tools for business survival and growth in a carbon-constrained world.
12 best Climate Consultancy Firms
In this section, we will review the 12 best climate consultancy firms that are promoting sustainability and resilience across various industries.
ERM (Environment Resources Management)
ERM (Environmental Resources Management) is the world’s largest advisory firm focused exclusively on sustainability, with over 50 years of experience in the field. The organization specializes in helping businesses navigate complex sustainability challenges, including climate change, environmental risks, and compliance with evolving regulations.
ERM operates in more than 40 countries and has a workforce of over 8,000 professionals dedicated to delivering innovative solutions for a sustainable future.
ERM offers comprehensive climate consulting services aimed at helping organizations achieve net-zero emissions. Their services include:
- Strategic Development: ERM partners with clients to translate corporate climate visions into actionable business models and strategies that align with commercial objectives.
- Risk and Opportunity Analysis: They provide detailed assessments of climate-related risks and opportunities, enabling organizations to make informed decisions regarding their operations and investments.
- Decarbonization Support: ERM assists clients in decarbonizing their operations by evaluating products and services, adjusting portfolios through mergers and acquisitions, and implementing effective change management processes.
Sustainable Square
Sustainable Square is a micro-multinational consultancy firm headquartered in the UAE, specializing in sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies.
Established to support organizations in enhancing their sustainability performance, Sustainable Square operates across five offices in Dubai, Mumbai, Accra, Bangkok, and Nairobi, serving clients in 15 different markets.
Their focus encompasses a wide range of services aimed at integrating sustainability into business practices and fostering responsible investment.
Sustainable Square offers a comprehensive suite of consultancy services aimed at helping organizations navigate the complexities of sustainability. Their primary focus areas include:
- ESG Integration and Disclosure: Assisting businesses in developing ESG frameworks to enhance transparency and accountability.
- Climate Change Mitigation: Crafting strategies to address climate challenges and promote net-zero goals.
- Responsible Investment: Guiding organizations in making socially responsible investment decisions that align with their sustainability objectives.
- Social Impact Strategies: Developing initiatives that create positive social change while driving business value.
Sustainable Square
Gaia Consulting, established in 1993 and based in Helsinki, Finland, is a prominent consultancy firm specializing in sustainability and climate-related services. The company operates under the ethos of “susformation,” which combines sustainability with transformation to support organizations in their green transitions toward responsible growth
Gaia Consulting offers a diverse range of consultancy services focused on various aspects of sustainability:
- Environmental Responsibility: Assisting organizations in implementing sustainable practices that align with environmental regulations and ethical standards.
- Cleantech Solutions: Providing expertise in clean technology to promote innovative and sustainable business models.
- Energy and Climate: Offering guidance on energy efficiency, climate change mitigation, and adaptation strategies.
- Risk Management: Helping clients identify and manage risks related to environmental impact and sustainability.
- Innovation and Finance: Supporting organizations in developing sustainable financial models and innovative solutions for long-term viability.
Pegasys Consulting
Pegasys Consulting is a prominent advisory firm based in Cape Town, South Africa, specializing in transformative development strategies for emerging economies.
With over 20 years of experience, Pegasys focuses on planning, designing, implementing, and assessing development and investment programs across various sectors, including climate resilience.
The firm aims to address complex developmental challenges by integrating local knowledge with international best practices.
Pegasys offers a comprehensive suite of climate consulting services aimed at enhancing resilience and sustainability in various regions. Their approach includes:
Climate Finance Readiness: Pegasys assists governments and organizations in preparing for climate finance opportunities. For instance, they have worked with Rwanda’s Green Fund (FONERWA) to develop the National Climate Resilience Investment Plan, which facilitates access to global climate finance.
Multi-Sectoral Investment Strategies: The firm emphasizes the importance of interconnected strategies that address climate impacts across different sectors. This includes the development of the Strategic Programme for Climate Resilience (SPCR), which identifies investment opportunities and mobilizes resources for climate-responsive projects.
Urban Planning and Infrastructure Development: Pegasys integrates climate resilience into urban planning initiatives. They have collaborated with the World Bank and local authorities in Rwanda to ensure that infrastructure projects consider climate risks.
Innovative Project Development: They focus on creating viable projects that balance client goals with local conditions. This includes proposals for nature-based urban resilience projects and sustainable transport initiatives that are positioned for funding under various global environmental facilities.
Stakeholder Engagement: Pegasys prioritizes engaging diverse stakeholders to foster ownership and collaborative decision-making. This approach helps ensure that climate strategies are inclusive and effective in addressing local needs.
