The ISO Standards for sustainability
November 10, 2022
“Proactive ESG strategies turn compliance into measurable impact, driving efficiency, innovation, and long-term business value.”
The growing importance of ESG in business
ESG factors shape modern business, as investors demand transparency and regulations like CSRD enforce rigorous reporting. Neglect risks disruptions and lost opportunities; proactive firms can secure efficiency gains and market leadership through expert guidance (1).
Netherlands as a sustainability front-runner
The Netherlands has set ambitious climate goals, targeting a 49% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and 95% by 2050, harmonised with EU Green Deal ambitions (2). The country also achieves high recycling rates, yet Scope 3 emissions and circularity transitions require specialised support (3). Fiscal incentives—MIA (up to 45% deductions), Vamil (up to 75% write-offs), and SDE++ (support for renewable energy)—fuel progress in ports, agriculture, and manufacturing (3).
How ESG consultancies in the Netherlands bring value
ESG consultancies translate complex regulations into tangible progress by helping companies implement reporting frameworks, governance structures, and actionable plans that reduce emissions (5).
They typically support clients in achieving 15–30% emissions reductions, raising compliance levels towards 90%, and unlocking subsidies or incentives that would otherwise remain unused, while building internal capabilities so teams can sustain improvements over time. In the Netherlands, these firms are particularly strong in tackling Scope 3 supply chain emissions and designing practical circular‑economy transitions that align with local sector dynamics, regulatory expectations, and stakeholder demands (5).
Benefits encompass:
- Risk reduction: Preempt fines and partner scrutiny.
- Economic gains: 3x ROI via efficiencies and subsidies.
- Innovation: Roadmaps elevating ESG from compliance to core strategy.
Local expertise proves vital where ESG influences procurement decisions, which can account for up to 70% of organisational spend (5).
How to choose the best sustainability consultancy for you
Align your choice with your strategic priorities, looking for firms that can demonstrate depth in climate risk, regulatory compliance, or certifications and deliver concrete returns such as emission reductions or ROI.
Key criteria include:
- Credible rankings in independent listings, signalling peer‑validated quality and market recognition (1).
- Strong partnerships across ESG software, certification schemes, and technical decarbonisation experts, ensuring an integrated solution rather than a single‑issue advisor (5).
- Local acumen, with a clear grasp of regulations, subsidy schemes, and sector dynamics, so advice is practical in your operating context (2,3).
- Specialist teams covering regulation, risk, and operational implementation, bridging the gap between strategy and on-the-ground change (5).
- Evidence‑based delivery, demonstrated through quantified case studies, clear baselines, and measured outcomes instead of generic promises (5).
Assessing consultancies against these dimensions increases the likelihood of a scalable, long‑term collaboration that delivers real ESG impact rather than one‑off compliance fixes (5).
Top 5 sustainability consultancies operating in the Netherlands
Below is our selection of leading firms active in the Dutch market, chosen to reflect a mix of specialist expertise, geographic spread, and proven experience delivering measurable ESG and decarbonisation outcomes.
1. Nexio Projects
Based in: Rotterdam.
Expertise: ESG ratings and certifications, decarbonisation roadmaps, regulatory compliance.
Nexio Projects supports organisations from initial ESG audits and double materiality assessments through to target setting, implementation planning, and certification, ensuring that decarbonisation and compliance efforts translate into measurable performance improvements and credible external recognition.
2. Metabolic
Based in: Amsterdam.
Expertise: Circular economy, systems thinking, impact modelling.
Metabolic helps organisations redesign value chains and urban systems, using data‑driven scenario analysis to optimise resource use, cut emissions, and embed circular principles in strategy and operations.
3. The Terrace
Based in: Amsterdam.
Expertise: Sustainability strategy, materiality, branding and communications.
The Terrace supports companies in defining clear ESG ambitions, translating them into business strategy, and communicating them credibly to stakeholders through campaigns, reports, and brand positioning.
4. De Duurzame Adviseurs
Based in: Amersfoort.
Expertise: Practical sustainability implementation, energy and CO₂ performance for SMEs and mid‑caps.
They focus on hands‑on support with energy management, CO₂ performance ladders, and certification trajectories, helping organisations turn high‑level ambitions into concrete projects and measurable savings.
