Environmental, social and governance (ESG) frameworks are an important part of many enterprises’ corporate strategy. They’re crucial to reducing carbon footprints and can attract environmentally and socially conscious investors and clients.
ESG frameworks can be tricky to manage, but top-rated ESG consulting services for corporate sustainability can help by showing you where and how to improve your efforts to drive results.
Methodology
The ideal ESG consulting service depends on your industry and specific goals. However, you should look out for a few common qualities.
- Regulation compliance: While many ESG programs are voluntary, some nations and industries have specific environmental laws that may levy penalties for noncompliance. Noncompliance fines can be costly, so avoiding any missteps is crucial.
- Certifications: A partner firm with more industry certifications and support for a wider range of accepted ESG reporting frameworks will be more helpful. The methods you need will vary, so it’s beneficial to work with a consultant who has experience in multiple approaches.
- Extensive experience: A longer history with environmental initiatives and consulting is preferable. You should also aim to work with consulting firms whose own ESG commitments meet high standards.
Top-Rated ESG Consulting Services Compared
| Company | Years of ESG Experience | Compliance | Reporting Frameworks |
| TRC | 55+ | ISO 14001, ISO 45001, NEPA, PHMSA, FERC, NERC, SEC | GRI, CDP, SASB, TCFD |
| EY | 20+ | ISO 14001, FERC, SEC, CSRD, CARB | GRI, CDP, SASB, TCFD |
| ERM | 50+ | ISO 14001, CSRD, SEC, CARB | GRI, CDP, SASB |
| McKinsey | 4 | ISO 14001, FERC, NERC, SEC, CSRD | GRI, CDP, SASB, TCFD |
| BCG | 6 | NERC, SEC, CSRD | GRI, CDP, SASB, TCFD |
Here are five of the most reliable ESG consulting services to consider partnering with in 2025.
1. TRC
The top-rated ESG consultant for corporate sustainability is TRC, boasting 55 years of experience and over 100 individual services. TRC’s employees come from a wide range of backgrounds, which gives them firsthand knowledge of the regulations, concerns and unique needs of companies in various industries.
TRC offers sustainability programs on both a corporate and plant-specific level. These programs include auditing for ISO certifications and similar standards, hazmat management, outsourcing, staff evaluations, pollution prevention planning and construction safety practices.
Most importantly, TRC is committed to its own ESG goals. It is a member of the Sustainable Supply Chain Alliance, has an A- rating from the Climate Disclosure Project, and derives 67% of its revenue from climate solutions.
2. Ernst and Young
“Big Four” consulting firm Ernst and Young (EY) is one of the longest-standing auditing and consultancy services, making it an industry leader.
EY takes a tech-centric approach to ESG. It largely focuses on using digital transformation and technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to maximize transparency, drive efficiency and discover ways to improve environmental impact. Financial considerations like ESG-friendly investments also play a big part in its services.
As such a massive firm, EY can also guide your organization in several areas outside of ESG efforts, such as tax strategy reform or cybersecurity risk management.
3. Environmental Resources Management
ERM, or Environmental Resources Management, is another top-rated ESG consulting service. Unlike larger corporations, ERM offers a narrower range of solutions, focusing solely on sustainability and safety. 
In addition to company-specific consulting services, ERM runs a Sustainability Institute, where it publishes research into developing ESG trends. The Institute’s resources can make it easier to learn about the kinds of innovations or fields to invest in before starting your consultancy journey.
Like TRC, ERM also emphasizes transparency within its organization. On top of being a part of several broader environmental groups, it releases regular reports on its efforts and new goals.
4. McKinsey and Company
A mainstay in the consulting industry, McKinsey and Company offers extensive ESG solutions. McKinsey partners with the World Economic Forum and World Business Council for Sustainable Development to bring thought leadership to its sustainability services.
While McKinsey’s ESG consulting branch has only been around since 2021, the larger firm has decades of industry experience. Like EY, it emphasizes leveraging digital transformation to drive environmental improvements. It even has a dedicated platform to help plan, implement and scale climate technologies.
McKinsey’s own environmental efforts are worth considering, too. The company has reduced its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 56% since 2019, and its buildings use 100% renewable electricity.
5. Boston Consulting Group
Another large U.S. firm, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), is one of the top-rated ESG consulting services for corporate sustainability. Like McKinsey, BCG’s dedicated climate department is relatively new. The department was started in 2019, but BCG’s consultancy experience stretches further back.
BCG is a member of several notable environmental groups and initiatives, including the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and the World Wide Fund for Nature. The company has also created several AI and data analytics tools to make it easier to understand your ecological impact and plan your company’s progression.
As you’d hope from an ESG consultant, BSG has committed to net-zero energy targets. It also has a history of developing new services and teams focused on bringing additional ESG and compliance insights and resources to its clients.
Explore the Top ESG Consulting Services for 2025
These five firms represent the top-rated ESG consulting services for corporate sustainability today. Beginning your journey toward a cleaner future starts with finding the right consultants for the job. With help from the right consultant, you can build a roadmap to reduced emissions and responsible operations.
