Organisations are increasingly recognising the business value and commercial advantages of strong ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices. Good ESG is no longer a “nice to have,” it’s a strategic necessity that shapes business resilience, unlocks market opportunities, and strengthens stakeholder trust. Yet, while the importance of ESG is clear, many businesses lack the in-house expertise to make it happen.
This is where ESG consultants step in. They provide the clarity, data-driven insights, and tailored solutions needed to embed ESG into business strategy, ensuring compliance, mitigating risks, and driving long-term value creation. ESG consulting goes beyond regulatory checklists—it delivers measurable impact, aligns organisations with global standards, and positions them for sustainable growth.
What is an ESG Consultant?
An ESG consultant helps organisations integrate environmental, social, and governance principles into their operations and decision-making.
According to Kirsty Simmonds, ESG Practice Lead and B Consultant at The Growth Activists, “An ESG consultant advises on practices across a spectrum—from meeting mandatory ESG reporting standards to implementing global best practices. Where an organisation chooses to sit on this spectrum is a strategic decision.”
She adds, “Our role includes sustainability reporting, ESG data analysis, risk assessments, and materiality assessments to identify focus areas. We assist organisations with strategy development, compliance, and operational improvements that align with business priorities and stakeholder expectations.”
Kirsty and her team at The Growth Activists are experienced sustainability and ESG consultants who blend deep expertise with a strong commercial focus. They integrate business and ESG strategy practices to create strategies that drive both positive impact and long-term value creation. Their advice is always commercially realistic and forward-thinking, recognising that a sustainable business must also be a successful one.
Common ESG Services:
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Education & Training: From boardroom briefings to operational upskilling, building ESG knowledge across teams.
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Analysis & Benchmarking: ESG maturity assessments, performance benchmarking, and risk management reviews.
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Materiality Assessments: Identifying ESG factors that matter most to your business and stakeholders.
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Strategy Development: Aligning ESG initiatives with business strategy and measurable KPIs.
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Operational Support: Carbon accounting, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, embedding sustainable practices, and enhancing governance.
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Certification & Reporting: Support with ESG reporting standards such as GRI, B Corp, UN PRI, and integrated reporting.
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Stakeholder Engagement & Communications: Building trust, delivering thought leadership, and transparent sustainability reporting.
What is an ESG Consultation?
An ESG consultation typically starts with data collection and an assessment of a company’s current approach to sustainability. This includes identifying areas of risk and opportunity, aligning with ESG reporting frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) or Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), or regulatory requirements such as Mandatory Climate Reporting,and providing strategic guidance to evolve practices, comply, excel, and even troubleshoot problems.
At The Growth Activists, ESG consulting follows a structured three-step approach to ensure each step is data-rich and informed by the previous step:
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Audit and Plan: Benchmark ESG performance across environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance using tools like the B Impact Assessment.
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Operationalise Improvements: Develop ESG strategy, embed sustainability efforts, and set measurable targets. This includes ESG policy design, risk mitigation, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
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Embed and Engage: Drive community engagement, integrate ESG reporting standards, and prepare for climate-related financial disclosures. “We simultaneously embed stakeholder engagement practices within the business, because this is essential for good practice and optimal impact (including for positive financial impact for the business). Increasingly, our approach includes preparation for regulatory reporting, in particular new Mandatory Climate Reporting in Australia, and preparing businesses that must provide data for their customers’ regulatory reporting in other countries, especially the EU where reporting is broader and deeper than in Australia,” Kirsty notes.
Top sustainability and ESG consulting firms deliver an integrated approach that leads to measurable improvements in ESG performance.
Is ESG Consulting a Good Career?
With climate change and sustainable practices dominating boardroom agendas, ESG consulting has emerged as one of the fastest-growing professions worldwide. Driven by climate change legislation, mandatory ESG reporting, and modern slavery regulations, demand for ESG specialists continues to surge, making their role essential for a sustainable future. According to industry reports, ESG roles have grown sharply due to investor demand, employees’ expectations for responsible business practices, regulatory shifts, and a corporate focus on sustainability. ESG consulting provides dynamic, meaningful work in areas like policy development, risk management, and ESG software implementation—making it a truly rewarding and impactful career.
“It is a great career if you are driven by making an impact, because this is a role in which you can have a clear, measurable impact while focusing on a subset of ESG that you love most,” Kirsty shares.
How Much Does an ESG Consultant Cost in Australia?
Salary expectations vary widely while consulting firms offer competitive packages based on experience and specialisation. Kirsty advises: “Be clear with the work environment and culture that suits you, where you can do your best work and focus on that. If you enjoy your work, your colleagues and your environment, it carries a ‘value’ far higher than a financial figure.”
