SustainAbility

What SustainAbility does

SustainAbility is a think tank and strategic advisory firm operating as the ERM Sustainability Institute, the dedicated thought leadership platform within ERM International Group Limited. The institute generates actionable insight that helps enterprises understand and navigate risks and opportunities created by the sustainability transformation, with thematic coverage spanning climate, nature, equity, human rights, circularity, geopolitical pressures, and transparency and disclosure. Its core architecture combines a published insights library, an ESG Ratings Working Group (a member-only collaborative forum), and a recurring program of webinars and online events used to test and disseminate thought leadership with stakeholders.

The underlying technology is fundamentally a research and content platform — there is no disclosed proprietary AI/ML model, software product, or data asset. The institute's primary distribution channel is digital, with member-gated resources for Working Group participants and publicly accessible insights publications. It operates as part of a larger ERM services franchise that delivers 24 solution lines including Climate & Net Zero, Carbon Markets, Circular Economy, Sustainable Finance, Reporting & Disclosure, Data & Digital, Energy Transition, Nature & Water, Supply Chain, and Social Impact & Human Rights, with assurance and certification provided under the ERM CVS brand.

The business model is anchored on thought leadership monetization through advisory engagements, member-based Working Group access, and cross-sell into ERM's broader consulting services. No public pricing exists; the institute functions as a brand and pipeline asset for ERM's enterprise consulting practice. Customer segments are horizontal — large enterprises across chemicals, financial services, manufacturing, mining, oil & gas, power, renewables, technology/media/telecom, and pharmaceuticals seeking to operationalize sustainability strategy, ESG ratings management, and net-zero transition planning. Geographic reach extends across 38+ countries and territories.

Name

SustainAbility

Legal name

The ERM International Group Limited

Website

https://sustainability.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

SustainAbility is the ERM Sustainability Institute, a think tank and strategic advisory platform that generates thought leadership and advisory insight to help enterprises navigate sustainability transformation risks and opportunities across climate, nature, equity, circularity, and disclosure.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sustainability Consulting

NAICS

Environmental Consulting Services (541620), Management of Companies and Enterprises (55111)

SIC

Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)

akta.pro primary industry

Sustainability & ESG Consulting (BPAHACAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

ESG Governance, Sustainability Reporting & Assurance Advisory (BPAHAFAJ), ESG, Sustainability & Impact Research (BPAHALAL), Sustainability, ESG & Climate Risk Advisory (BPAHAJAH)

Keywords

• Sustainability consulting
• ESG advisory services
• Corporate sustainability strategy
• ESG ratings research
• Sustainability thought leadership

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

SustainAbility operates as a think tank and strategic advisory firm providing sustainability thought leadership and ESG advisory services to businesses and organizations. Founded in 1987, the firm is now part of ERM (Environmental Resources Management), where it continues its work as the ERM Sustainability Institute, conducting research, convening stakeholders, and producing insights on corporate sustainability strategy.

Product overview

The ERM Sustainability Institute is a thought leadership platform under ERM (Environmental Resources Management) that generates actionable insights to help companies navigate sustainability risks and opportunities. It operates as a platform-plus-programs architecture consisting of the core institute brand, the ESG Ratings Working Group (a collaborative forum helping companies understand and influence ESG ratings), webinars and online events for stakeholder engagement, and published thought leadership on key sustainability topics. ERM's broader portfolio includes 24 solution services spanning Climate & Net Zero, Carbon Markets, Circular Economy, Sustainable Finance, Reporting & Disclosure, Data & Digital, Energy Transition, Nature & Water, Supply Chain, Social Impact & Human Rights, and others. These solutions are offered under the unified ERM CVS (Certification, Verification, and Sustainability) brand for assurance services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ERM Sustainability Institute Think tank and advisory platform delivering sustainability thought leadership, original research, and convening services for businesses and organizations seeking to advance corporate sustainability strategy.
• ESG Ratings Working Group Multi-stakeholder working group convened to examine ESG ratings practices, methodologies, and how corporations and investors use ratings in sustainability decision-making.
• Webinars and Online Events Online events series delivering sustainability insights, expert discussions, and educational content to corporate audiences and sustainability professionals.
• Thought Leadership and Insights Original research reports, whitepapers, and analytical content on corporate sustainability strategy, ESG ratings, and emerging sustainability issues.

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• GlobeScancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobeScan is listed as a collaborating organization that works with the Sustainability Institute to identify innovative solutions to global sustainability challenges. The partnership enhances the institute's ability to produce thought leadership that helps leaders develop and implement strategies for positive change.
• WBCSD (World Business Council for Sustainable Development)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWBCSD is listed as a collaborating organization that works with the Sustainability Institute to identify innovative solutions to global sustainability challenges. The partnership enhances the institute's ability to produce thought leadership that helps leaders develop and implement strategies for positive change.

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• ERM (Environmental Resources Management): ERM is the parent entity and global sustainability consultancy providing the operational backbone for the Sustainability Institute. Highly comparable as the institute is effectively ERM's thought leadership arm, offering overlapping services in climate, supply chain, and ESG advisory across 38+ countries.
• Sustainalytics: Sustainalytics is a leading provider of ESG ratings and research, now part of Morningstar. Comparable as an ESG data, ratings, and research firm serving asset managers and corporates—directly relevant because the institute's ESG Ratings Working Group specifically addresses this ratings ecosystem.
• MSCI ESG Research:

Direct peers

• GlobeScan: GlobeScan is a specialist sustainability insights and research firm that is a strategic partner of the institute. Both produce thought leadership on ESG trends, conduct stakeholder research, and convene cross-industry dialogues—GlobeScan is the closest direct peer in mission and audience.
• BSR (Business for Social Responsibility): BSR is a sustainable business think tank and advisory network working with member companies on human rights, climate, and inclusive economy topics. Directly comparable as a nonprofit/think tank model that combines research, working groups, and enterprise advisory, serving a similar Fortune 500 member base.
• WBCSD (World Business Council for Sustainable Development): WBCSD is a CEO-led convening body for sustainable business, partnering with the institute on thought leadership. Comparable in mission (mobilising business on sustainability), member-base type (global enterprises), and output (research, frameworks, convening), though WBCSD is association-led rather than commercial.
• South Pole Group:
• EcoAct:
• Anthesis Group:

Emerging players

• Schneider Electric Sustainability Business:

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/sustability
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@ERMGlobal
• Facebookfacebook.com/transformingbusiness
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sustainability

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SustainAbility