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The ERM Sustainability Institute
Generating actionable insight that helps companies understand and navigate the risks and opportunities created by the sustainability transformation.
Our Strategic Focus
The Institute identifies innovative solutions to global sustainability challenges built on ERM's experience, expertise, and commitment to transformational change.
Market Drivers
Our thought leadership focuses on the market drivers and trends with the most influence on sustainability and business.
Critical Analysis
We provide analysis and interpretation of the sustainability issues that matter most to business.
Collaborative Solutions
We bring together clients and experts with common issues and ambitions to share challenges and exchange best practices.
Key Sustainability Issues We Address
Environmental Priorities
  • Climate change mitigation and adaptation
  • Nature and biodiversity conservation
  • Circularity and resource efficiency
Social & Governance Focus
  • Equity and human rights
  • Geopolitical pressures and risks
  • Transparency and disclosure requirements
Climate Action Leadership
Climate change represents one of the most pressing challenges facing businesses today. Our Institute provides comprehensive guidance on climate risk assessment, decarbonization strategies, and resilience planning.
01
Risk Assessment
Identify and quantify climate-related risks across your operations and value chain.
02
Strategy Development
Create actionable decarbonization roadmaps aligned with science-based targets.
03
Implementation Support
Execute climate initiatives with expert guidance and proven methodologies.
04
Performance Tracking
Monitor progress and adapt strategies based on emerging climate science and regulations.
Nature & Biodiversity Conservation
Protecting nature and biodiversity is essential for long-term business resilience. We help organizations understand their dependencies and impacts on natural systems, develop nature-positive strategies, and align with emerging frameworks like the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD).
Our expertise spans ecosystem assessment, biodiversity net gain, and natural capital valuation, enabling companies to integrate nature considerations into core business decisions.
Advancing Equity & Human Rights
Social Impact Assessment
Evaluate the social implications of business operations on communities and workers throughout the value chain.
Human Rights Due Diligence
Implement robust processes to identify, prevent, and mitigate human rights risks in alignment with international standards.
Inclusive Business Models
Design strategies that promote equity, diversity, and inclusion while creating shared value for all stakeholders.
Circular Economy Transformation
The transition to a circular economy represents a fundamental shift in how businesses design, produce, and consume. Our Institute helps organizations move beyond linear "take-make-dispose" models to create regenerative systems that eliminate waste and keep materials in use.
Design
Products designed for longevity and recyclability
Produce
Manufacturing with renewable inputs and clean processes
Distribute
Efficient logistics minimizing environmental impact
Recover
Materials returned and regenerated for new use
Navigating Geopolitical Pressures
Strategic Risk Management
Geopolitical tensions, trade policies, and regulatory divergence create complex challenges for global businesses. We help organizations anticipate and respond to these pressures while maintaining their sustainability commitments.
Our analysis covers supply chain resilience, regulatory compliance across jurisdictions, and stakeholder engagement strategies in politically sensitive contexts.
Transparency & Disclosure Excellence
As stakeholder expectations and regulatory requirements for sustainability disclosure intensify, companies need robust reporting frameworks and credible data. We guide organizations through the evolving landscape of sustainability reporting standards.
Reporting Frameworks
Navigate GRI, SASB, TCFD, TNFD, and integrated reporting requirements.
Data Management
Build systems for accurate collection, verification, and disclosure of sustainability data.
Stakeholder Communication
Craft compelling narratives that demonstrate progress and build trust.
ESG Ratings Working Group
Helping members unlock new possibilities and approaches
The ERM ESG Ratings Working Group is a collaborative forum designed to help companies better understand and influence the ESG rating ecosystem. Members gain exclusive access to research, peer learning opportunities, and strategic guidance on improving ESG performance and ratings.
ESG Ratings Working Group Benefits
Exclusive Research
Access cutting-edge analysis on ESG rating methodologies and emerging trends in the assessment landscape.
Peer Learning
Connect with sustainability leaders from leading organizations to share challenges and solutions.
