News analysis

In the second instalment of this special series, Environment Analyst examines how consultancies are responding internally to the complex challenges of climate change mitigation and measuring their wider sustainability impacts.

Notable acquirers in the environmental and sustainability advisory space in recent weeks include Anthesis, NV5, WSP and ERM, demonstrating interests in climate data management and reporting, social justice and GIS.

The UK’s largest sustainability and circular economy consultancies are pushing ahead with global expansion plans, announcing acquisitions in the US, Germany and Australia.

Niche growth and innovation specialist is the latest purchase for private equity-backed firm.

Manchester University spin-out has achieved six-fold growth in revenue since first partnering with private equity backers in 2019.

Tikehau Capital takes stake in London-based sustainability advisory and solutions specialist in line with its portfolio decarbonisation strategy, to help realise Anthesis’ global growth ambitions.

Acquisition of ConTREEbute sustainability and offsetting consultancy in Columbia adds 70 staff in two offices and new clients across the region.

Merger with Ndevr Environmental will provide five offices in Australia for UK-headquartered consultancy — and its first presence in the country.

Change is happening quickly in the Middle East — a seemingly unlikely hotspot for a sustainability boom — as Simon Pickup, managing director at Anthesis Middle East, explains to Will Hatchett.

Investment from global private equity giant is intended to expand Anthesis’ ESG and sustainability offering, widen its international footprint and strengthen Carlyle’s ESG strategy.

Merger with ESG advisory firm adds regulatory, ethics and anti-corruption expertise and offices in London, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, New York, Singapore and Zurich.

Framework customised to suit specific investment characteristics expected to be “game-changing” in decarbonising portfolio companies.

In two newly published books, leaders from the environmental and social consultancy world share their insights into business models and project management for sustainable enterprise.

Environmental & sustainability consultancies Anthesis, EcoAct and ERM have announced partnerships with tech firms to improve their ESG offer, while IBM says it is collaborating with the NYSE to enhance corporate ESG reporting.

Generative AI has transformational potential for the industry, but firms will need to get serious on investment, business strategy and risk mitigation in order to reap the benefits.

Anthesis Digital has released a software tool of specific relevance to local authorities’ net zero efforts, and which enables local plans to be automatically visualised and assessed.

Upgrading regulations and infrastructure in developing countries is necessary to reduce mismanaged plastic leaking into oceans from developing countries, says report.

Functions of ‘RouteZero’ include climate risk analysis, supply chain auditing, product footprinting, market analysis and carbon offsetting

This year's climate conference in Egypt produced five key takeaways for environmental and sustainability consulting firms to consider, suggests Jonathan Ballantine – with additional commentary from Anthesis.

EA’s latest industry data and research report reveals emergence of the sector's own ‘big four’ as environmental & sustainability consulting market sees record M&A activity and solid post-COVID recovery. 

Winners include Jacobs for transforming its internal net zero and sustainability performance; WSP’s game-changing acquisition of Golder; and RIO ESG’s role in developing an innovative AI-enabled ESG ratings platform

Purchase is third deal in six months for the London-headquartered global sustainability specialist, growing its team to more than 1,000 experts.

Sophisticated data capture and other innovative technologies are enabling more circular economies. Self-styled ‘sustainability activator’ Anthesis is helping to promote them. Technical director Simone Aplin and principal consultant Mark Sayers, explain how.

Palpable frustration followed acknowledgement that in 50 years only a tenth of the hundreds of sustainable development targets agreed between countries have seen significant progress.

An Environment Analyst panel explored progress being made by environmental & sustainability advisers in both facilitating and leading in a just transition - featuring business leaders from AECOM, Anthesis, ERM and WSP 

‘Sustainability activator’ Anthesis has enjoyed another boom year and — mirroring the marketplace into which it has blossomed — is still evolving quickly. Founder and CEO Stuart McLachlan revealed the thinking behind the doing in a Q&A with Environment Analyst.

Early M&A activity sees boutique Canadian agri-food outfit and Dutch net zero specialist added to British firm’s growing family

Aimed at the private equity sector and backed by a broad-based group of experts, the guidance was produced at no charge

The 650-strong sustainability consultancy appoints ex-Accenture executive Richa Jha

The largest changes to waste and recycling services in a generation are being introduced across the UK. Dr Adam Read, director of external affairs at SUEZ recycling and recovery UK and president of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), unpicks the implications for the environmental industry