Thinkthrough Consulting
Thinkthrough Consulting (TTC) is a multidisciplinary professional services firm based in New Delhi, India. The company is dedicated to providing advisory support primarily focused on sustainable development initiatives. Their expertise spans various sectors, including climate consultancy, where they offer tailored solutions to address environmental challenges.
ThinkThrough Consulting provides wide-ranging climate services tailored to enhance environmental sustainability and adaptive capacity. Their services include:
Sustainable Development Advisory: TTC specializes in advising organizations on sustainable practices that align with global standards and frameworks. This includes guidance on implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) effectively within their operations.
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: The firm provides strategic insights into climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. They help clients identify risks associated with climate change and develop actionable plans to reduce their carbon footprint.
Environmental Impact Assessments: Thinkthrough Consulting conducts comprehensive environmental impact assessments (EIAs) to evaluate the potential effects of projects on the environment. This service is crucial for clients looking to comply with regulatory requirements while promoting sustainability.
Capacity Building and Training:
TTC offers training programs aimed at enhancing the capacity of organizations and individuals in understanding and implementing sustainable practices, particularly in relation to climate resilience.
Policy Development Support: The firm assists governments and organizations in formulating policies that promote environmental sustainability and address climate-related issues effectively.
Genesis Analytics
Genesis Analytics is a prominent impact consultancy firm with deep African roots and global reach13. Founded in 1998 in Johannesburg, South Africa, the company has grown significantly over the past 25 years
Genesis recognizes climate change as a critical challenge of our era. Their Climate finance and economics practice focuses on:
- Increasing climate finance flows from higher to lower-income countries.
- Fostering private sector involvement in climate finance.
- Enhancing societal preparedness to address climate change proactively.
Tarutium Global Consulting
Tarutium Global Consulting, based in New Delhi, India, specializes in providing a range of consultancy services, including climate consultancy.
While specific details about their offerings are not available in the search results, here’s an overview of what such firms typically provide in the climate consulting sector.
Here are some of the diverse climate consulting services Tarutium offers.
Climate Risk Assessment: In-depth analysis of climate-related risks to evaluate potential impacts on operations, supply chains, and financial performance.
Carbon Footprint Measurement: Precise calculations of greenhouse gas emissions across various scopes, essential for setting reduction targets and ensuring compliance.
Sustainability Strategy Development: Tailored strategies that align with business goals while addressing environmental concerns and meeting stakeholder expectations.
ESG Reporting and Disclosure: Assistance in preparing comprehensive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reports to ensure compliance with global standards and enhance transparency.
Climate Change Adaptation Planning: Development of robust adaptation plans to build resilience against climate-related disruptions by identifying vulnerabilities and implementing mitigation measures.
Renewable Energy Transition: Guidance on transitioning to renewable energy sources, including feasibility assessments, technology recommendations, and implementation roadmaps.
Circular Economy Solutions: Innovative strategies to reduce waste, optimize resource use, and create sustainable business models, minimizing environmental impact while uncovering new revenue streams.
EcoAct
EcoAct is a leading international sustainability consultancy and project developer that specializes in helping companies tackle climate change and achieve their environmental goals
Founded in France in 2005, EcoAct has grown to span three continents with offices across Europe, North America, and Africa.
EcoAct offers a comprehensive range of climate consultancy services:
Carbon Footprint Measurement: They help companies calculate and understand their carbon emissions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3.
Science-Based Target Setting: EcoAct assists organizations in developing robust, science-aligned net-zero strategies.
Sustainability Reporting: They support clients with CDP reporting, TCFD disclosures, and other sustainability reporting frameworks.
Carbon Offsetting: EcoAct provides guidance on voluntary carbon offsetting and develops projects to reduce carbon footprints.
Climate Risk Assessment: They help companies analyze climate-related risks and conduct scenario analyses.
Quantis
Founded in 2006, Quantis has grown to over 250 environmental experts and transformation specialists across Europe and the US.
They partner with major organizations worldwide to create climate strategy, emissions reduction planning, and science-based target setting. Quantis tackles challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, water scarcity, and plastic pollution.
Quantis provides a variety of climate consulting services to help companies:
Climate Strategy Development: Crafting tailored strategies to align businesses with climate science and planetary boundaries.
Science-Based Target Setting: Helping companies set ambitious, credible emissions reduction targets based on the latest climate research.
Emissions Reduction Planning: Creating detailed roadmaps to guide organizations in cutting their greenhouse gas emissions effectively.
Climate Risk Analysis: Assessing potential climate-related risks and opportunities to inform business decisions and strategies.
Carbon Pricing Strategies: Developing internal carbon pricing mechanisms to drive emissions reductions and inform investment decisions.