Essential Skills Required to Become an ESG Consultant
The ESG consulting field requires a unique blend of skills, including:
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ESG data analysis and sustainability strategy development
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Familiarity with ESG reporting standards and regulatory frameworks
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Expertise in risk assessments and policy development
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Ability to align ESG considerations with business priorities and capital markets expectations
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Strong communication and stakeholder engagement
Specialisations such as climate change mitigation, environmental management, and decarbonisation strategies are increasingly valuable.
Measuring the Impact of ESG Strategies
A sustainability and ESG consultant uses both qualitative and quantitative metrics to track progress. This may include:
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Environmental: Reduction in carbon emissions and greenhouse gas emissions, progress in carbon accounting.
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Social: Modern slavery risk mitigation, workforce wellbeing, and community engagement initiatives.
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Governance: Improved compliance, transparency in reporting, and stronger governance structures.
Kirsty summarises: “A good test is to imagine the damage that can be done, which is not difficult to think of scenarios, then impact can be measured by doing the opposite to mitigate, remediate or prevent.”
By reporting on key outcomes, sustainability and ESG consultants help businesses clearly demonstrate their commitment to a sustainable future.
Current Trends Shaping ESG Consulting
The ESG consulting space is evolving rapidly, shaped by both regulatory forces and market expectations. According to industry insights and Kirsty’s observations, key trends include:
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Growing demand for carbon accountants, decarbonisation experts, and financial specialists who can translate ESG actions into business impacts
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Increasing investor focus on ESG reporting standards and integrated reporting
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Rising expectations for companies to demonstrate ESG impact to capital markets and relevant stakeholders
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Adoption of AI and machine learning for ESG data analysis and sustainability reporting
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Greater emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusion, and social governance performance
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Expanding ESG regulations across industries and jurisdictions, driving mandatory climate-related financial disclosures
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Innovation in business models, such as applying circular economy principles to supply chains
These trends highlight the need for ESG consulting firms that provide an integrated approach, deep subject-matter expertise, and agile, tailored solutions to help organisations navigate risk, unlock market opportunities, and deliver measurable outcomes.
Staying Updated on Regulatory Changes
With ESG regulations evolving quickly, consultants must stay informed. Leading professionals:
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Attend webinars and forums focused on ESG policy and governance
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Subscribe to regulatory newsletters and ESG insights publications
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Maintain certifications in sustainability and ESG standards
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Engage with government updates and international reporting developments
This continuous learning enables consultants to guide clients effectively through complex regulatory landscapes.
Industries Benefiting Most from ESG Consulting
Many organisations are turning to ESG consulting to align with stakeholder expectations, regulatory requirements, and global sustainability standards. According to Kirsty, every industry can benefit from ESG services, but some sectors have greater urgency due to their ESG risks and market exposure. These include:
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Financial institutions and investment firms seeking ESG reporting compliance and climate-related financial disclosures
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Energy, mining, and utilities addressing carbon accounting and decarbonisation strategies
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Manufacturing and industrial services implementing sustainable practices and supply chain transparency
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Real estate and infrastructure focusing on governance and environmental impact
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Retail and consumer goods adapting to stakeholder trust expectations and social governance performance
Kirsty adds, “The ones that benefit most are often the mid-sized businesses that have aspirations and obligations that require expertise as an extension of their teams but don’t have the budget to have teams in house. At The Growth Activists, we are also alert to ensure small and micro businesses aren’t left behind which is why we share free resources like this article, speak frequently at events and will connect people to one another.”
Final Word: Embracing ESG for Long-Term Success
ESG consultants play a pivotal role in helping organisations transition to sustainable practices, manage risk, and meet evolving stakeholder and regulatory expectations. ESG is not a tick-the-box exercise—it’s a strategic decision that determines how a business will perform in a world where sustainability is non-negotiable.
Whether your organisation is just beginning its ESG journey or advancing to the next stage, partnering with an experienced sustainability and ESG consulting firm like The Growth Activists ensures clarity, robust data-driven insights, and customised solutions. Embracing ESG considerations in this way empowers businesses to unlock new market opportunities, deliver measurable outcomes, achieve long-term value creation, and position themselves as industry leaders in shaping a truly sustainable future.
Why Partner with The Growth Activists?
The Growth Activists is Australia’s largest B Corp consultancy, offering unparalleled expertise in sustainability transformation, engagement, and strategic consulting. We are committed to driving lasting, purpose-driven change by activating courageous organisations for a sustainable future. As strategic leaders and B Lab-trained consultants, we partner with businesses to advance their impact, unlock new opportunities, and build resilience.
Our services span from risk management and materiality assessments to sustainability reporting, ESG data insights, and stakeholder engagement—delivering tailored solutions aligned with your business priorities and regulatory requirements.
