What are some emerging trends in environmental consulting?

1 Digital transformation

One of the most significant trends in environmental consulting is the adoption of digital technologies and solutions that enhance data collection, analysis, communication, and decision-making. Environmental consultants are using tools such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, drones, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and blockchain to provide more accurate, timely, and cost-effective services to their clients. These tools enable environmental consultants to access and process large amounts of data, create interactive and visual reports, automate workflows, and improve collaboration and transparency. Digital transformation also requires environmental consultants to develop new skills and competencies, such as data literacy, digital literacy, and innovation mindset.

2 Circular economy

Another trend in environmental consulting is the shift from a linear to a circular economy, which aims to reduce waste, reuse materials, and regenerate natural resources. A circular economy is based on the principles of designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and restoring natural systems. Environmental consultants play a key role in helping clients transition to a circular economy by conducting life cycle assessments, developing circular business models, designing circular products and services, implementing circular strategies and policies, and measuring circular performance and impact. A circular economy also offers environmental consultants new opportunities to create value and generate revenue from waste streams, resource recovery, and ecosystem services.

3 Social responsibility

A third trend in environmental consulting is the growing importance of social responsibility and stakeholder engagement in environmental projects and initiatives. Environmental consultants are expected to consider not only the environmental impacts, but also the social impacts and benefits of their work, such as human health, well-being, equity, and justice. Environmental consultants are also expected to engage with diverse and often conflicting stakeholders, such as communities, governments, NGOs, and investors, to understand their needs, expectations, and perspectives, and to build trust and collaboration. Social responsibility and stakeholder engagement require environmental consultants to develop skills and competencies such as empathy, communication, facilitation, and conflict resolution.

4 Climate resilience

A fourth trend in environmental consulting is the increasing demand for climate resilience services and solutions that help clients adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. Climate change poses significant risks and challenges for various sectors and regions, such as extreme weather events, sea level rise, water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and health issues. Environmental consultants are providing services and solutions such as climate risk assessments, climate adaptation plans, climate mitigation strategies, carbon footprint calculations, carbon offsetting projects, and renewable energy systems. Climate resilience also requires environmental consultants to adopt a holistic and systemic approach that considers the interconnections and feedbacks between environmental, social, and economic factors.

5 Green recovery

A fifth trend in environmental consulting is the opportunity to support a green recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic that prioritizes environmental sustainability and social justice. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities and inequalities of the current economic and social systems, and has also highlighted the need for a more resilient and inclusive future. Environmental consultants can help clients leverage the recovery as a catalyst for transformation and innovation, by providing services and solutions such as green stimulus packages, green jobs creation, green infrastructure development, green finance mobilization, and green policy advocacy. A green recovery also requires environmental consultants to align their work with the global goals and frameworks, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement, and the Convention on Biological Diversity.