The Rising Demand for Sustainability Consultants: Interview with an Expert
Navigating Industry Trends and Expertise in Sustainability Consulting
In recent years, the need for sustainability consultants has grown significantly with a total market size expected to double by 2029.1 Companies are recognizing the importance of incorporating sustainable practices into their operations to address climate risks, consumer demand, and regulatory compliance. In this interview, Randal Bouverat, Founder and CEO of FootForward, a platform that helps companies find matching sustainability consultants, discusses the surge in demand for sustainability consultants, the skills needed, and how companies can navigate this evolving landscape.
1. What is a Sustainability Consultant?
A sustainability consultant helps organizations integrate sustainable practices into their operations. Randal highlights that consultants "navigate capital investments, develop strategies, and align sustainability goals with business objectives." This role also involves guiding businesses through ESG compliance, decarbonization, and strategic planning across operations and supply chains. In essence, sustainability consultants bridge knowledge gaps and help companies incorporate sustainability into their long-term strategies.
While “sustainability consultant” is a broader designation, there are also quite a few specialization opportunities, such as a specific focus on sustainability reporting, GHG emissions measurement, product sustainability, circularity, waste diversion and optimization, environmental compliance, energy management, and more.
2. Why is the Demand Rising?
The demand for sustainability consultants is growing due to several factors. "Climate risks and environmental changes increase business risks," says Randal, prompting companies to seek guidance on capital investments and ESG practices. Consumer demand for sustainable products also drives businesses to develop sustainable strategies that resonate with their customer base. Additionally, Randal notes:
Companies need consultants to fill knowledge gaps. Many lack the internal expertise to develop and implement sustainability plans, so consultants help bridge this gap. […] Sustainability implementation now requires strategic planning across operations, supply chains, and product life cycles, which is where consultants come in.
Randal Bouverat, Founder and CEO of FootForward
Most sustainability departments also run lean to begin with, with limited resources compared to the broad-ranging scope of their cross-organization responsibilities, which includes work ranging from departmental collaboration, reporting, and answering questionnaires and surveys to KPI tracking, measurement, project management, and goal-setting. For a small team with ambitious targets and limited time, leaning on external consulting resources is logical — particularly when it comes to areas like independent, third-party verification or assurance.
3. What Kind of Skills are Needed Among Sustainability Consultants?
Sustainability consultants need both technical skills and soft skills. "There's a need for technical acumen," Randal notes, including knowledge of tools and systems incorporating AI, data analysis, and modeling. Soft skills like project management and communication are also crucial for managing stakeholders and aligning sustainability goals with business objectives.
A lot of companies are near the beginning of their sustainability process, so they are looking for the basics: materiality assessments, carbon audits, perhaps energy modeling, things of that nature. […] They need industry expertise, they need analysis and reporting.
Randal Bouverat, Founder and CEO of FootForward
4. How Do You Find the Right Sustainability Consultant?
Companies need to carefully evaluate their needs when seeking a sustainability consultant. Randal advises establishing clear goals, such as carbon neutrality by 2030 or reducing waste, to guide their search.
There are many platforms that connect companies to contract consultants, and FootForward is one of them. We can help you find consultants based on many criteria: location, credentials, certifications, expertise, keywords, and other things.
Randal Bouverat, Founder and CEO of FootForward
To ensure a good fit, Randal suggests engaging consultants in a RFP (Request For Proposals) process, comparing their approaches, and conducting interviews to gauge their working style and cultural fit.
5. How to Become a Sustainability Consultant
Randal encourages individuals considering a career in sustainability consulting to leverage their experience.
I would say consider leveraging the experience you have. Obviously, this is an industry that has such great demand for so many people going forward. […] What industries have you had experience in? What are the sustainability trends and requirements happening in these industries where you have worked? You might look into deepening your knowledge there.
Randal Bouverat, Founder and CEO of FootForward
In addition, Randal recommends getting certifications like the LEED, WELL or TRUE Advisor. Obtaining such certification build expertise and credibility, which can help you get your first clients in the field.
Conclusion
The growing demand for sustainability consultants reflects the evolving needs of businesses across industries. Companies are recognizing the importance of aligning sustainability goals with business objectives, adapting to regulatory changes, and meeting consumer demand for sustainable products. With the right consultants, organizations can navigate this journey successfully, incorporating sustainable practices that benefit both their bottom line and the environment. The future looks promising, with opportunities for consultants to play a pivotal role in guiding businesses toward a more sustainable future.
** Finally, speaking of opportunities, we currently have two open, EU-based roles at Brightest to support our European clients with their sustainability reporting and transformation.
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https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/sustainability-consulting-services-market