Strategic Guidance
Receive expert advice on improving ESG performance and effectively engaging with rating agencies.
Practical Tools
Utilize frameworks and resources developed specifically for navigating the ESG ratings ecosystem.
Understanding ESG Rating Agencies
ESG ratings have become increasingly influential in investment decisions and corporate reputation. However, the diversity of methodologies and criteria across rating agencies creates complexity for companies seeking to improve their performance.
Rating Diversity
Multiple agencies use different frameworks, weightings, and data sources to assess ESG performance.
Strategic Response
Companies need tailored approaches to address specific rating criteria while maintaining authentic sustainability commitments.
Continuous Improvement
Regular monitoring and engagement with rating agencies helps organizations track progress and identify opportunities.
Engage with Our Webinars
Share and Test Thought Leadership
We facilitate webinars and other online events to share and test thought leadership on current and future sustainability issues with stakeholders. Our interactive sessions bring together experts and practitioners to explore emerging trends, debate solutions, and build collective knowledge.
Access live events and explore our library of recorded sessions covering topics from climate strategy to circular economy innovation.
Recent Webinar Topics
1
Climate Transition Planning
Developing credible pathways to net-zero emissions aligned with science-based targets and regulatory expectations.
2
Nature-Positive Business
Integrating biodiversity considerations into corporate strategy and preparing for TNFD disclosure requirements.
3
Supply Chain Sustainability
Managing ESG risks and opportunities across complex global value chains in an era of increased scrutiny.
4
Sustainable Finance
Accessing green financing instruments and meeting investor expectations for sustainability performance.
Stay Connected
Keep up to date with the latest from ERM and the Sustainability Institute
Subscribe to receive insights, research findings, event invitations, and updates on emerging sustainability trends. Our communications deliver actionable intelligence to help you stay ahead of the sustainability transformation.

Join our community of sustainability leaders and receive exclusive content, early access to research, and invitations to member-only events.
Meet the Leadership Team
Aiste Brackley
Director of the ERM Sustainability Institute
Aiste leads the Institute's strategic direction and oversees the development of thought leadership that helps organizations navigate complex sustainability challenges.
Mark Lee
Global Director, Thought Leadership
Mark drives the Institute's research agenda and ensures our insights reflect the latest developments in sustainability practice and emerging business needs.
Collaborative Approach
We collaborate with the world's leading organizations
Working with others enhances the Institute's ability to produce thought leadership that helps leaders develop and implement strategies for positive change. Our collaborative model brings together diverse perspectives, expertise, and experience to identify innovative solutions to global sustainability challenges.
Strategic Partnerships
Long-term relationships with leading organizations to co-develop solutions and share knowledge.
Innovation Networks
Connecting pioneers and practitioners to accelerate the development of breakthrough approaches.
Knowledge Exchange
Facilitating peer learning and best practice sharing across industries and geographies.
Global Reach, Local Expertise
Integrate sustainability in your business
ERM has expertise and experience in over 38 countries and territories worldwide. Our global network enables us to deliver locally relevant solutions while leveraging international best practices and insights.
Whether you're developing a climate strategy, enhancing ESG performance, or transforming your business model for sustainability, our team can help you achieve your goals with confidence.
Our Geographic Presence
38+
Countries & Territories
Global presence enabling local expertise and international perspective
160+
Office Locations
Strategically positioned to serve clients across all major markets
7,000+
Sustainability Experts
Multidisciplinary professionals delivering integrated solutions
Our geographic diversity and deep local knowledge allow us to understand regional sustainability challenges, regulatory environments, and stakeholder expectations while connecting you to global innovation and emerging best practices.
Start Your Sustainability Journey
The sustainability transformation presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses worldwide. Whether you're just beginning your journey or looking to accelerate progress, the ERM Sustainability Institute is here to support you with actionable insights, collaborative learning, and expert guidance.
Assess
Understand your current sustainability position and identify priority areas for action
Plan
Develop strategies and roadmaps aligned with your business objectives and stakeholder expectations
Transform
Implement solutions that create lasting value for your business and society