How do you determine the impact of your consulting recommendations on the environment?

1 Define the scope

The first step is to define the scope of your consulting project and the environmental aspects that are relevant to it. For example, if you are advising a manufacturing company on how to reduce its carbon footprint, you need to identify the sources and amounts of greenhouse gas emissions from its operations, products, and supply chain. You also need to consider the legal, regulatory, and social expectations that apply to your client and its industry.

2 Choose the methods

The next step is to choose the methods and tools that you will use to evaluate the environmental impact of your consulting recommendations. There are various methods and tools available, such as life cycle assessment (LCA), environmental impact assessment (EIA), carbon footprint analysis, and environmental management systems (EMS). Each method and tool has its own advantages and limitations, depending on the type, scale, and complexity of the project. You need to select the methods and tools that are appropriate for your project goals, data availability, and stakeholder interests.

3 Collect the data

The third step is to collect the data that you need to perform the environmental impact assessment. You may need to gather data from different sources, such as your client, suppliers, customers, regulators, industry associations, and academic research. You may also need to conduct surveys, interviews, observations, or measurements to obtain the data. You need to ensure that the data you collect is accurate, reliable, relevant, and consistent.

4 Analyze the results

The fourth step is to analyze the results of your environmental impact assessment. You need to compare the environmental impact of your consulting recommendations with the current situation and the alternative scenarios. You need to identify the environmental benefits and trade-offs of your consulting recommendations, as well as the uncertainties and assumptions involved. You need to use clear and transparent criteria and indicators to measure and communicate the environmental impact of your consulting recommendations.

5 Report the findings

The fifth step is to report the findings of your environmental impact assessment. You need to prepare a report that summarizes the main results and conclusions of your environmental impact assessment, as well as the methods and data used. You need to present the report in a way that is understandable, relevant, and persuasive for your client and other stakeholders. You need to highlight the environmental value and contribution of your consulting recommendations, as well as the potential risks and challenges.

6 Monitor the outcomes

The final step is to monitor the outcomes of your consulting recommendations. You need to track and measure the environmental performance and impact of your client after implementing your consulting recommendations. You need to collect feedback and data from your client and other stakeholders to evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of your consulting recommendations. You need to identify any gaps or issues that may arise and suggest improvements or adjustments if needed.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?