California Climate Accountability Package: SB253, SB261, & SB252
1 min
Level
What is the California Climate Accountability Package, and how do SB 253 and SB 261 (SB 219), and SB 252 help the state work towards their environmental goals?
ESG / CSR
Industries
MEASURE
ACT
COMFORM
Top 5 Environmental Consulting Companies
Level
Key Topics You’ll Learn About in This Article
A breakdown of environmental consulting and its value in the midst of greater sustainability efforts
Skills, expectations, and the overall value of environmental consultants
Our top 5 environmental consulting companies & how to ensure success in this field
Whenever we hear someone refer to their job title as a consultant, it’s easy to get confused – as it could mean many different things, such as being an engineer, overseeing environmental management systems, or helping companies to overcome environmental challenges with environmental management plans.
Consulting refers to experts who can offer individual research and solutions to help a business optimize their performance.
Think of consultants as that one person who can solve a Rubik’s cube or the last few missing pieces of a puzzle: consultants are trained to offer specialized assistance to any organization seeking their services.
Consultants may work in a wide variety of fields, such as in management, IT, marketing, HR, or even in the field of environmental consulting such as by engaging in supply chain management, mitigating environmental contamination, or guidance in overseeing air quality or water quality.
In this article, we’ll explain what environmental consulting is, the pros and cons, and our top 5 environmental consulting companies.
What is Environmental Consulting?
Environmental consulting refers to those who can provide expertise in managing various environmental issues, such as by helping to reduce the negative impact of industrialization and helping to promote the importance of climate legislation.
As a whole, environmental consultants often play a big part in helping companies to better manage their current environmental impact – in the same fashion that a tutor for school or a personal trainer at the gym can help individuals to achieve their full potential.
“Environmental consulting typically includes firms in both the public sector and commercial organizations. However, it is important to note that many environmental consultants can be independent contractors and provide their services in an entrepreneurial fashion.”
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What Skills Should an Environmental Consultant Have?
Here are some of the daily tasks of being a good environmental consultant:
📋
Oversee Environmental Policy
Monitor and adapt current environmental policy to ensure compliance and sustainability goals are met.
⚙️
Improve Management Systems
Work continuously to enhance environmental and quality management systems within organizations.
🧾
Conduct Audits
Perform regular audits to ensure environmental standards and sustainability targets are upheld.
💬
Enhance Supplier Communication
Encourage collaboration and transparency across supply chains to support responsible sourcing.
🤝
Ensure Stakeholder Engagement
Foster dialogue between stakeholders to align business operations with sustainability goals.
🌍
Guide ESG Reporting
Assist clients with ESG reporting and sustainability disclosures to maintain transparency.
🗺️
Support Land & Biodiversity Planning
Help manage land use, biodiversity, and health risks while aligning with regulatory standards.
📈
Develop Sustainable Strategies
Advise businesses on long-term sustainability strategies that balance environmental and economic goals.
Here are some of the required skills required in order to working in environmental consulting:
📊 Ability to Analyze Data
Environmental consultants must interpret complex datasets to identify trends and environmental impacts accurately.
🗣️ Exceptional Communication
Clear communication helps consultants explain technical findings and sustainability strategies to non-expert audiences.
🎓 Bachelor’s Degree
A degree in environmental science, engineering, or a related field provides the foundation for professional practice.
🧾 Professional Certifications
Credentials like Certified Environmental Professional (CEP) or Environmental Professional in Training (EPt) strengthen credibility.
How Much Money Do Environmental Consultants Make?
The average salary for environmental consultants is around $64,200 each year, although – salaries for policy specialists and other environmental consultants can increase depending on experience and their specialty.
