Sustainability is no longer a fringe concern for business leaders; it’s a strategic imperative. UK companies especially those in global hubs like London face growing regulatory expectations, investor demands, and operational challenges tied to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance.
Amid this backdrop, sustainability consulting companies play a pivotal role, helping organisations navigate complexity, build resilient strategies, and embed impactful, long‑term change that aligns with net‑zero ambitions and stakeholder priorities.
What Is Sustainability Consulting?
At its core, sustainability consulting involves professional advice and support to help organisations reduce their environmental impact, improve social outcomes, and build effective governance structures.
Unlike general business advisory, sustainability consulting spans a comprehensive view of a company’s footprint from carbon emissions to supply chain practices guiding clients toward more responsible and forward‑looking approaches. Sustainability consultants act as strategic partners, blending regulatory insight with practical implementation.
In the UK, where climate policy and corporate disclosure requirements are advancing rapidly, these consultants are increasingly essential. Businesses must contend with frameworks such as carbon reporting regulations and emerging ESG disclosure standards. Without expert guidance, many find it difficult to translate high‑level ambitions into measurable action.
How Do Sustainability Consultants Help UK Businesses Succeed?
A sustainability consultant’s value lies in translating abstract goals into achievable outcomes. For example, leading firms will work closely with a company’s leadership and operational teams to measure carbon footprints, identify strategic opportunities for energy reduction, and map out credible net‑zero strategies.
These consultants also help clients understand and report against accepted frameworks like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), while steering them through the UK’s changing regulatory landscape.
Beyond technical guidance, consultants foster internal capability educating staff, aligning leadership expectations, and helping establish meaningful KPIs. They help businesses avoid common pitfalls such as superficial “greenwashing” claims by grounding recommendations in real data and transparent methodologies.
Who Are the Top 10 Sustainability Consulting Companies in London in 2026?
1. Anthesis Group – “The Sustainability Activator”
Anthesis Group guides organisations toward sustainable performance through an impact‑led, end‑to‑end consulting approach that blends data analytics with practical implementation strategies. Their London team works across sectors to support ESG strategy, climate action planning, and operational sustainability integration.
With a global footprint and local UK expertise, Anthesis focuses on transforming business practices to deliver measurable environmental and social improvements. The firm is known for its purpose‑driven culture and science‑based methodologies, helping clients transition to decarbonised operations.
Anthesis’ consultants assist organisations at every stage, from baseline measurement to implementation and reporting. They have experience in aligning business goals with regulatory and stakeholder expectations. Anthesis also emphasises collaborative client engagement to embed sustainability into core business decisions.
- Website: https://www.anthesisgroup.com/
- Phone: +44 (0)1865250818
- London Office: 26–29 St Cross Street, Farringdon, EC1N 8UH, London
- Email/Form: via website contact page
2. Carbon Trust – “Accelerating the Move to Net Zero”
The Carbon Trust is an expert climate partner with decades of experience helping organisations cut emissions, boost resource efficiency, and accelerate their net‑zero journeys. Originally established with UK government backing, the Trust has grown into a globally respected sustainability consultancy advising businesses, governments, and financial institutions.
Their work spans carbon footprinting, decarbonisation strategy, net‑zero planning, supply chain engagement, and sustainable finance. With over 350 climate experts worldwide, Carbon Trust combines technical know‑how with strategic insight to help clients navigate regulatory complexity and stakeholder expectations.
Their independent assurance and certification services also strengthen credibility for sustainability reporting. The organisation’s impact includes supporting thousands of organisations to reduce emissions and resource use. Their London presence positions them well to serve UK businesses focused on climate action.
- Website: https://www.carbontrust.com/
- Address: Level 5, Arbor, 255 Blackfriars Road, London SE1 8YN, UK
- Email: Contact Form
3. ERM (Environmental Resources Management) – “Global Sustainability Consultancy”
ERM is a multinational sustainability and environmental consultancy headquartered in London, with a rich history tracing back to pivotal environmental advisory work in both the UK and USA. The firm combines risk management, sustainability, health, and safety expertise to help clients in complex, regulated sectors achieve their ESG and climate objectives.
With around 8,000 professionals globally, ERM works on environmental strategy, climate risk assessment, net‑zero planning, and sustainable operations transformations across industries.
Its broad service capabilities support corporate sustainability strategies that align with stakeholder expectations and regulatory frameworks. ERM’s longevity and scale make it a trusted partner for large and multinational organisations. The firm integrates deep technical insight with practical implementation support. ERM’s London base provides central access to clients across the UK and Europe.
- Website: https://www.erm.com/
- London Office: Contact via website (multiple global offices listed)
4. South Pole – “Climate Solutions for a Net Zero Future”
South Pole specialises in climate and sustainability solutions designed to help organisations create meaningful environmental impact. With a strong focus on net‑zero roadmaps, carbon accounting, and climate risk management, the firm supports clients in navigating complex climate challenges.
