Public companies have several strong options for ESG reporting. For comprehensive services covering strategy, governance, and audit-ready data, large global firms like Deloitte, PwC, and KPMG are frequently recommended. Companies needing deep technical expertise in carbon accounting, energy transition, and framework-specific compliance (like GRI or SASB) often look to specialized environmental consultants such as ERM, Keramida, or boutique firms like Third Partners.
1ERMERM is a leading choice for public companies needing specialized technical expertise. It combines deep knowledge of environmental risk and energy transition with robust support for complex sustainability reporting.78%
2DeloitteDeloitte is often recommended for public firms that require large-scale, enterprise-grade ESG support, including corporate reporting compliance, strategy integration, and professional assurance services.72%
1I need to manage our ESG reporting and ensure we stay compliant with current regulations. What software or services can help me streamline this process?
2I need software to help manage our ESG reporting and ensure we stay compliant with regulations. What are the top options?
3I need to find software platforms that can manage our ESG reporting and ensure we stay compliant with regulations. What are the top options?
4We are looking for tools or professional services to handle our ESG reporting and make sure we are meeting all regulatory requirements. Can you recommend options that would make this workflow more efficient?
5We are looking for tools or professional services to handle our ESG reporting and regulatory compliance. Can you recommend any solutions that make this workflow more efficient?
Does AI recommend your brand?
Recommendations by AI engine
Mentioned in · Sep 26 – Oct 16, 2026
ERMChatGPT Search5 of 6 answersGoogle AI Mode4 of 4 answers
WSPChatGPT Search5 of 6 answersGoogle AI Mode3 of 4 answers
Anthesis GroupChatGPT Search4 of 6 answersGoogle AI Mode3 of 4 answers
DeloitteChatGPT Search3 of 6 answersGoogle AI Mode4 of 4 answers
AecomChatGPT Search2 of 6 answersGoogle AI Mode4 of 4 answers
KpmgChatGPT Search2 of 6 answersGoogle AI Mode4 of 4 answers
For publicly traded companies, the strongest environmental consulting partners for ESG reporting are firms that combine sustainability expertise, greenhouse-gas (GHG) accounting, regulatory disclosure support, and audit-ready data systems. The right choice depends on whether you need help producing an annual sustainability report, meeting investor and regulatory expectations, calculating Scope 1–3 emissions, or preparing for independent assurance.
Here are the firms I would shortlist, based on their published services for corporate ESG reporting and disclosure.
Environmental consulting firms to consider
1. ERM (Environmental Resources Management)
(Strong all-around fit)
Best for large public companies needing end-to-end environmental and sustainability reporting support.
Materiality and double-materiality assessments
SEC, California climate disclosure, CSRD and IFRS/ISSB readiness
ESG data governance, reporting controls and disclosure development
GHG verification and independent sustainability assurance through ERM CVS
I’ll compare established environmental/sustainability consultancies that explicitly support ESG reporting for publicly traded companies, focusing on reporting frameworks, assurance readiness, and regulatory reporting.
Sources AI cites
51% of citations to these sources link to brands' own websites.
We are looking for tools or professional services to simplify our ESG reporting and make sure we are meeting all regulatory requirements. Can you recommend any solutions?
Best for public companies that need to connect sustainability reporting with finance, risk management and corporate governance.
Regulatory readiness and disclosure gap assessments
ESG data processes and internal controls
Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions accounting
Sustainability reporting technology and assurance services
Deloitte is a professional-services firm rather than a pure environmental consultancy, but its multidisciplinary reporting capabilities make it a useful contender for publicly listed issuers.
Integration with financial controls and investor reporting
Deloitte, PwC
Industrial environmental risks and net-zero planning
SLR, WSP, ERM
This is a practical shortlist based on advertised capabilities, not an independent ranking of service quality. Industry analysis by Verdantix also identifies ERM, Anthesis, Deloitte, PwC, SLR and WSP among prominent ESG and sustainability consulting providers.
What public companies should check before hiring
Ask each firm to demonstrate experience with:
Applicable reporting standards: Which SEC-related, California, ISSB/IFRS, GRI or CSRD/ESRS requirements are relevant to your company and reporting jurisdictions?
Emissions accounting: Can it quantify Scope 1 and 2 emissions and material Scope 3 categories using documented methodologies?
Audit readiness: Will it establish data ownership, controls, evidence trails and repeatable reporting procedures?