Life Cycle Assessments: Conducting comprehensive analyses of products’ environmental impacts throughout their entire life cycles.
Environmental Footprinting: Measuring and quantifying a company’s overall environmental impact across various categories.
Scenario Modeling: Projecting potential future scenarios to help businesses prepare for different climate-related outcomes.
Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitating collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to drive climate action across value chains.
ICF
ICF International is a global consulting and technology services company that provides strategic solutions across various industries, including climate and environmental services.
As a leader in climate consultancy, ICF combines deep domain expertise with cutting-edge technologies to help clients address complex environmental challenges.
Energy and Environment: ICF offers expertise in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and environmental impact assessments. They help clients transition to cleaner energy sources and develop sustainable practices.
Climate Resilience: The company assists organizations and governments in assessing climate risks and developing adaptation strategies. This includes analyzing vulnerabilities and implementing measures to enhance resilience.
Sustainability Planning: ICF supports clients in creating and implementing comprehensive sustainability strategies. They provide guidance on reducing carbon footprints, improving resource efficiency, and meeting environmental regulations.
FTI Consulting
FTI Consulting has established itself as a powerhouse in the global business advisory landscape. Founded in 1982, FTI Consulting boasts a workforce of over 8,000 professionals spread across 84 cities in 31 countries1.
With its executive headquarters in Washington, DC, the company has built a reputation for providing expert-driven consulting services to Fortune 500 companies, leading law firms, and major institutions worldwide.
FTI Consulting’s expansive global footprint allows it to offer comprehensive climate consultancy services.
Climate Risk Assessment: Evaluating potential climate-related risks that could impact business operations and financial performance.
Sustainability Reporting: Assisting organizations in developing transparent sustainability reports that comply with regulatory requirements and stakeholder expectations.
ESG Initiatives: Helping clients implement Environmental, Social, and Governance strategies to improve sustainability practices and enhance corporate reputation.
Regulatory Compliance: Guiding businesses through the complexities of environmental regulations and climate policies to ensure compliance.
Clean Energy Transition Planning: Supporting organizations in strategizing their transition to renewable energy sources and sustainable practices.
3Keel
3Keel is an award-winning sustainability consultancy based in Oxford, UK, that focuses on making systems, supply chains, and landscapes fit for the future.
Founded in 2013, the company has established itself as a leader in providing expert advice on climate change and sustainability issues
3Keel offers comprehensive climate change consulting services, leveraging their team’s combined 40+ years of experience. Their climate-related offerings include:
Understanding Emissions: The consultancy helps organizations assess and quantify their greenhouse gas emissions across various operational activities and supply chain processes.
Strategy Development: 3Keel assists clients in creating robust climate strategies, including setting science-based targets and developing net-zero plans.
Risk Assessment: They work with businesses to identify and evaluate climate-related risks and opportunities.
Implementation Support: The firm provides guidance on implementing climate action plans and improving energy efficiency.
Other Sustainability Services: In addition to climate change,
- 3Keel offers expertise in several related areas:
- Sustainable Commodities
- Circular Economy
- Resilient Agriculture
- Nature and Biodiversity
- Bespoke Research
Facing Climate Challenges: A Call to Action
These leading firms are not just consultants; they’re catalysts for transformation. By offering cutting-edge solutions in carbon footprint analysis, climate risk assessment, and net-zero strategy development, they empower organizations to thrive in a low-carbon future.
Their expertise in regulatory compliance and sustainable finance is proving invaluable as businesses adapt to evolving environmental standards and investor expectations.
In an era where climate issues are no longer a distant concern but an immediate reality, corporate organizations must face these challenges head-on. By proactively addressing climate change, businesses not only safeguard their future but also contribute to a more sustainable planet for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can climate consulting benefit my business?
Climate consulting firms can help your business reduce operational costs through energy efficiency, enhance brand reputation, ensure compliance with environmental regulations, mitigate climate-related risks, and identify new opportunities in the green economy.
Is climate consulting only for large corporations?
No, climate consulting is valuable for organizations of all sizes. While approaches may differ, small businesses, non-profits, and even local governments can benefit from climate consulting services tailored to their scale and needs.
How long does a typical climate consulting project take?
The duration can vary widely depending on the scope of the project. A basic carbon footprint assessment might take a few weeks, while developing and implementing a comprehensive sustainability strategy could be an ongoing process spanning months or even years.
References
Business Research Insights: Climate Change Consulting Market Size – Forecast To 2032
Coherent: Climate Change Consulting Market Size and Trends
KPMG Verdantix: Green Quadrant: Climate Change Consulting
ResearchGate: New development: Climate consulting and the transformation of climate governance
Deloitte: Deloitte 2024 CxO Sustainability Report