Sustainability and ESG Consulting: Green Careers Beyond Engineering
Table of Contents
Why Sustainability and ESG Consulting Matter
Sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) consulting is a rapidly growing field. Companies are under pressure to reduce their carbon footprint, manage resources efficiently, and report on their sustainability efforts. This creates a demand for consultants who can help organizations achieve their sustainability goals.
Sustainability and ESG consulting careers are not just for engineers. There are roles for analysts, consultants, auditors, and project managers. Whether you are interested in research, communication, or project management, there is a place for you in the sustainability and ESG industry.
Types of Sustainability and ESG Consulting Careers
1. Sustainability Consultant
A sustainability consultant helps companies develop and implement sustainability strategies.
What You Do:
- Develop sustainability strategies
- Conduct sustainability audits
- Prepare sustainability reports
- Advise on carbon reduction and resource management
Skills Needed:
- Sustainability knowledge
- Communication and leadership
- Data analysis
Education:
- B.Tech, MBA, or M.Sc in Environmental Science, Sustainability, or related fields
Salary:
- Entry: ₹3–6 LPA
- Experienced: ₹6–10 LPA
How to Start:
- Take sustainability courses
- Do internships with consulting firms
2. Energy Auditor
An energy auditor assesses energy use in organizations and suggests ways to save energy.
What You Do:
- Assess energy use
- Suggest energy-saving measures
- Prepare energy audit reports
Skills Needed:
- Energy management knowledge
- Data analysis
- Communication
Education:
- B.Tech or MBA in Energy Management or related fields
Salary:
- Entry: ₹3–6 LPA
- Experienced: ₹6–10 LPA
How to Start:
- Take energy auditing courses
- Do internships with energy auditing firms
1. Bioprocess Engineer
A carbon analyst measures and reports on carbon emissions for organizations.
What You Do:
- Measure carbon emissions
- Prepare carbon reports
- Advise on carbon reduction
Skills Needed:
- Carbon accounting knowledge
- Data analysis
- Communication
Education:
- B.Tech, MBA, or M.Sc in Environmental Science, Sustainability, or related fields
Salary:
- Entry: ₹3–6 LPA
- Experienced: ₹6–10 LPA
How to Start:
- Take carbon accounting courses
- Do internships with carbon consulting firms
4. ESG Reporting Specialist
An ESG reporting specialist prepares ESG reports for companies.
What You Do:
- Prepare ESG reports
- Advise on ESG standards
- Coordinate with multiple departments
Skills Needed:
- ESG knowledge
- Communication and leadership
- Data analysis
Education:
- B.Tech, MBA, or M.Sc in Environmental Science, Sustainability, or related fields
Salary:
- Entry: ₹3–6 LPA
- Experienced: ₹6–10 LPA
How to Start:
- Take ESG reporting courses
- Do internships with ESG consulting firms
How to Build a Sustainability and ESG Consulting Career
Step 1: Choose the Right Education
- For technical roles: Take Science (Physics, Chemistry, Maths) in 11th/12th
- For non-technical roles: Commerce or Arts are also fine
Step 2: Get Certified
- Sustainability courses
- Energy auditing courses
- Carbon accounting courses
- ESG reporting courses
Step 3: Gain Practical Experience
- Do internships with consulting firms
- Volunteer for community sustainability projects
- Build a portfolio of sustainability projects
Step 4: Network and Apply
- Create a LinkedIn profile and follow consulting firms
- Apply for jobs on Naukri, Indeed, and company websites
- Attend industry events and seminars
Salary Expectations in Sustainability and ESG Consulting Sector
Role | Entry-Level (₹ LPA) | 3–5 Years (₹ LPA) | Senior (> ₹ 10 LPA) |
Sustainability Consultant | 3–6 | 6–10 | 10–18+ |
Energy Auditor | 3–6 | 6–10 | 10–18+ |
Carbon Analyst | 3–6 | 6–10 | 10–18+ |
ESG Reporting Specialist | 3–6 | 6–10 | 10–18+ |
Note: Salaries vary based on experience, location, and employer.
Real-Life Example: A Day in the Life of a Sustainability Consultant
- Start with client meetings to understand their sustainability goals
- Conduct sustainability audits and prepare reports
- Advise on carbon reduction and resource management
- Attend team meetings and update project progress
- End the day by preparing sustainability reports and presentations
This role is ideal for those interested in research, communication, and project management, aiming to make a positive impact on the environment.