Independent assurance: Can the firm provide independent verification itself, or will you need a separate assurance provider? Check independence and conflicts of interest.
Comparable public-company experience: Request references from listed companies in your industry and examples of similar reporting engagements.
Regulatory applicability should be confirmed for your specific company and jurisdiction rather than assumed from a generic ESG checklist.
My starting recommendation: For a public company seeking a partner that combines environmental science with corporate ESG disclosure, start with ERM, Anthesis and WSP. Add Apex if emissions verification and operational environmental data are particularly important, or Deloitte/PwC if financial reporting controls and assurance are central to the engagement.
Are you looking primarily for a consultant to prepare the ESG report, to calculate and verify emissions, or to help satisfy public-company disclosure requirements? That distinction would help identify the best-fit firms.
Public companies face stringent demands for transparent, investor-grade ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting to satisfy regulations (like SEC climate disclosure rules or the EU's CSRD) and shareholder expectations.[](https://www.fticonsulting.com/services/esg-and-sustainability)
Leading firms that specialize in environmental, climate, and ESG reporting services for public corporations fall into a few clear categories:
ERM (Environmental Resources Management): Widely recognized as a premier pure-play sustainability consultancy. They focus entirely on EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety), risk, and operational ESG transformations, helping major public companies manage decarbonization and disclosure alignment.
Anthesis Group: A prominent dedicated sustainability expert firm helping clients with end-to-end ESG change, supply chain tracking, and science-based targets.
Major Environmental Engineering & Infrastructure Firms
Jacobs: Routinely ranked among the top global environmental and sustainability consultancies, specializing in climate resilience, carbon data analytics, and large-scale environmental planning.
AECOM: Offers integrated EHS and ESG-driven compliance, carbon accounting, and regulatory alignment for complex industrial and infrastructure portfolios.
WSP: Features a massive earth and environment workforce providing technical depth in carbon management, footprint modeling, and regulatory reporting.
The "Big Four" Professional Services & Accounting Networks
Deloitte: Offers heavy-hitting ESG strategy, carbon data management, and implementation alongside audit-ready assurance capabilities [12.1].
EY (Ernst & Young): Noted market leader in ESG regulatory compliance, greenhouse gas accounting, and integrated reporting assurance.
KPMG: Frequently ranked as a leader in climate change and ESG program management, specializing in governance testing and managing climate-related litigation or reputational risks.
PwC: Focuses heavily on tying sustainability reporting directly to corporate finance, climate risk analysis, and stakeholder communications.
Global Strategy & Management Consultancies
McKinsey & Company (McKinsey Sustainability): Offers data-driven insights, large-scale operational overhauls, and tech platform integrations to scale climate tech and disclosures.
Boston Consulting Group (BCG): Specializes in embedding ESG and decarbonization metrics directly into a public company's core commercial strategy and value chain.
If you're narrowing down a partner, tell me:
What industry is the public company in?
Are you prioritizing regulatory compliance and assurance (like SEC/CSRD) or technical carbon accounting?
I can help you narrow down which specific firm fits best.
Environmental consulting firms that support ESG reporting for public companies
Public companies typically look for environmental and sustainability consultants that can help with ESG data collection, greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting, climate-risk assessment, sustainability disclosures, and assurance readiness. The right firm depends on whether you need technical environmental expertise, support for investor-facing reporting, or help meeting regulatory and disclosure requirements.
One important distinction: some firms specialize in environmental engineering and emissions measurement, while others focus on ESG strategy, reporting frameworks, and financial-materiality assessments. Large public companies often use a combination of these capabilities.
Firms to consider
1. ERM
Best suited to: Complex, enterprise-wide ESG programs
ERM combines environmental science and engineering with sustainability strategy, climate risk, and executive-level advisory. It is worth considering for multinational public companies that need both technical analysis and corporate ESG planning.
Best suited to: Climate disclosures and GHG reporting
Helps companies quantify emissions, set climate targets, evaluate climate risks, and prepare sustainability disclosures. Its services include reporting alignment, governance support, and assurance-ready data.
Best suited to: ESG frameworks, materiality, and climate strategy
Supports reporting and disclosures under CSRD, GRI, and ISSB, along with climate resilience, decarbonization, and ESG strategy. It also offers digital tools for sustainability reporting readiness.
