Sustainability and ESG

In Australia, businesses are increasingly under pressure from investors, regulatory bodies, consumers, and the broader community to transparently report on business practices that may have climate impacts.

Originally focused on the largest greenhouse gas emitters, mandatory regulatory requirements for climate-related disclosures are moving towards all publicly traded companies, unlisted private enterprises and NGOs. This evolving landscape requires organisations to report on climate risks, opportunities, emissions reduction strategies, and social impacts, emphasising transparency as they adapt to a more sustainable economic model.

Umwelt can work with clients through advice and support to identify materially relevant and disclose climate related risks in line with Australia’s mandatory non-financial disclosure requirements.

Climate-related challenges and opportunities are reshaping organisational practices across industries. To sustain and enhance business value, it’s essential for companies to proactively identify, assess, and disclose climate impacts.

Umwelt can apply our specialist expertise to identify risks and opportunities for clients to meet regulatory and stakeholder requirements and increase transparency around climate resilience.

Our national assessment teams manage complex, multidisciplinary environmental and social assessments for projects across diverse sectors, working with clients from project concept, feasibility and approval stages, through to construction, operations, decommissioning and closure. Our approach focuses on clear definition of relevant issues, rigorous assessment of social and environmental matters and the development of effective mitigation and enhancement measure to deliver more effective and sustainable project outcomes for clients, government and communities.

Umwelt has one of the largest nationwide teams of qualified and accredited ecologists in Australia. We provide a diverse range of services across the fields of biodiversity, terrestrial ecology, ecological restoration and rehabilitation, and aquatic ecology. Through our work we identify opportunities to minimise biodiversity impacts, enhance biodiversity outcomes, and contribute to nature positive planning.

Our deep capabilities, from the field to the office, encompass survey design and techniques; analysis of ecological data; ecological impact assessment; conservation; and comprehensive understanding of legislation and planning requirements. Please see more information on our ecology and biodiversity services here.

Nature underpins all dimensions of our existence, however we are rapidly altering nature in all its forms and most ecosystems and biodiversity show rapid decline (IPBES 2019). Nature Positive is an ambitious goal to reverse this loss and achieve a measurable absolute improvement in the state of nature in the world by 2030 compared to 2020, and continued recovery after that.

Umwelt is well-placed to provide holistic and integrated multi-disciplinary advice and services to support our clients’ nature-positive goals, policies, risk-identification and opportunities. Please see more information on our Nature Positive services here.

Umwelt’s trusted team consists of experienced advisors to government and private sector clients on a range of topics. Umwelt applies its strategic and operational expertise to help turn corporate goals into tangible actions. We support clients in achieving sustainability goals across their business, assessing the impact of products and services, and driving transformation by integrating change management into strategy development and implementation plans.

Our specialist social practitioners are proficient in the measurement of social concepts and the development of reliable social indicators to assess and measure social performance. By effectively contributing to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of appropriate standards and policies to guide social practice, Umwelt helps organisations develop a valuable social licence.

Please see more information on our SIA, Engagement and Social Performance services here.

Our national assessment teams manage complex, multidisciplinary environmental and social assessments for projects in resources, infrastructure, renewable energy, waste management, industrial and urban development, and other sectors. These include many projects with individual capital values of over $2 billion.

Our approach focuses on the clear definition of materially relevant issues, rigorous assessment of social and environmental matters and the development of effective mitigation and enhancement measure to deliver more effective quadruple bottom line outcomes for our clients, government and communities.

We utilise innovative and creative engagement techniques to engender meaningful stakeholder and community engagement through a range of mechanisms and develop relevant governance structures and programs to address social issues and impacts.

Community engagement is essential for advancing sustainability, as it fosters shared responsibility and builds local support for development. By providing communities with a voice in decision making processes that affect them, organisations can ensure that sustainability efforts address local needs and create lasting impact.

Members of our team are IAP2 certified and have a sound knowledge of relevant international engagement standards (AAA1000 SES) and are experienced in risk communication theory and application, we facilitate workshops for executive and client teams in proactively identifying key project risks and managing outrage. For more information about our Stakeholder and Community Engagement services, please click here.

First Nations communities are critical partners in corporate sustainability efforts. Integrating First Nations perspectives and knowledge into corporate sustainability strategies not only recognises their unique and ongoing relationship with the land but also helps create more comprehensive, impactful approaches to protecting mining impact on cultural values and supporting sustainable outcomes for indigenous communities. First Nations people provide valuable inputs into conservation and long-term environmental stewardship to address climate biodiversity loss challenges in ways that respect ecological balance.

