What makes a sustainability leader? Meet our consultancy champions, Anthesis Group

The Anthesis team picked up their award at a glittering ceremony in London this March (pictured)

Anthesis calls itself the “sustainability activator”.  With operations in 17 countries and supporting clients in 43 countries, the consultancy connects clients to local Anthesis experts who have access to its global network of 700 sustainability professionals.It always makes sure it uses the best people for a project, while ensuring it works remotely across time zones to mitigate its own environmental impact.

Click here for more information on the edie Awards 2023. 

Most of Anthesis’s projects involve repeat business clients, many of which it has worked with for several years and across a myriad of departments. Its experts are frequently seconded within the client’s organisation as part of their internal team.

One of the key projects the business has carried out has been the delivery of Amazon’s ‘Climate Pledge Friendly’ initiative, which labels lower-carbon products so customers can make more informed choices. Anthesis analysed and reviewed hundreds of international certifications and standards to ensure transparency for Amazon customers.

Elsewhere, Amazon has supported PayPal to set ambitious science-based targets aligned with a 1.5C reduction pathway and assisted with the development of Kimberly Clark’s sustainability report announcing its 2030 sustainability strategy and goals. These included reducing its plastic footprint by 50%, reducing its absolute greenhouse gas emissions over a 2015 base by 50%, and reducing its water footprint in water-stressed areas by 50%.

The consultancy also helped the International Olympic Committee and the Union of European Football Associations to identify a more sustainable solution for event branding and signage, and supported Southway Housing Trust to develop a detailed zero-carbon strategy to remove 30,000 tonnes of carbon emitted through its properties and operations and reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2038.

Anthesis shares knowledge from successful projects internally through numerous newsletters and in-person Q&A sessions, and externally through case studies, podcasts, webinars, and social media.

The business is a certified B Corp and has certified its UK offices in line with ISO 14001:2015. Across the Atlantic, its US business is Great Place to Work certified. The prestigious award is based entirely on employee feedback, with 100% of employees reporting they are proud to tell others that they work for Anthesis.

Annually, Anthesis announces its United Nations Global Compact Communication on Progress report. And it provides the Trussell Trust – an NGO and charity focused on reducing hunger – with pro bono support, as part of its commitment to SDG 2 Zero Hunger. Anthesis ensures its offices are carbon-neutral, and it is offsetting all its legacy emissions. The organisation also offers all UK employees two volunteering days a year to support their own initiatives.

edie’s judges said: “Anthesis not only demonstrated an excellent record of delivery but also a clear passion and a genuine commitment to sustainability. From helping local authorities and businesses navigate the pandemic, to recently achieving B Corp status – the judges were convinced by this firm’s mission to ‘make sustainability happen’.”

Are you our next winner?

Now in its 16^th year, the world’s largest sustainable business awards scheme – formerly known as the Sustainability Leaders Awards – continues to champion bold and brilliant climate leadership. From the most ambitious net-zero carbon programmes through to cutting-edge green innovations; from impactful climate partnerships and social sustainability initiatives to the heroes on the ground who are driving positive change.

The edie Awards are hosted during our flagship Business Leadership Month, offering a unique opportunity to have your sustainability achievements recognised and admired by thousands of businesses and climate experts. Winning an edie Award empowers teams, inspires stakeholders and accelerates sustainable business growth.

Entries for the awards are NOW OPEN and the deadline for entries is Friday (21 October). The winners will then be revealed at a ceremony in London on 30 March 2023. Click here for full details and to enter.