Best suited to: Large, complex environmental and infrastructure footprints
Worth evaluating for companies with significant physical assets, infrastructure, energy use, and environmental impacts. Its sustainability work spans decarbonization, resilience, and sustainable project delivery. Confirm the specific corporate ESG reporting scope with its advisory team.
Environmental data and technically complex operations
These are capability-based groupings, not a ranking of firm quality. Verify the proposed team's experience in your industry and the exact reporting frameworks you need.
What to ask before hiring
For a public company, I would specifically ask prospective firms whether they can:
Prepare or support disclosures aligned with ISSB/IFRS S1 and S2, GRI, and CDP, as applicable.
Calculate and document Scope 1, 2, and relevant Scope 3 emissions using the GHG Protocol.
Conduct climate-risk and scenario analysis and assess material sustainability risks.
Establish repeatable data collection, documentation, and internal controls that can withstand independent assurance.
Coordinate with your finance, legal, investor relations, and internal audit teams.
Demonstrate relevant experience with public-company reporting in your particular sector.
One important caveat: consulting support is not the same as independent assurance. If you need a third party to independently verify emissions or provide assurance over sustainability disclosures, confirm the provider's qualifications and independence requirements separately.
Let’s narrow the list
Which type of public company are you researching? The most suitable consultants can vary significantly by industry.
PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) — Combines deep environmental accounting expertise with robust financial auditing infrastructure to ensure ESG disclosures stand up to investor and regulatory scrutiny.
EY (Ernst & Young) — Offers extensive Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCSS), focusing heavily on data-driven transformation, regulatory alignment, and assurance readiness.
KPMG — Recognized globally for climate, carbon, circular economy, and water-related disclosures, alongside testing governance models for ESG risk factors.
Yes. For a public company looking for help with ESG/sustainability reporting, I’d separate the market into firms that are primarily environmental/sustainability specialists and the Big Four/professional-services firms that are particularly strong on disclosure controls, assurance, and regulatory reporting.
Best overall environmental specialist. ERM has dedicated reporting/disclosure capabilities plus technical experts in climate, biodiversity, EHS and sustainability.
Ramboll
ESG reporting, CSRD/ISSB, climate and environmental metrics
Particularly good if reporting needs to be backed by substantial technical environmental analysis. Ramboll explicitly supports CSRD, ISSB and GRI reporting.
WSP Global
Climate, carbon, environmental data and sustainability programs
A strong choice for companies with substantial physical assets, infrastructure or complex environmental footprints.
AECOM
Environmental performance, climate, infrastructure and sustainability
Especially compelling for asset-heavy companies where ESG reporting depends on engineering/environmental data.
Arcadis
Climate, environmental impacts, built environment and ESG
Worth considering alongside WSP/AECOM/Ramboll for technically intensive environmental reporting.
SLR Consulting
Environmental data, climate, natural resources and ESG
A good specialist option when the environmental component is more important than financial reporting/assurance.
If the company needs SEC/investor-grade reporting
I'd also put Deloitte, EY, PwC, and KPMG on the shortlist.
For example, Deloitte explicitly offers reporting-readiness, sustainability controls and governance, disclosure testing, and independent assurance, alongside work on frameworks including ISSB and ESRS.
How I'd choose
Need environmental/technical expertise + ESG reporting:ERM or Ramboll
Large industrial/infrastructure company:WSP, AECOM, Arcadis or ERM
Need reporting controls, assurance and investor/regulatory readiness:Deloitte, EY, PwC or KPMG
Need both technical environmental work and corporate disclosure:ERM is probably the first firm I'd interview.
Need primarily GHG/carbon inventories and environmental data: consider SLR, Ramboll, ERM, WSP.
One important distinction: ESG reporting isn't necessarily the same thing as environmental consulting. A public company preparing investor-facing disclosures may need three different capabilities: (1) data/measurement, (2) reporting and disclosure, and (3) assurance/internal controls. The Big Four tend to be strongest on #2–3, while ERM/Ramboll/WSP-type firms tend to be stronger on #1.
If you tell me the industry (e.g., manufacturing, energy, real estate, technology) and U.S.-listed vs. foreign public company, I can narrow this to 5–7 firms and compare their ESG reporting capabilities, approximate size, relevant frameworks, and typical engagement model.
