What sustainability consultants do
- Measure your carbon footprint across scopes 1, 2 and 3.
- Set targets and a practical reduction plan.
- Answer customer and tender sustainability questionnaires.
- Prepare sustainability or ESG reports.
- Support certifications such as ISO 14001 or B Corp.
Frameworks you’ll hear about
- GHG Protocol: the most widely used standard for measuring greenhouse gas emissions.
- Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi): validates emissions-reduction targets.
- ISO 14001: the international standard for environmental management systems.
- B Corp: a certification for social and environmental performance, run by B Lab.
- Reporting rules: the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), whose scope and timing have been revised, and the UK’s Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) for larger companies.
Avoid greenwashing
Environmental claims must be accurate and backed by evidence. The UK CMA’s Green Claims Code, the US FTC Green Guides and EU consumer law all target misleading green claims. A good consultant will help you say only what you can prove.
What affects the cost
Business size, the number of sites and suppliers, data availability, the framework or certification, and whether you need software. Footprint projects are often fixed fees; ongoing support is usually a retainer.
Last updated: 16 October 2026