Environmental Consulting vs. Traditional Consulting
The table below will break down some of the similarities and differences between environmental consulting and traditional consulting:
| Aspect | Environmental Consulting | Traditional Consulting |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Specializes in sustainability, environmental compliance, and risk management related to natural resources, pollution control, and ecosystem protection. | Generally focuses on business strategy, management, operational efficiency, and financial performance. |
| Industries Served | Primarily works with industries such as energy, construction, agriculture, and government sectors that impact the environment. | Broad range of industries, including finance, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and retail. |
| Regulation Expertise | Requires in-depth knowledge of environmental laws and regulations, including permits, compliance with EPA guidelines, and international environmental standards. | May include knowledge of industry-specific regulations but typically focuses on legal, operational, or financial regulations not necessarily related to environmental concerns. |
| Service Types | Includes environmental impact assessments, sustainability strategy, remediation, waste management, carbon footprint analysis, and climate change advisory. | Includes management consulting, strategy development, process optimization, IT consulting, financial restructuring, and marketing strategies. |
| Client Goals | Helps organizations minimize environmental risks, achieve sustainability goals, and comply with environmental regulations. | Helps companies improve profitability, enhance operational efficiency, and drive business growth. |
| Typical Certifications | Environmental certifications such as ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), LEED, BREEAM, and carbon management qualifications. | Certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional), Six Sigma, or financial certifications such as CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst). |
| Methodology | Relies on environmental science, engineering principles, fieldwork, data analysis, and regulatory compliance to offer solutions. | Relies on business analysis, market research, financial modeling, and corporate strategy frameworks to drive decisions. |
| Impact | Aims to protect the environment, reduce ecological footprints, and ensure sustainable use of resources. | Aims to improve business performance, market competitiveness, and shareholder value. |
Overall, the unique skills exercised in environmental consulting can allow those working in this field to help multiple companies across various industries to reduce their environmental impact and make a difference in the midst of global warming.
What Is the Job Description for Environmental Consulting?
Working in environmental consulting includes conducting environmental assessments, facilitating greater communication with stakeholders and suppliers, and guiding organizations in risk management.
No two projects assigned in environmental consulting are bound to be alike, often making the job a challenge and a fitting role for those who do not like to be bored by the ins-and-outs of day-to-day corporate life.
As companies around the world begin to shift to more sustainable business practices, the demand for environmental consultants is bound to increase – as environmental consulting can help companies to not only reach their environmental targets, but exceed them.
General Skills & Expectations for Environmental Consultants:
Here is a typical job consultant for those applying for a role in environmental consulting:
🧠
Insight on Env. Concerns
Provide strong, up-to-date guidance on climate, waste, and biodiversity issues.
📊
Evaluate Env. Data
Turn monitoring data into models and realistic sustainability goals.
🛡️
Risk Assessments
Identify where operations create the biggest environmental impacts.
🗣️
Clear Communication
Share findings so leaders can act quickly and productively.
📋
Manage Sustainability
Monitor and steer ongoing ESG / climate projects over time.
📝
Write Env. Policies
Align company rules with current industry and local expectations.
✅
Ensure Compliance
Match operations to government and sector regulations.
The demand for environmental consulting is set to increase, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) noted that careers in environmental science and consulting are bound to grow by 6% between 2022 and 2032 – giving environmental consulting an average growth rate 3% higher on average in comparison to other careers.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Environmental Consulting?
There are several pros and cons to working in environmental consulting, such as fostering a strong network of connections and helping to improve environmental circumstances – but working as an environmental consultant can also mean long hours and demanding deadlines.
Strong network of connections
Client work makes you meet people across sectors (energy, construction, public agencies), which is great if you later want to work as an independent consultant.
Long hours
Research, site work, or writing environmental plans is billable — so days can stretch well past a classic 9–5.
Diverse projects & mental stimulation
You can jump between agriculture, energy, construction, or tech — which helps prevent boredom and keeps problem-solving skills sharp.
Stressful work environment
Deadlines, compliance requirements, and demanding clients mean the role works best for people who like detail and high accountability.
Positive environmental impact
A lot of projects actually reduce emissions, improve reporting, or protect ecosystems — so it’s easier to feel the work matters.
Frequent travel
Site visits can pile up and mean time away from home — exciting at first, tiring over time.
Growing demand & security
Environmental consulting is among the fastest growing jobs on the market, so there’s good long-term career upside.
Juggling multiple projects
You might be on a U.S. decarbonization project and another in Canada at the same time — different laws, different deliverables, which can get confusing.
Environmental consulting can be a rewarding career, but it can also come with some challenges such as time constraints and tight deadlines – both of which can take a toll on an environmental consultants’ personal life.
Our Top 5 Environmental Consulting Companies
Choosing both a reputable and eco-friendly consulting firm can be a challenge, but we’ve made it easier by sharing our top 5 environmental consulting companies below.
