Sustainable Square

What Sustainable Square does

Sustainable Square is a UAE-headquartered ESG advisory and technology firm, founded in 2010 and operating across the GCC, Africa and Asia with offices in Dubai (HQ), Abu Dhabi and Riyadh. The firm serves leadership teams of large organisations, holding companies and listed companies, helping them translate sustainability from a reporting obligation into measurable financial outcomes across ESG strategy, governance, regulatory compliance, climate risk, sustainable finance and capacity building. It claims 270+ clients served, 600+ projects delivered, a 90% client retention rate and a 92–93% customer satisfaction score over 15 years of operation, and is a UN PRI Service Provider signatory.

The company's core technology asset is Squarely, a proprietary AI-powered ESG data management SaaS platform consisting of three modules — Squarely ESG (data collection and KPI monitoring), Squarely Chatbot (AI virtual assistant for real-time ESG insights) and Squarely Reporting (automated report generation). Squarely applies generative AI, natural language processing and process automation to produce audit-ready sustainability disclosures aligned with GRI, IFRS, TCFD, CSRD, GHG Protocol, UNGC and UNSDG frameworks, supported by blockchain-based data integrity and IoT sensor integration. Sustainable Square positions Squarely 2.0, launched in January 2026, as a step-change in automation, data visibility and AI-enabled workflows for ESG disclosure.

The business model combines professional services (ESG Advisory across seven service lines and Sustainable Capital Advisory covering green bonds, sukuk, ESG due diligence for M&A and carbon markets) with Squarely SaaS subscriptions sold directly and through channel partners such as MEIRA (30% first-year discount for members) and SGB & Co. Africa (Kenya and Africa distribution). Go-to-market blends enterprise field sales targeting GCC leadership teams, product-led growth via Squarely.tech self-serve demos, event-driven demand generation at COP28, GITEX Impact, Oman Sustainability Week and MEIRA, and channel partnerships with capital-market associations and regional distributors. Pricing is predominantly quote-based and not publicly disclosed.

Name

Sustainable Square

Legal name

Sustainable Square Consultancy LLC

Website

https://sustainablesquare.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Sustainable Square is a UAE-based ESG advisory and technology firm offering AI-powered sustainability reporting (Squarely platform), ESG advisory and sustainable capital advisory to GCC enterprises, listed companies and holding groups.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

ESG Advisory & Sustainability Consulting

NAICS

Software Publishers (513210)

SIC

Services-Prepackaged Software (7372), Investment Advice (6282)

akta.pro primary industry

Sustainability & ESG Consulting (BPAHACAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

ESG Data Platforms, Controls & Audit Readiness (Data quality, internal controls) (EUAHAJAN), ESG Governance, Sustainability Reporting & Assurance Advisory (BPAHAFAJ), ESG/Sustainable Investment Advisory (FSAEAAAJ)

Keywords

• ESG advisory services
• Sustainability reporting software
• ESG data platform
• Sustainable capital advisory
• Carbon accounting solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Dubai

HQ country

United Arab Emirates

HQ region

Middle East

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. ESG Advisory Services: Consulting engagements across ESG strategy, climate risk, reporting, energy efficiency, supply chain, circular economy, and ESG tender readiness. Seven service lines with financial materiality at core. Delivered by expert consultants across the Middle East.
2. Squarely SaaS Platform Subscription: AI-powered SaaS ESG reporting platform with subscription tiers, multi-user licenses, and usage-based features. Sold directly and through channel partners (e.g., 30% discount offered to MEIRA members for first year). Auto-drafting software and real-time ESG dashboards.
3. Sustainable Capital Advisory: Green bond, sukuk and credit structuring; investor readiness; ESG due diligence for M&A; carbon market advisory. 16 services built entirely around financial returns including cost savings, revenue access, risk avoidance, and capital.
4. Project-Based Engagements: One-time report development projects, framework and strategy development engagements, ESG training and capacity building workshops. Also includes IPO preparation services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels14 records

Core offering

Sustainable Square delivers three integrated ESG offerings: (1) ESG Advisory services across strategy, governance, climate risk, reporting, supply chain, and circular economy; (2) the proprietary Squarely SaaS platform that automates ESG data collection, AI-driven report auto-drafting, real-time KPI dashboards, and audit-ready disclosures aligned to GRI, IFRS, TCFD, CSRD, and other frameworks; and (3) Sustainable Capital Advisory covering green bond/sukuk structuring, ESG due diligence for M&A, investor readiness, and carbon market advisory.