Public companies navigating complex ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting—such as compliance with SEC climate-disclosure rules, CSRD in Europe, or global standards like GHG Protocol and ISSB—typically rely on a mix of pure-play environmental consultancies, major engineering-environmental firms, and the Big Four accounting/advisory networks.
The top-rated firms specializing in or heavily active with ESG and environmental reporting for public corporations include:
ERM (Environmental Resources Management) : Widely recognized as a global pure-play sustainability consultancy leader. They specialize entirely in environmental, health, safety, risk, and social consulting, frequently ranked at the diamond level for helping public companies operationalize and report on net-zero and ESG metrics.[](https://www.consulting.us/rankings/top-consulting-firms-in-the-us-by-area-of-expertise/esg)
Anthesis Group : A dedicated sustainability consultancy that guides major corporations through carbon footprinting, supply chain data collection, and regulatory disclosure alignment.
Jacobs : Frequently top-ranked in global environmental and sustainability consulting. They offer massive technical depth in climate risk assessments, greenhouse gas inventories, and infrastructure decarbonization.
AECOM : Provides integrated EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) compliance, industrial decarbonization, and ESG-driven data frameworks for complex, asset-heavy public corporations.
WSP : Features a massive Earth and Environment division that helps industrial and commercial public companies manage environmental metrics, permitting, and technical carbon accounting.
3. The "Big Four" & Global Management Consultancies
Public companies often choose these firms because they seamlessly connect technical environmental data with financial auditing, investor relations, and SEC-grade reporting controls:
PwC / EY / Deloitte / KPMG : All four maintain dominant ESG practices specializing in assurance-ready sustainability reporting, internal control implementation for non-financial data, and regulatory compliance.
Yes. If you mean environmental/sustainability consulting firms that can help a publicly traded company prepare ESG or sustainability disclosures, there are several strong options. The best fit depends on whether you need report preparation, climate/GHG data, regulatory readiness, or assurance.
Strong firms to consider
Firm
Particularly strong for
ESG reporting capabilities
ERM
End-to-end ESG + environmental strategy
Reporting, materiality/double materiality, GRI/SASB/ISSB, CSRD, SEC readiness, ESG data controls and assurance readiness.
WSP
Technical environmental data + disclosure
Sustainability disclosure, GHG management, climate risk, reporting and assurance-ready data; particularly strong if your reporting requires substantial engineering/scientific analysis.
Anthesis
Dedicated ESG reporting
Materiality, report development, ESG data collection, CSRD, ISSB, GRI, CDP and other reporting frameworks. It has specifically supported companies with inaugural sustainability reports.
Ramboll
Environmental/climate-heavy ESG programs
Sustainability strategy, climate and biodiversity, materiality, CSRD/ISSB and reporting/disclosures, backed by substantial environmental engineering expertise.
Jacobs
Climate, infrastructure and ESG
ESG strategy through reporting, GHG management, climate risk, sustainability consulting and corporate reporting/disclosures.
Stantec
Environmental technical expertise + ESG
ESG strategy, reporting and disclosure, climate risk, sustainability programming and mandatory-disclosure preparation.
If I were putting together an RFP, I'd probably start with ERM, WSP, Anthesis and Ramboll.
ERM — probably the most comprehensive choice if you want one environmental/sustainability advisor covering materiality → data → reporting → regulatory readiness → assurance preparation.
WSP — especially compelling where ESG reporting depends heavily on GHG inventories, climate risk, physical environmental data or engineering analysis. WSP currently ranks #1 in Environment Analyst's global environmental & sustainability consulting ranking.
Anthesis — a particularly good fit if the immediate objective is actually producing a high-quality ESG/sustainability report rather than primarily doing environmental engineering.
Ramboll — attractive for companies with significant climate, biodiversity, water, circularity or other environmental issues that need to feed into corporate disclosures.
One important caveat for U.S.-listed public companies: the regulatory environment has changed substantially. The SEC's climate-disclosure rule is currently not something I'd treat as a straightforward mandatory-reporting requirement, so an RFP should distinguish between SEC compliance, investor-driven disclosure, California requirements, voluntary frameworks, and requirements applicable to foreign operations/subsidiaries. Current regulatory developments are still evolving.
If you're selecting a firm for a specific public company, I can also build you a 10–15 firm comparison with estimated market positioning, public-company experience, reporting frameworks supported (ISSB/GRI/CSRD/CDP), assurance capabilities, and U.S. presence.