AECOM
AECOM has proved themselves to be a global leader for environmental consulting, as they offer a wide variety of environmental consulting services such as:
- Environmental impact assessments
- Sustainability consulting
- Remediation
- Integrated solutions under environmental services
Operating as a Canadian-based environmental consulting firm in 22 offices around the world with location in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and even India – AECOM is well-known for their for its projects in infrastructure and their efforts to implement sustainable protocols with their clientele.
Jacobs Engineering Group
This engineering and environmental consulting firm operates worldwide to provide clients with expertise in sustainable infrastructure and climate resilience.
Jacobs Engineering Group can help your company with a wide variety of environmental consulting services, such as in:
In addition to this, Jacobs Engineering Group has launched their Climate Response Center – which offers tailored solutions to sustainability issues and allows for improved environmental risk management.
Tetra Tech
Operating with over 550 offices worldwide, Tetra Tech is well positioned to help companies with the following:
- Advancing your ESG strategy
- Navigate compliance with environmental legislation
- Sustainable development
- Water resources
- Overall environmental management
More specifically, Tetra Tech is most known for their environmental consulting services in renewable energy and environmental remediation.
McKinsey & Company
This worldwide consulting firm established back in 1962 has an overwhelming global presence – operating in over 130 cities across 65 countries.
While McKinsey & Company cannot be classified as a solely environmental consulting firm, they have made a substantial effort to expand their services in sustainability – such as by launching their own Sustainability Academy in 2022 to help clients work towards net-zero emission.
ERM (Environmental Resources Management)
Established back in 1971, ERM leads by example when it comes to providing environmental consulting services for EHS and other various sustainability consulting services.
With over 8,000 people working across 40 different countries, ERM has solidified themselves as a successful environmental consulting firm.
ERM can also help companies with:
- CSR
- Risk management
- Research for net-zero
In addition to this, ERM has spent up to $360,000 USD on ESG data and ratings – further demonstrating their commitment to being classified as an environmental consulting firm.
Since environmental consulting is still a relatively new field, it can be challenging to decipher which companies are worth recruiting for their environmental services.
How to Set Apart a Successful Environmental Consulting Company from Other Consulting Companies?
It can be confusing to decipher the difference between an environmental consulting company and a traditional one, but there are a few tell-tale signs – such as their reputation with handling regulatory requirements and client relationships.
Becoming a successful consulting company is already a challenging, but becoming a reputable environmental consulting company can be even more challenging – seeing as these organizations will need to demonstrate a greater commitment to expertise and innovation in terms of the environment.
Here are a few ways to tell if an organization is a successful environmental consulting company:
- Offer Specialized Services Related to Environmental Management – Environmental consulting companies should always offer unique services such as risk management assessment, renewable energy consultations, and efforts to improve your current carbon footprint. Organizations that hold an ISO 14001 or LEED certification can further demonstrate their capabilities to guide your company in environmental consulting.
- Prioritize Regulatory Services – A worthwhile environmental consulting company will always prioritize complying with current environmental regulations. If your consultant has an extended knowledge on environmental law and permitting processes, you can be sure they’re the real deal.
- Open to New Technologies – As environmental consultants are always on the search for new renewable energies, there will be a general sense of open mindedness in an environmental consulting company that may be missing from a more traditional consulting firm.
- Long-Term Plans for Environmental Reform – An environmental consulting firm will be more interested in developing a viable long-term plan for your company, such as by providing clear sustainability initiatives and encouraging their clients to engage in other efforts to “go green” such as by acquiring various certifications or implementing CSR.
- Globalization – One of the best signs of an environmental consulting company is in their ability to operate worldwide. This is because successful global operations will depict if the company is able to navigate international protocols and environmental regulations with ease.
Overall, environmental consulting companies can make a stark difference in the environmental impact created by companies around the world – and we hope that our top 5 environmental consulting companies can help your business make a better decision for its future.
What About Greenly?
If reading this article about environmental consulting and our top 5 environmental consulting companies has made you interested in reducing your carbon emissions to further fight against climate change – Greenly can help you!
Making an effort to switch your company over to the values of a green business can be overwhelming, but don’t worry – Greenly is here to help. Click here to schedule a demo to see how Greenly can help you find ways to improve energy efficiency and decrease the dependency on fossil fuels in your own company.
Greenly can help you make an environmental change for the better, starting with a carbon footprint assessment to know how much carbon emissions your company produces.
Click here to learn more about Greenly and how we can help you reduce your carbon footprint.
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