Product overview

Sustainable Square operates as a unified ESG advisory and technology firm offering three integrated practice areas: ESG Advisory (strategy, governance, climate, reporting, and capacity building), the Squarely technology platform, and Sustainable Capital Advisory (green finance, investor readiness, and M&A due diligence). The Squarely platform is a proprietary SaaS product consisting of three AI-powered modules—Squarely ESG for data collection and management, Squarely Chatbot for AI-powered insights, and Squarely Reporting for auto-drafting ESG reports—all built on a unified data backbone with multi-framework alignment. The platform transforms manual ESG tracking into real-time, decision-grade data systems, complementing the firm's advisory services with technology-enabled execution.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Squarely: AI-powered ESG reporting and data management platform that automates ESG workflows, provides real-time dashboards, and produces audit-ready sustainability disclosures.
• Squarely ESG
• Squarely Chatbot
• Squarely Reporting

Products and services

• Squarely (AI-Powered ESG Reporting Platform) Squarely is Sustainable Square's proprietary AI-powered ESG data management SaaS platform that replaces manual ESG tracking with real-time ROI dashboards. It automates ESG data collection, evidence mapping, disclosure automation, and report generation; centralises ESG data across organisations including holding company and subsidiary structures; produces audit-ready, investor-grade disclosures; and provides AI-powered auto-drafting of narrative-rich ESG reports aligned with GRI, IFRS, UNGC, UNSDG, GHG Protocol, TCFD, and CSRD frameworks. Sold via subscription to enterprise and mid-market customers.
• ESG Advisory Services Advisory engagements delivered by expert ESG consultants across the Middle East spanning ESG strategy, governance, climate risk, ESG reporting, responsible supply chain, circular economy, and ESG tender readiness — organised as seven service lines designed around financial impact and execution. For enterprise clients, listed companies, and government-linked entities in the GCC.
• Sustainable Capital Advisory Capital markets advisory connecting ESG performance to investor capital, green finance, and carbon market strategy. Includes green bond and sukuk structuring, investor readiness, ESG due diligence for M&A transactions, and carbon market advisory. Targeted at companies preparing for IPO, attracting ESG-aligned investors, issuing green/sukuk instruments, or undertaking M&A where ESG credentials impact valuation.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 60% reduction in advisory hours through automated ESG workflows
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability7 records

