What is the sustainability consulting process?

Companies are facing increased pressure from regulators, customers and stakeholders to demonstrate how they serve and protect the needs of people and the planet. Adopting and demonstrating a sustainable approach is not only a moral imperative but will ensure compliance, secure competitive advantage, and boost the bottom line.

Strategic thinking

Developing a robust sustainability strategy is key to being an ethical and responsible business. Building resilient business models is about adopting a holistic approach to ESG which encompasses everything from emissions reduction and minimising negative impacts to capitalising on regenerative practice.

Yet many businesses need help on their journey and that is where sustainability consultancy can support.  As a Trusted Sustainability consultancy, Wylde will help you develop and implement a strategy, action plan and roadmap. We use proven strategic business tools and models to help you manage risks, maximise opportunities and stand out from the crowd.

Our carefully curated consultancy process enhances understanding of ESG issues and empowers businesses to contribute to a sustainable future. It is designed to appeal to decision-makers seeking new insights and creating lasting positive impacts. The Wylde team of experienced sustainability specialists supports you through a blended mix of consultancy, guided workshops sessions and online learning. The five steps involve:

1. Assess

We start by conducting a strategic business review through a sustainability lens which sees us take a deep dive into your operations. Our consultants will work closely with you to take a deep dive into your business operations and shine a spotlight across all aspects of your wider value chain, assessing how it affects and is affected by ESG factors and global megaforces. We explore strategies for mitigating threats and optimising opportunities, whilst using a Materiality Assessment to understand which sustainability issues are the most important to those key players. 

Wylde will use this insight to identify your position on the Sustainability Staircase. We will discuss where you want to get to and recommend actions to take you to the next stage of your journey.

2. Develop

Once the assessment is complete, Wylde’s team will produce your comprehensive Sustainability Strategy, detailed Action Plan and Road Map to set out the results of the sustainable business review. It will guide your team in its work to embed best practice, outlining what you need to do to meet your ESG goals in the short, medium and long term

In addition, you will receive a professionally designed Sustainability Plan/Report. This is a comprehensive document that will communicate your vision with your stakeholders. It tells your audiences what you have achieved so far on your sustainability journey, the positive actions you are pledging to take, and incorporates a Roadmap plotting future short, medium and long term milestones.

3. Implement

The next stage of the sustainability consulting process involves support with implementation. We will help you achieve the goals outlined in your Action Plan and Roadmap, be it calculating carbon footprint, GHG emissions or establishing an Environmental Management System.

A core component of that work is establishing your GHG baseline emissions. We will spend time understanding your sustainability reporting requirements as set out in our latest eBook. Our consultants will define the scope of your reporting before giving you access to the software and support you need to gather and collate your data. Our consultants will produce a report based on the calculations and work with you to produce a Carbon Reduction Plan.

4. Engage

Sustainability consultancy is only affective if it provides businesses with the tools and services, they need to gain stakeholder buy in. The Assess stage will help you identify who your stakeholders are and what issues are most important to them. During the Engage phase, Wylde’s experienced communications team will then help you develop and deliver a comprehensive engagement strategy and campaign plan to educate, influence, and connect with your audiences.

5. Transform

The culmination of our consultancy support is to move you up the staircase to becoming a purpose led values driven sustainable business. Our team will take you beyond compliance and Net Zero to embrace sustainability in its widest sense. This involves transforming your thinking with services including ongoing consultancy, mentoring, leadership development, learning and practical support. 

Sustainability is a learning journey, and it is essential that your workforce has the knowledge and tools it needs to negotiate an ever-shifting landscape. Wylde has developed an extensive training offer, incorporating accredited ESG qualifications like the IEMA Certificate in Environmental Management (PIEMA), expert-led training programmes and bespoke packages designed to meet your unique requirements. See our sustainability courses to learn more. 

The role of sustainability consultants is more important than ever. As businesses adapt to the impacts of climate change and try to develop more sustainable practices, our expertise is proving invaluable. As a trusted partner, Wylde has developed a comprehensive service offer to meet your every need. 

Book a Discovery Call and talk to Wylde today about transforming your business through best-in-class sustainability consultancy.