South Pole’s services span consultancy, project finance, carbon markets, and supply chain decarbonisation including setting science‑based targets and reducing scope 3 emissions. The company’s global presence enables tailored solutions informed by local contexts, and its thought leadership in climate reporting and strategy contributes to wider industry understanding.
South Pole’s work often combines strategic planning with tangible projects that align climate ambition with commercial outcomes. Their approach emphasises integrity and compliance, helping companies integrate climate action into core business practices.
- Website: https://www.southpole.com/
- Email: Send though contact Form
- Address: Level 2, 16 Laystall St, London EC1R 4PF, UK
5. Ricardo Energy & Environment – “Technical Sustainability Experts”
Ricardo Energy & Environment is a UK‑based consultancy that combines deep technical expertise with sustainability strategy to address environmental, energy, and climate challenges. The firm has a long history of advising governments and private sector clients on air quality, energy policy, climate change mitigation, and environmental impact assessments.
Its sustainability work includes carbon management, net‑zero planning, policy analysis, and modelling tools that help clients make evidence‑based decisions.
Ricardo’s multidisciplinary team blends scientific rigour with practical solutions tailored to specific regulatory and commercial contexts. Their work often informs public policy while helping organisations adapt strategies that meet evolving environmental standards. Though global in reach, their strong UK foundation makes them a key sustainability partner for London‑based businesses.
- Website: https://ee.ricardo.com/
- Phone: +44 (0)1273 455611
- Email: info@ricardo.com
6. Arup Sustainability Services – “Designing Sustainable Futures”
Arup is a multidisciplinary professional services firm known for its engineering, design, and sustainability consultancy work. While its heritage is rooted in engineering and architectural excellence, Arup’s sustainability services now provide comprehensive climate and environmental advisory support.
The firm helps organisations develop net‑zero strategies, embed climate resilience, and integrate sustainable thinking into built environment projects and business operations. Arup’s approach blends scientific analysis with innovative planning, aiming to create pragmatic pathways toward carbon reduction and energy efficiency.
The firm’s global network and London headquarters enable close collaboration with major infrastructure, property, and corporate clients seeking to align sustainability with long‑term growth. Arup’s work is guided by deep technical knowledge and integrated planning principles.
- Website: https://www.arup.com/
- Address: 8 Fitzroy Street, London, W1T 4BJ
- Phone: +44 (0) 207 636 1531
7. EcoAct – “Climate Action Consulting”
EcoAct, part of the Atos group and incorporating legacy brands like Carbon Clear, specialises in climate consultancy that helps organisations measure, reduce, and report their emissions. Their services include carbon footprint analysis, net‑zero strategy development, and scenario planning aligned with global frameworks such as Science Based Targets and TCFD/CSRD.
EcoAct’s approach centres on marrying strategic consulting with practical implementation to drive emissions reductions and sustainable business transformation.
With roots in London and international operations, EcoAct works across sectors to strengthen climate governance and support evidence‑based sustainability decisions. Its heritage as Carbon Clear and integration with Atos enhances its digital and strategic capabilities.
- Website: https://eco-act.com/
- Phone: 020 4557 1323
- Address: Second Floor, 80 Victoria St, London SW1E 5JL
- Email: contact@eco-act.com
8. Enistic – “Environmental Impact Measurement & Action”
Enistic provides software‑enabled sustainability consulting focused on environmental data measurement and emissions reduction planning. Their platform helps businesses collect accurate environmental performance data, develop emissions reduction strategies, and scale climate action efforts.
Enistic’s in‑house consultants work closely with clients to interpret data, align performance with standards like TCFD and CSRD, and develop responsive climate strategies.
The company’s blend of digital tools and expert advisory support equips organisations to manage sustainability at site and enterprise levels. This combined technical and strategic approach helps firms integrate sustainability into operational and reporting cycles. Enistic’s solutions support science‑based target setting and robust climate‑related decision‑making.
- Website: https://enistic.com/
- Phone: 01865 598776
- Address: Chatsworth House, East Point Business Park, Littlemore, Oxford OX4 6LB
- Email: info@enistic.com
9. Verco – “Net Zero & Energy Management Experts”
Verco is a sustainability and climate consultancy specialising in energy management, net‑zero strategy development, and climate risk advisory services. Verco supports organisations across sectors to reduce carbon footprints, establish credible net‑zero pathways, and integrate sustainable energy solutions.
Their approach is grounded in detailed analysis combined with actionable planning, helping clients translate ambition into practical outcomes. Verco’s consulting work also encompasses stakeholder engagement, regulatory compliance, and performance monitoring to ensure long‑term sustainability integration. With a reputation for combining technical expertise with commercial insight, Verco aids firms in aligning climate strategy with business growth and resilience.