Feature12 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• Ominvest (Oman International Development and Investment Company S.A.O.G)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2025Ominvest, a leading investment company in the region, entered a strategic partnership with Sustainable Square and adopted the Squarely ESG Platform to accelerate sustainable value creation. This is a significant endorsement of Squarely's enterprise capabilities and a showcase case study for Sustainable Square's integrated advisory-plus-technology model.
• Middle East Investor Relations Association (MEIRA)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 December 2024Sustainable Square is the sole ESG Partner for MEIRA Annual Conference, delivering exclusive ESG workshops for Investor Relations professionals. Additionally, Sustainable Square became a MEIRA service provider offering exclusive discounts on SQUARELY and advisory services to MEIRA's corporate members (listed companies across Middle East).
• SGB & Co. AfricacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 18 August 2024SGB & Co. Africa (wholly owned subsidiary of Traction School of Governance and Business Limited) appointed as distributor for SQUARELY products in Kenya and across Africa. Partnership enables Squarely's AI-powered ESG reporting platform to reach businesses throughout Africa, with SGB handling local sales, demos, and implementation support.
• Arab Federation of Capital Markets (AFCM)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 April 2024MOU signed for collaboration on ESG thought leadership, capacity building and training programs, and partnership in conferences and webinars targeting Arab capital market participants. AFCM represents 18 exchanges and 8 clearing houses across the Arab region, providing broad reach for ESG training and advisory services.
• The Climate PledgemajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2024Sustainable Square signed The Climate Pledge (co-founded by Amazon and Global Optimism), committing to net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. Pledge currently has 482 signatories. As part of the pledge community, Sustainable Square joins a private online community for signatories and participates in cross-sector climate action collaboration.
• The Climate Pledge (UN Race to Zero)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2024Sustainable Square became a signatory to The Climate Pledge in 2024, joining the Race to Zero campaign. Signatory status reinforces the company's commitment to climate action and aligns with its net zero target set for 2030 with interim target of 2026.
• UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2023Sustainable Square became a UN PRI Service Provider Signatory, joining a network of changemakers committed to supporting the investment community to embrace ESG considerations in investment decision-making. This partnership provides access to PRI resources, insights, collaborative opportunities, and strengthens positioning with the investor community.
• First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023FAB collaborated with Sustainable Square and MEIRA to conduct the groundbreaking 2023 State of ESG in the GCC study. This partnership leverages FAB's position as a leading bank in the UAE to validate and promote the regional ESG survey and research agenda.
• SME Climate Hub / UN Race to ZeromajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Sustainable Square became a member of the SME Climate Hub and joined the UN Race to Zero campaign, where businesses commit to reaching net zero emissions by 2050. This commitment aligns with the company's own net zero target of 2030.
• UAE Climate-Responsible Companies PledgemajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Sustainable Square signed the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment Pledge for Climate-Responsible Companies, contributing to the nation's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and UAE's ambition to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
• Alturki HoldingcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Five-year partnership (started 2017, ongoing) where Sustainable Square helped create Alturki Group's ESG and sustainability strategy aligned with its purpose for the future. Deliverables included ESG assessments, carbon inventory, ESG and Social Investment strategies, and continuous disclosure and reporting support.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Sweep: ESG data management and reporting platform with strong European customer base and multi-framework support. Competes with Squarely on automated sustainability data collection and disclosure.
• Workiva: Leading cloud-based ESG, sustainability, and financial reporting SaaS platform serving large enterprises and listed companies globally. Most direct competitor to Squarely in multi-framework ESG reporting and audit-ready disclosures.
• Watershed: Enterprise climate and ESG data platform combining carbon accounting, disclosures, and reduction planning. Comparable to Sustainable Square's combination of Squarely platform plus climate advisory services.
• Persefoni: Carbon accounting and climate management SaaS platform for enterprises and financial institutions. Closely comparable to Sustainable Square's carbon calculation, emissions tracking, and disclosure capabilities within Squarely.
• Novata: ESG data management platform purpose-built for private markets, including private equity and private credit. Comparable data-management approach to Squarely, particularly for institutional investor clients.
• Greenly: Carbon accounting and ESG platform focused on SMEs and mid-market companies. Comparable to Squarely's SME-facing PLG motion and automated emissions measurement offering.
• Normative: Carbon accounting engine and sustainability reporting platform serving enterprises across Europe. Comparable technology layer to Squarely's carbon calculations and disclosure automation.

Broad incumbents

• Sphera: Long-established enterprise EHS, ESG, and operational risk software vendor owned by Blackstone. Overlaps with Squarely on ESG data management but serves a broader operational and safety portfolio.
• ERM (Environmental Resources Management): Global sustainability and environmental consultancy serving multinational corporates. Directly comparable to Sustainable Square's ESG Advisory practice in scale, breadth, and capital-markets integration.
• Salesforce Net Zero Cloud: Sustainability module within Salesforce's CRM platform offering carbon accounting and ESG reporting. Broad incumbent that overlaps with Squarely's enterprise ESG data and reporting functionality.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/sustain_square
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sustainable-square
• Instagraminstagram.com/sustainable_square

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 Sustainable Square