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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.

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