KplusV
Based in: Arnhem and Amsterdam.
Expertise: Impact entrepreneurship, circular economy, sustainable innovation.
KplusV works with businesses, governments, and impact ventures to develop scalable sustainable business models, strengthen impact ecosystems, and accelerate circular and climate‑oriented innovations through strategy, financing, and programme support.
Nexio Projects’ added value
Nexio Projects is an international sustainability consultancy that guides organisations on their journey from compliance to purpose. We help clients translate sustainability ambitions into concrete actions through expert support in ESG ratings, climate strategies, and sustainability reporting. Combining deep expertise with creativity and a collaborative spirit, the Nexio Projects team designs tailored solutions that align with each organisation’s unique context and goals.Standout features include
Wide solutions range and expertise
We offer a comprehensive range of services and expertise to help organisations turn sustainability ambitions into measurable impact:
- ESG ratings & certifications: EcoVadis guidance and B Corp support to improve scores and achieve certification.
- Reporting & compliance: CSRD, TCFD, CDP, and ESG reporting support from specialists.
- Sustainability strategy: Define, implement, and manage integrated sustainability strategies, including outsourced support.
- Climate & decarbonisation: Net-zero planning, emissions reduction strategies, and climate risk assessments aligned with SBTi.
- Product & supply chain sustainability: Life cycle impact analysis, supplier engagement, and responsible procurement strategies.
- RFP & tender support: Tools and expertise to secure sustainability-driven bids and tenders.
Partners for impact
We collaborate with a range of strategic, technology, advisory, and ecosystem partners to deliver end-to-end sustainability solutions:
- Rating & Certification Partners: ESG ratings and certification experts, including EcoVadis and B Corp.
- Data & Technology Partners: Sustainability and carbon management software, such as Ecochain, Quentic, Position Green, Sweep, Salacia Solutions, F19, and Green Project.
- Advisory Partners: Specialists in behavioural change and corporate finance, including &Samhoud and Sustainable Capital Group.
- Ecosystem Partners: Collaborators supporting product carbon footprints and industry sustainability networks, including PACT and CPHI.
Credible credentials
Nexio Projects has been recognised by multiple independent industry sources for our expertise and impact in sustainability. In 2025, we were ranked #7 among sustainability consultancies in the Netherlands in MT/Sprout’s SD400, a peer-reviewed benchmark highlighting the most respected and impactful firms. Within this list, we also placed #4 in the Ecological and #13 in the Governance sub-categories.
Consultancy.nl has likewise acknowledged Nexio Projects as a Top Consulting Firm, awarding Platinum-level recognition in both Sustainability and ESG for the depth of our projects, thought leadership, and client impact. On a global scale, Verdantix has named Nexio Projects as one of the top 10 boutique ESG and sustainability strategy consultancies worldwide.
These recognitions reflect not only the dedication of our teams but also the trust and collaboration of our clients and partners, reinforcing our mission to help organisations move from compliance to purpose.
Hear more about working with Nexio Projects from our clients, first-hand:
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References
- Seneca ESG (2025) Dutch companies lead in CSRD readiness with strong ESG focus. Available at: https://senecaesg.com/insights/dutch-companies-lead-in-csrd-readiness-with-strong-esg-focus/ (Accessed: 23 January 2026).
- RVO (2020) National Climate Agreement The Netherlands – English. Available at: https://english.rvo.nl/sites/default/files/2020/07/National%20Climate%20Agreement%20The%20Netherlands%20-%20English.pdf (Accessed: 23 January 2026).
- Business.gov.nl (2025) MIA & Vamil: Environmental investment schemes. Available at: https://business.gov.nl/subsidies-and-schemes/mia-vamil/ (Accessed: 23 January 2026).
- Sustainability News (2025) Netherlands leads EU with 79% CSRD readiness. Available at: https://sustainability-news.net/policy-and-regulation/csrd/netherlands-leads-eu-with-79-csrd-readiness/ (Accessed: 23 January 2026).
- Ikano Insight (2025) Reasons to hire an ESG consulting firm. Available at: https://insight.ikano/news/reasons-to-hire-esg-consulting-firm/ (Accessed: 23 January 2026).