- Website: https://www.vercoglobal.com/
- Phone: +44 (0)203 598 9770
- Address: 7th floor, 51 Moorgate London EC2R 6LL
- Email: achievezero@vercoglobal.com
10. Green Element – “Environmental Management & Carbon Solutions”
Green Element is a London‑based environmental management consultancy dedicated to helping organisations understand, manage, and improve their environmental performance. Their services include carbon footprint analysis, energy benchmarking, environmental management systems (e.g., ISO 14001), and compliance support for statutory requirements such as ESOS and SECR.
Green Element also offers carbon accounting software and sustainability education resources to empower clients across their journeys. The firm’s client‑centred approach emphasises practical, tailored solutions that drive measurable improvements in sustainability outcomes. Clients often highlight Green Element’s balance of technical expertise and accessible, supportive service delivery.
- Website: https://www.greenelement.co.uk/
- Phone: (+44) 0207 096 0054
- Email: info@greenelement.co.uk
- Address: 1 Half Moon Street, London, W1J 7AY
What Makes These Sustainability Consultants Stand Out?
Although each consultancy has its niche, certain common strengths emerge among London’s top firms. Established providers like Anthesis Group have developed holistic service portfolios that span analytics, strategy, implementation, and reporting helping organisations transition from ambition to action. Their London offices are well‑placed to serve both domestic and international clients with complex sustainability needs.
The Carbon Trust, originally funded to help UK business improve energy efficiency, now offers broad climate‑focused support, including advisory services and carbon certification evidence of how sustainability consultancy has evolved to meet diverse organisational needs.
ERM, with deep roots in environmental risk and sustainability, has long been recognised for integrating environmental, social, and operational expertise into its advisory work.
How Do These Consultants Help Organisations Deliver Impactful Results?
When engaging with a sustainability consultant, UK companies often begin with baseline assessments such as measuring scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions and progress toward comprehensive strategies that balance immediate action with future‑oriented resilience. Consultants advise on integrating sustainability into core business planning, aligning investment decisions with climate goals and enhancing stakeholder engagement along the way.
These firms also play a vital role in shaping how businesses communicate progress. Clear, credible reporting builds trust with investors, regulators, and customers, particularly as ESG disclosures become more standardised. A well‑executed sustainability plan not only helps with compliance but also strengthens brand value and market position.
What Should UK Businesses Consider When Choosing a Sustainability Consultant?
Selecting the right consultant is about more than hiring expertise; it’s about compatibility with organisational culture and strategic priorities. Companies should consider consultants’ experience within their specific industry, their grasp of UK‑centric regulatory frameworks, and their ability to demonstrate real outcomes from past engagements.
Engagement style matters too. Top consulting partners will work collaboratively across internal teams, fostering capability and ownership rather than delivering off‑the‑shelf solutions. This collaborative approach embeds sustainability into everyday decision‑making, leading to more durable and meaningful progress.
What Wider Trends Are Shaping Sustainability Consulting in London?
The demand for sustainability consulting continues to grow in the UK, in part due to evolving regulations and compliance expectations. Recent reporting suggests that climate‑related regulatory requirements including disclosures related to environmental, social, and governance issues are driving more organisations to seek expert support to meet legal obligations and strategic objectives.
Looking ahead, firms will increasingly blend digital tools and data‑driven insights with strategic advisory to help businesses operationalise sustainability at scale. As regulatory frameworks evolve and stakeholder expectations rise, the consultant’s role becomes ever more essential in translating ambition into tangible outcomes.
Conclusion
Sustainability consulting companies play a crucial role in helping London-based businesses navigate environmental challenges and meet evolving UK regulations. By offering expert advice, practical solutions, and strategic guidance, these firms support meaningful progress toward net-zero and ESG goals. Whether a multinational corporation or a growing SME, the right consultant can unlock operational efficiency and future-proof your business. As climate expectations grow, proactive engagement with sustainability experts is no longer optional it’s essential. Choosing the right consultancy today could define your organisation’s environmental success tomorrow.
FAQs About Sustainability Consulting Companies in London
What exactly does a sustainability consultant do?
They help organisations measure impact, develop strategies, and meet sustainability goals.
Are sustainability consultants only for large companies?
No — SMEs also benefit from tailored sustainability support.
How can sustainability consulting improve business performance?
It drives efficiency, compliance, and long-term stakeholder trust.
Is sustainability consulting expensive?
Costs vary, but benefits often outweigh investment.
Do sustainability consultants help with UK regulations?
Yes, they guide compliance with laws like SECR and TCFD.
How long does it take to see benefits from sustainability consulting?
Some impact is visible in months; deeper change takes longer.
Can sustainability strategies attract investors?
Yes, strong ESG strategies can improve investor confidence.