Making sustainability happen
Creating the next generation of ESG leaders in emerging economies.
We do this by putting young people in the driver seat, and providing them with senior support to deliver international-quality services focused on the implementation of ESG and sustainability into our clients' business models.
We see this approach as fundamental to creating the ESG and sustainability human resources that emerging markets will need to achieve truly sustainable environmental, social and economic development.
Implementing sustainability in countries where it is most needed.
We are becoming a globally-renowned ESG and sustainability services firm which implements sustainability in emerging markets, and our teams know full well the need to ensure that sustainable development actually happens on the ground.
Our teams are specifically trained to understand the needs of business, investors, governments and communities, as sustainability can only be cost-effectively implemented when key stakeholders buy into the approach.
ESS is a signatory of the United Nations Global Compact, reporting annually on progress in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Where our footprint sits
Scope 3 dominates, as it does for most advisory firms — it is travel to the places our clients need us. Our business model is designed to reduce this without reducing our presence in-country.
ESS Sustainability Data
*Data collected in 2024Four themes, clear targets
Our Sustainability Action Plan sets a clear roadmap for integrating sustainability across our operations from 2025 to 2030. For each theme it defines strategic goals and measurable targets – a practical framework that guides our internal practices, improves our social and environmental performance and keeps us accountable.
- Minimum 50% of the leadership team and all ESS staff are women from 2025
- Lost-Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) less than 1 for office-based employees (LTI per 200,000 hours worked)
- LTIFR less than 2 for all site-based employees
- Less than 10% staff turnover per year
- 100% of employees receive regular performance and career development reviews
- Over 50% retention rate from the previous year’s interns
- Provide 40 internal training hours per employee per year
- Each employee to compile a Personal Development Plan
Eleven goals we hold ourselves to
All 17 SDGs are relevant to our service delivery, but a focused set applies to ESS's own operations and organisational practices. These guide our internal sustainability efforts.
Who we will and will not work with
ESS works with a variety of forward-thinking clients, including companies, investors, financial institutions, governments, NGOs and other organisations that collaborate to improve sustainability outcomes in emerging markets.
We focus on sectors that contribute to sustainability. However, we recognise that some emerging economies intend to use fossil fuels such as gas as they transition — so we do work with companies that produce, transport or combust gas for energy.
ESG and HSEC advisory services delivered on the ground across Africa, Central Asia and Latin America.
