ERM, the world’s largest specialist sustainability consultancy, has achieved the highest scores across all categories in new research from independent analyst firm Verdantix.

The Verdantix Smart Innovators: Consulting Services for CSRD and ESG Regulation Readiness report provides buyers with a high-level benchmark of the capabilities of 30 of the most prominent consulting providers in this space. 

Verdantix awarded ERM the maximum scores for its comprehensive capabilities across the core corporate reporting and disclosures categories. ERM also achieved the top scores for digital transformation covering digital data management and software selection, deployment and implementation; and for its digital tools covering internal solutions and partnerships.

ERM provides clients with end-to-end support on CSRD and other ESG regulations, from initial assessments through to implementation and reporting. Its consulting services are integrated with proprietary digital tools such as ERM Assess, which uses advanced analytics to identify gaps in CSRD reporting and recommend resolutions. ERM also engages its ecosystem of partners operating across the sustainability value chain including ESG data management, reporting and disclosure to help meet clients’ evolving needs and scale their impact.

Beyond regulatory compliance and disclosure, ERM’s strategic and technical experts help companies use ESG data to identify sustainability performance gaps and take the action required to transform practices and drive performance improvement on environment, climate, supply chain and human rights.

According to Verdantix, as businesses continue to prioritize mandatory and voluntary ESG and sustainability reporting, the highest anticipated growth across ESG and sustainability consulting service lines will be in data management, reporting and disclosures, predicted to expand at a CAGR of 29%.

The Consulting Services for CSRD and ESG Regulation Readiness report states: “The trifecta of navigating an ever-evolving regulatory landscape, whilst simultaneously transforming internal strategies, practices and processes, and also communicating progress authentically, is exposing significant gaps in internal expertise and capacity. Firms are therefore increasingly seeking external advice from ESG and sustainability consulting providers for reporting and disclosures.

“However, as the number of firms subject to mandatory reporting in the short to medium term increases, businesses will look for a comprehensive suite of services. The consulting providers that will remain competitive in this market will be those that are able to demonstrate deep capabilities to provide integrated and comprehensive service offerings, with digital complexity; as of today, there are only a handful of providers who are doing this successfully.”

Ramesh Narasimhan Global Service Leader for Sustainable Operations & Compliance at ERM said: “We’re proud to see ERM’s digitally-enabled end-to-end consulting services for CSRD and ESG regulations recognized as market leading by Verdantix. The ever-expanding landscape of regulations present significant risks for companies across the globe but also opportunities to differentiate themselves with customers, investors and stakeholders”

As the global demand for transparent and accountable business practices surges, those who prioritize sustainability will not only comply with regulations but will also thrive amid growing stakeholder expectations.

“ERM looks forward to supporting more clients on a disclosure led transformation journey, harnessing complex ESG data at scale to drive sustainability performance, value creation and competitive advantage.”

Notes to editors

Verdantix reviewed the capabilities of over 250 ESG and sustainability consulting providers to produce a shortlist of 30 firms that provide consulting services for CSRD and ESG regulation readiness.

About ERM

Sustainability is our business.

As the world’s largest specialist sustainability consultancy, ERM partners with clients to operationalize sustainability at pace and scale, deploying a unique combination of strategic transformation and technical delivery capabilities. This approach helps clients to accelerate the integration of sustainability at every level of their business.

With more than 50 years of experience, ERM’s diverse team of 8000+ experts in 40 countries and territories helps clients create innovative solutions to their sustainability challenges, unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations.  Learn more here.