Umwelt’s team of anthropologists are embedded within our national Social and Heritage teams and can provide advice and on ground support in developing and delivering meaningful First Nations engagement programs and cultural values assessments, in collaboration with First Nations groups, to better understand the impacts on First Nations communities and integrate local Indigenous knowledge in assessment processes.

Incorporating human rights into corporate strategies in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP) ensures that companies actively prevent, address, and remediate human rights impacts connected to their operations, fostering accountability and respect across their supply chains and communities.

Umwelt’s services can support organisations to identify, prevent and address human rights risks, and demonstrate due diligence as reflected in evolving regulation.

Our supply chain mapping and ethical sourcing services provide companies with clear insights into every stage of their supply chain, helping to identify, manage, and mitigate risks related to environmental impact, human rights, and regulatory compliance. Through comprehensive supply chain mapping, we facilitate transparency and traceability, ensuring that products are sourced responsibly and aligned with ethical standards. Our team works closely with clients to establish and uphold rigorous sourcing practices that respect labour rights, promote sustainability, and build resilient, ethical supplier relationships. By partnering with us, companies can enhance their commitment to social and environmental responsibility, boosting both trust and long-term value.

Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) strategy services help organisations create inclusive environments where all employees feel valued and empowered. We work with clients to develop customised DE&I strategies that align with their mission, foster diverse talent, and promote equitable opportunities at every level. Through comprehensive assessments, targeted programs, and continuous improvement plans, we guide companies in building a culture that embraces diverse perspectives and drives innovation. Our approach emphasises measurable outcomes, cultural transformation and accountability, supporting organisations in becoming more resilient, adaptive, and reflective of the communities they serve.

Umwelt’s services ensure that major project developments prioritise the safety and welfare of all stakeholders. We conduct thorough evaluations that identify potential risks, implement preventive measures, and establish robust safety protocols tailored to each project phase. From site assessments to workforce wellbeing programs, our approach emphasises proactive risk management and compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements. Our team collaborates closely with clients to build a culture of safety and resilience, fostering an environment where health, safety, and wellbeing are integral to the project’s success and sustainable impact.

The shift from voluntary to mandatory sustainability reporting in Australia marks a significant evolution in corporate accountability and transparency. As stakeholders – including investors, regulators, and consumers – demand greater clarity on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance, the Australian government is moving towards establishing requirements that compel companies to disclose their sustainability practices and impacts. This transition aims to standardise reporting frameworks, ensuring consistency and comparability across industries, while enhancing the ability to assess risks and opportunities related to climate change and social responsibility. By mandating sustainability reporting, Australia seeks to promote responsible business practices, encourage sustainable development, and ultimately drive progress towards a more resilient and equitable economy.

Umwelt can work with clients to develop sustainability reports for different phases of a client’s sustainability journey, in line with voluntary or mandatory objectives.

There is a pressing need for robust ESG measurement to ensure compliance and provide stakeholders with credible information. As companies are required to disclose their environmental, social, and governance performance, accurate measurement becomes essential for assessing and reporting on their impacts and progress. This involves establishing clear metrics and benchmarks that align with regulatory requirements, enabling businesses to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Effective ESG measurement not only helps organisations meet mandatory reporting standards but also allows them to identify risks, track improvements, and communicate their sustainability efforts transparently to investors, customers, and the community. Ultimately, this focus on measurement fosters a culture of accountability and drives continuous improvement in ESG practices across the corporate landscape.

Umwelt partners with our clients to collaboratively develop bespoke frameworks and approaches to identify and measure material sustainability topics. Our approach goes beyond marketing and seeks to informs action and impact sustainability.

Umwelt is well positioned to help organisations identify vulnerabilities and enhance their business continuity in the face of disruptions. We provide a comprehensive analysis of potential risks — ranging from operational and financial to environmental and reputational — tailoring our approach to meet the unique needs of each client. By leveraging advanced methodologies and data-driven insights, we equip businesses with the tools to develop robust risk management strategies and improve their business continuity planning. Our team collaborates closely with clients to implement proactive measures that not only mitigate risks but also foster adaptability, seeking long-term sustainability and success in an ever-changing landscape.