In 2025, sustainability strategy isn't just a buzzword, it’s a booming business model. With ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) expectations tightening globally, the demand for sustainability consulting has reached a new peak. The global ESG consulting market is projected to grow to over $82.8 billion by 2028, fueled by new regulatory mandates, shifting investor priorities, and growing stakeholder scrutiny.
At the forefront of this shift is McKinsey & Company, one of the most influential names in global strategy consulting. The firm has made bold moves over the last two years, significantly expanding its McKinsey Sustainability practice. Their goal? To help clients across industries achieve net-zero commitments, adopt circular economy principles, and create long-term ESG value. They’re building entire climate-tech platforms, partnering with VCs, and launching new climate-focused analytics tools for boardrooms.
This isn’t just a win for McKinsey. It’s a signal to the entire industry.
Sustainability consulting is no longer a niche, it’s central to the future of strategy.
While firms like McKinsey are tackling massive decarbonization projects for global conglomerates, that doesn’t mean small and mid-sized firms are left out. In fact, many enterprises, especially in the mid-market, are overwhelmed by the scale and complexity of ESG transformation. They’re not looking for a 100-page strategy document. They want hands-on, customized help from firms they trust.
Smaller consultancies have a real advantage here. They’re agile, often industry-specific, and can build closer client relationships. What’s more, many clients are skeptical of “greenwashing”, making boutique firms a more credible, authentic partner when ESG gets personal.
Here’s how your firm can adapt and win.
Sustainability consulting is evolving from a compliance checkbox to a core business enabler. The firms that win in this space will combine strategic insight, technical knowledge, and authentic client partnership.
Large consultancies like McKinsey are investing heavily in green consulting because the future of business is inseparable from sustainability. But their size is also their weakness, their approach can be slow, high-level, and expensive.
That’s where you come in.
As a smaller or mid-sized consultancy, you can build faster, go deeper, and serve clients with real proximity. You can carve out a niche, partner with ESG tech providers, and show clients how sustainability moves the needle in ways their CFO will care about.
Ask yourself:
The race isn’t about who’s the biggest, it’s about who’s best at helping clients adapt, comply, and grow sustainably.
Pike helps smaller teams streamline delivery, manage complex projects, and stay focused on what matters, whether you're building a new sustainability offering or just keeping up with rising client expectations. Deliver faster, stay organised, and scale without the overhead.
Book a call today or request access if you want to learn more about how we might be able to help your team. The first consultation is absolutely FREE of charge, and is only meant to help you shed light on where your firm could improve.
