Kronos Group

What does sustainability consulting solve?

Discover the real problems sustainability management consulting tackles. Learn how sustainable procurement can boost brand value by up to 30%.

Is sustainability management consulting necessary?

Most companies want to be sustainable, but where do you even start? With 51% of global businesses already adopting sustainable procurement practices, the need to act is clear, but the path is not always obvious. That is where sustainability consulting comes in. It is not just a trend or a checkbox for ESG reporting. 

It is a practical, tailored service that helps businesses align operations with environmental and social goals. From reducing waste to rethinking supply chains, the right guidance can lead to real impact. In fact, companies with strong ESG credentials can reduce costs by 5–10% while boosting long-term value.

What problems can sustainability consulting solve?

 Unclear sustainability goals

By 2026, 70% of technology procurement management leaders will have sustainability-aligned performance objectives, yet many businesses still struggle to turn broad ambitions into measurable targets. Teams often know they need to “go green” but lack clarity on how to make it happen. Sustainability management consultants bridge this gap by translating those ambitions into actionable strategies. They assess your current situation, identify key areas for improvement, and help define clear, measurable targets to track progress. With their expertise and vast knowledge, sustainability management becomes a practical, achievable goal that delivers real, lasting results.

Regulatory compliance confusion

Sustainability regulations are complex, fast-evolving, and vary across regions, making it easy for businesses to fall behind. Only 50% of companies currently report even basic KPIs on supply chain sustainability and risk. That leaves room for penalties, missed opportunities, or reputational damage. Sustainability consultants stay on top of these changes, helping companies not just comply but stay ahead. They interpret legal requirements, align reporting with standards, and tailor strategies for each market. For global companies navigating fragmented ESG rules across borders, this guidance is critical to ensure consistent, confident compliance with minimal disruption.

Lack of in-house expertise

86% of procurement management leaders lack confidence in their team’s ability to meet future demands, and nearly 60% are struggling to attract or retain talent. That is a major barrier to building a sustainable management operation. Internal teams often lack the specific knowledge needed for carbon accounting, lifecycle assessments, or sustainable sourcing audits. Even when the will is there, the skills or time may not be. Sustainability consultants fill these gaps, offering specialised, up-to-date expertise without the cost of permanent hires. They equip teams with tools, training, and insights that are otherwise out of reach, turning inaction into informed progress.

Greenwashing risk

Greenwashing ranks as one of the top concerns for today’s environmentally conscious consumers. With growing scrutiny, the difference between authentic sustainability and overhyped claims has never been more important. One misstep—like labelling something “eco-friendly” without evidence—can damage trust and brand value. Consultants help businesses walk the talk. They validate claims, align messaging with actual impact, and introduce transparency frameworks. From verifying supply chain practices to reviewing marketing language, they help brands avoid missteps and stay credible. Consumer trust is currency, consultants keep businesses grounded in truth, not trends.

Inefficient use of resources

Only 26% of companies consistently use resource management to estimate and allocate resources. That leaves most missing clear opportunities to cut waste and reduce costs. Whether it is energy-intensive operations, inefficient packaging, or excessive water use, these issues quickly add up. Sustainability consultants bring a fresh, strategic perspective—identifying inefficiencies and introducing solutions tailored to your business. From low-cost improvements to long-term savings plans, they help streamline operations while reducing environmental impact. In many cases, what is good for the planet is also great for profit. Efficiency is sustainability’s secret superpower.

Stakeholder pressure and reporting

With 54% of consumers willing to pay more for products from socially responsible companies, expectations are high—and growing. Investors, customers, and employees are asking tough questions, and businesses need more than good intentions to earn their trust. That is where sustainability reporting comes in, but getting it right is no small task. From GRI to CDP frameworks, consultants help businesses build robust, accurate, and credible reports. They streamline data collection, guide the storytelling, and ensure everything aligns with what stakeholders care about. The result? Greater transparency, stronger relationships, and a reputation built on action, not just words.

Experience sustainability with Kronos Group

Experience sustainability with Kronos Group through expert procurement consulting. Our team helps businesses navigate the complexities of sustainable procurement, turning broad environmental goals into measurable, actionable strategies. Whether you are looking to reduce waste, optimise supply chains, or align your procurement practices with sustainability objectives, we provide tailored solutions that drive results. 

With our expertise, you can integrate sustainability into your procurement processes while improving efficiency and reducing costs. Let Kronos Group guide you towards a more sustainable future, where responsible procurement not only boosts your environmental impact but also enhances your business’s long-term value.

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FAQ

A sustainability consultant helps businesses develop and implement strategies to reduce their environmental impact, improve resource efficiency, and achieve sustainability goals. They offer expertise in areas like energy management, waste reduction, and sustainable sourcing.

ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) consulting focuses on helping companies meet environmental, social, and governance criteria for investors, while sustainability management consulting is broader, focusing on long-term strategies to reduce environmental impact and improve operational practices.

Sustainability consultants measure success through metrics like reduced carbon emissions, energy savings, waste reduction, supply chain improvements, and achieving set sustainability targets.

Julie Brand

A part of Kronos Group’s team since 2018, Julie is a leader who has honed her specialisation in business transformation and utilised her expansive financial expertise to power business strategy and add value to what we do. She has amassed experience (Pfizer, Sony, AXA, SMEC, Tradelink) all over the world in strategy, project management, analysis, and supply chain.