ESG & Sustainability Consulting

What Is Sustainability Consulting?

This type of consulting involves working with external experts who help businesses assess, plan, and implement strategies that reduce their environmental and social impact. As consultants, we work across energy, carbon, supply chains, social responsibility, and governance to align your company with stakeholder expectations and regulatory standards.

Think of it as bringing in a team that knows exactly how to build your eco foundation, then trains you to run with it.

Why Businesses Turn to Consultants

Companies typically reach out when:

1. A large customer requests environmental documentation or certifications
2. Investors ask about emissions or ESG commitments
3. Internal teams need expert support with reporting or compliance
4. The business wants to improve performance or reputation through eco-friendly practices

Whether it’s writing a first environmental policy or submitting data to CDP or EcoVadis, a consultant can guide the process efficiently and credibly.

Primary Role of Consultants

Here’s what working with a consultant generally includes:

1. Audit and Assessment

We start by identifying what you already have, maybe an ethics code or employee handbook, and what you’re missing, like an environmental policy or human rights statement. We also review existing operational data around energy, waste, or water.

2. Strategic Planning

Consultants build a roadmap based on short- and long-term goals. For example, this year might be focused on writing baseline reports, while next year involves submitting targets through the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

3. Operational Efficiency

This is where real transformation begins. We identify how to lower your carbon footprint and increase energy savings through practical changes like upgrading equipment, rethinking packaging, or exploring renewable energy options.

4. Governance and Reporting

Consultants help you avoid greenwashing by formalizing policies and reporting accurately. This builds trust with stakeholders and ensures alignment with frameworks like GRI or ISO standards.

5. Stakeholder Engagement

We train internal teams, guide employee education, and set up systems for ongoing communication. The goal is not just compliance, but cultural alignment.

6. Continuous Improvement

Becoming a more eco-conscious business is never one-and-done. We help businesses track progress, adapt targets, and stay aligned with evolving standards.

Real-World Case Studies

IKEA: Circular Economy Integration

IKEA worked with consultants to improve product life cycle management. The outcome included modular product design, sustainable materials, and product takeback programs, all tied to core business strategy.

Patagonia: Worn Wear Deep Dive

Patagonia hired specialists to improve their repair and reuse program. Consultants helped them rethink waste management and product sourcing to enhance circularity and customer loyalty.

Unilever: Sustainable Sourcing Strategy

Unilever partnered with consultants to develop a comprehensive sustainable sourcing policy. For example, they committed to 100% sustainable palm oil and created specific certification requirements for suppliers.

Steps to Work with a Consultant

1. Define your goals – What are your stakeholders asking for?
2. Find the right fit – Look for consultants with relevant expertise (e.g., certifications, supply chain, carbon).
3. Create a clear scope of work – Outline deliverables, timelines, and collaboration style.
4. Engage your team – Involve internal stakeholders early in the process.
5. Implement recommendations – From policy creation to operational changes.
6. Measure impact – Track emissions, costs, and performance metrics.
7. Plan for continuity – Decide whether to keep the consultant long-term or transition to in-house staff.

How We Help at This Rock

At This Rock, we have supported over 40 businesses across multiple industries. Many had no sustainability program in place when we began. Together, we built foundational documents, collected baseline data, trained teams, and submitted for recognized certifications.

Our role is to help you move from uncertainty to action, from compliance requests to measurable progress.