Engaging with experts across ERM and external partners, the Institute addresses the critical sustainability challenges facing private sector leaders and policymakers across all sectors and geographies. Our analysis informs decisions that accelerate development of circular business models and the creation of a more just and sustainable society and economy.

The Institute’s focus reflects three critical sustainability market drivers: 

  • Low carbon economy transition (LCET).
  • Environmental, social, governance (ESG) factors.
  • Business resilience.

Research and insights Hide

Building on ERM’s 50 years of experience at the forefront of helping business integrate environmental and social elements, the Institute publishes a wide range of cutting-edge materials linked to our areas of expertise, including:

  • Reports and issue briefs.
  • Survey results and analysis.
  • Annual trends.
  • Network research results.
  • Articles.
  • Webinars.

Learn more here.

Networks Hide

The Institute’s peer-to-peer networks bring business leaders together to share knowledge, build and strengthen relationships, and improve their organizations’ programs and performance. Network insights and experiences also inform publicly available Institute research.

Learn more here.

Stakeholder Convening Hide

The complex and sensitive challenges faced by business leaders are often perceived differently by key stakeholders. We believe in tackling such challenges in a constructive, considered and informed way by working with companies and other leading organizations to convene unique stakeholder engagements.

These custom forums help organizations understand stakeholder expectations, improve relationships and effectively address their most difficult sustainability issues. Each engagement is designed and facilitated by the Institute team with support from ERM technical and business experts.

Learn more here.

Our Story Hide

SustainAbility was founded in 1987 by John Elkington and Julia Hailes. Throughout its history SustainAbility worked with business and its stakeholders to foster trust and encouragement to innovate, working towards the Brundtland Commission’s definition of sustainable development, “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

In 2019, ERM acquired leading consultancy SustainAbility for its cutting-edge think tank, corporate member networks and respected advisory services, which we believed would further strengthen ERM’s ability to create value for our clients, partners and society. Now, in establishing the SustainAbility Institute by ERM, we aim to better help meet the sustainability demands of our time.