SustainAbility
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.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2000
- HeadquartersLondon, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
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.
SustainAbility firmographics
Firmographics- 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
SustainAbility industry classification
Industry- 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
Where SustainAbility is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- London
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Markets served
SustainAbility business model
Business model- 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
SustainAbility product offering
Product offeringCore 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.
Companies that use SustainAbility
Customer profileSegments1 record
Ideal customer profiles1 record
SustainAbility technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
SustainAbility partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- GlobeScancoreGlobeScan 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)coreWBCSD 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
SustainAbility competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad 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
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
SustainAbility social profiles
Digital presenceSustainAbility financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
SustainAbility leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
SustainAbility subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries4 records
SustainAbility funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
SustainAbility M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about SustainAbility
What does SustainAbility do?
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.
Is SustainAbility a public or private company?
SustainAbility is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was SustainAbility founded?
SustainAbility was founded in 2000. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is SustainAbility based?
SustainAbility is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
Who are SustainAbility's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are ERM (Environmental Resources Management), Sustainalytics and MSCI ESG Research. Direct peers are GlobeScan, BSR (Business for Social Responsibility), WBCSD (World Business Council for Sustainable Development), South Pole Group, EcoAct and Anthesis Group. Schneider Electric Sustainability Business is listed as an emerging player.
Does SustainAbility have an API?
No public API is recorded for SustainAbility.
What industry is SustainAbility in?
SustainAbility's product category is Sustainability Consulting. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAHACAK, Sustainability & ESG Consulting, with a secondary code of BPAHAFAJ, ESG Governance, Sustainability Reporting & Assurance Advisory. Its NAICS code is 541620 and its SIC code is 7373.