Key Impact Points:

• Decarbonization Commitment: ERM’s updated Decarbonization Strategy sets the ambitious target of net-zero emissions by 2040, aligned with science-based targets.
• Nature and Human Rights Advancements: Over 100 nature projects delivered worldwide, alongside a robust Human Rights Strategy aligned with UN standards.
• Water and Contamination Initiatives: Significant environmental impact with 2.4+ billion liters of water treated and 12.8+ million kilograms of contaminants removed.

ERM Unveils 2024 Sustainability Report: Charting a Bold Path Toward Environmental Leadership and Innovation

ERM has unveiled its 2024 Sustainability Report, a testament to the company’s profound advancements in sustainability and its strategic commitment to shaping a sustainable future. This comprehensive report not only details ERM’s ambitious sustainability targets and impactful achievements but also sets a definitive course for future initiatives. As a global leader in sustainability consulting, ERM continues to push the boundaries of environmental and social responsibility, aligning with global standards and pioneering new strategies that respond to the escalating challenges of our time. The full report, available here, offers a transparent look at the company’s efforts and innovations across diverse domains, from decarbonization and nature conservation to water management and human rights, reinforcing ERM’s role as a catalyst for change in the corporate world.

Tom Reichert, ERM Group CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the company’s progress and future directions, stating, “Our 2024 Sustainability Report sets out our performance for the past fiscal year, while providing a look-ahead to our priorities throughout FY25 and beyond, including our preparation for disclosure under the CSRD and IFRS.”

Under its revised Decarbonization Strategy, ERM is firmly committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2040, a goal supported by science-based targets approved under the SBTi Net-Zero Standard. This commitment is part of a broader initiative to aggressively tackle climate change, underscored by significant accomplishments in FY24:

• Renewable Energy Impact: Supported projects contributing to over 200 GW of renewable energy capacity.
• Advanced Energy Storage: Assisted in the development of more than 10 GW of installed energy storage capacity.
• Water Treatment: Managed the treatment of more than 2.4 billion liters of water.
• Pollution Control: Treated, destroyed, or removed over 12.8 million kilograms of contaminants.
• Climate Strategy Validation: Targets for decarbonization validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) aligning with the Net-Zero Standard.
• Nature Conservation: Delivered nature projects across 100 countries, aligning with the new Nature Strategy to support biodiversity and a nature-positive future.
• Human Rights Strategy: Launched a new strategy focusing on modern slavery risks and promoting human rights across the value chain.
• Sustainable Supply Chain Management: Introduced a new strategy recognizing the critical role of suppliers in achieving sustainability goals.
• Global NGO Support: Supported 49 NGO organizations through grant funding and pro-bono support across 29 countries.
• Leadership in Safety: Engaged over 1,800 executives to drive safety leadership across operational sites globally.

RELATED ARTICLE: ERM Partners with OPTEL to Boost Supply Chain Reporting and Sustainability Integration

Strategic Collaborations and Digital Advancements Propel ERM’s Sustainability Goals

ERM’s collaboration with global leaders and its adoption of cutting-edge digital solutions have significantly enhanced its sustainability initiatives. In 2024, ERM not only continued to foster global partnerships but also leveraged digital technologies, enabling 28% of its projects to enhance operational efficiency and reach. The firm’s SustainAbility Institute played a pivotal role by releasing 49 new insights and thought leadership reports, influencing both policy and practice worldwide.

Financial Contributions and Governance Excellence Highlight ERM’s Leadership

Financially, ERM demonstrated its commitment to sustainability by disbursing over $600,000 to support various NGOs worldwide. The company also remained focused on improving its governance and risk management, preparing for upcoming changes in regulations such as the CSRD, highlighting its proactive approach to compliance and ethical leadership in sustainability.

These enhancements provide a fuller picture of ERM’s multi-faceted approach to sustainability, illustrating not only its achievements but also its strategic planning and readiness to address future challenges in sustainability.

In addition to climate initiatives, ERM has made significant strides in biodiversity and human rights. Over 100 nature projects have been delivered across the globe, supporting the company’s move towards a nature positive future with its updated Nature Strategy and early adoption of the Taskforce for Nature-Related Financial Disclosures (TFND). Furthermore, ERM has refined its Human Rights Strategy to further align with the UN Declaration of Human Rights.

“Our efforts do not stop here. We will continue to step up and pave the way for a more sustainable future,” Reichert added, underscoring the ongoing commitment to broadening ERM’s sustainability impact.

The report also highlights considerable achievements in water treatment and pollution control, with over 2.4 billion liters of water treated and 12.8+ million kilograms of contaminants treated, destroyed, or removed. This aligns with ERM’s initiative to manage operations in 1/5 of the top priority water-stressed basins globally.

Reichert closed with a personal note: “I have really enjoyed the opportunity to reflect on the work we have achieved over the past 12 months. Despite the many challenges that are still ahead of us, I feel so proud to know that we are making a real difference at ERM.”

This year’s report not only reaffirms ERM’s commitment to sustainability but also sets a robust framework for continued advancements, with strategic focus areas that promise significant environmental and social impacts.

Download the Executive Summary Here
Download the Full Report Here