Yes. For a public company, there are several established environmental/sustainability consulting firms that can support ESG reporting, from materiality assessments and data collection through disclosure drafting and assurance readiness.
You want a strongly environmental/climate-focused adviser with reporting and assurance capabilities. ERM explicitly offers sustainability reporting and disclosure services.
Anthesis
ESG reporting, materiality/double materiality, CSRD/ESRS, ISSB, GRI, TCFD, data collection and report production
You need an end-to-end sustainability reporting specialist. Anthesis says it can take clients from strategy/data gathering through report writing and design.
Ramboll
ESG strategy, climate, biodiversity, reporting, CSRD/ISSB and sustainability data
Environmental and engineering expertise is important alongside ESG reporting.
Deloitte
Reporting readiness, materiality, controls/governance, climate/GHG, disclosure advisory and assurance
You want ESG reporting integrated closely with finance, controls, audit and regulatory reporting.
WSP Global
ESG/sustainability consulting, environmental and climate services, reporting and disclosure
You need substantial technical environmental/engineering capabilities alongside ESG work. WSP is also included among major ESG/sustainability consulting firms in Verdantix's market assessment.
KPMG
ESG reporting, sustainability strategy, assurance, controls and regulatory readiness
You want a Big Four provider with accounting/audit-adjacent ESG capabilities. It appears alongside ERM, Anthesis, Deloitte, PwC, EY and others in Verdantix's ESG consulting market assessment.
How I'd divide the market
For a public company preparing an annual sustainability/ESG report, the choice often comes down to the type of help you need:
Environmental/climate depth: ERM, Ramboll, WSP
Dedicated ESG reporting specialist: Anthesis
Finance, controls, regulatory reporting and assurance: Deloitte, KPMG and other Big Four firms
End-to-end reporting: Anthesis and ERM both explicitly cover reporting strategy, data and disclosures.
One important distinction: consulting and assurance are not necessarily the same engagement. For example, ERM CVS provides independent ESG/GHG assurance, while Deloitte's sustainability practice combines reporting-readiness, controls and assurance capabilities.
If you're evaluating vendors for an actual public company, I can also give you a shortlist of ~10 firms specifically suited to U.S.-listed companies, comparing SEC/public-company experience, ISSB/GRI/CSRD capabilities, GHG accounting, assurance, approximate firm size, and likely engagement model.
Public companies face rigorous demands for accurate, transparent, and regulatory-compliant ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting (such as CSRD, SEC climate rules, and GHG emissions accounting).
The top-tier consulting firms specializing in environmental strategy and ESG reporting for public enterprises span pure-play environmental specialists, major management consultancies, and the "Big Four" accounting firms:
ERM (Environmental Resources Management): As the world's largest pure-play sustainability consultancy, ERM partners extensively with major public corporations on deep decarbonization, operationalizing ESG performance, climate risk disclosures, and technical environmental data tracking.[](https://onestopesg.com/esg-resources/top-environmental-consulting-firms)
AECOM: A premier infrastructure and environmental services firm that excels in integrated EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) compliance, complex carbon accounting, and industrial-scale sustainability implementation.[](https://onestopesg.com/esg-resources/top-environmental-consulting-firms)
Jacobs: Offers heavy technical climate resilience, lifecycle asset management, and EHS integration tailored to high-impact and industrial public sectors.
Tetra Tech: Highly regarded for high-end water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure consulting, assisting companies with rigorous data collection and environmental impact metrics.
TRC Companies: Provides digitally powered, integrated engineering and environmental consulting specifically built to navigate the energy transition and regulatory reporting.
3. Big Four Accounting & Professional Services Firms
Deloitte: Combines financial audit rigor with advanced tech-driven ESG data integration, helping public issuers align internal controls with strict investor-grade reporting standards.
EY (Ernst & Young): Widely recognized for non-financial assurance and comprehensive climate change and sustainability services, bridging technical metrics with compliance.
PwC & KPMG: Both maintain powerhouse global sustainability practices that focus on carbon accounting, circular economy strategies, and readiness for mandatory regulatory disclosures.
4. Global Management & Strategy Consultancies
McKinsey & Company: Frequently ranked at the top for sustainability consulting prestige, helping major corporations overhaul enterprise strategy, deploy climate tech platforms, and operationalize ESG targets.
