Projects & Engagements
In this section, we showcase examples of SustainOpp’s recent projects and client engagements (all anonymised for confidentiality). These vignettes illustrate our experience across different sectors and the tangible outcomes we deliver. From asset managers to industrial manufacturers to sovereign investors, SustainOpp has a proven track record of embedding sustainability for impact.
Global Asset Manager – Integrating ESG for Investment Edge
A leading European asset management firm, managing over €150bn in AUM, engaged SustainOpp to elevate its ESG integration and meet new disclosure demands. The client faced pressure from investors and regulators to comply with SFDR and improve PRI assessment scores, while also seeing an opportunity to launch new sustainable funds.
Our Approach: We conducted a thorough ESG policy and process review, benchmarking the client’s practices against PRI principles and industry peers. We helped define an enhanced ESG integration framework for investment decisions – including sector-specific ESG checklists for analysts and a decision tool to incorporate EU Taxonomy alignment for prospective investments. Simultaneously, we developed the firm’s first TCFD-aligned climate risk report and revamped their stewardship reporting in line with the UK Stewardship Code.
Outcome: Within 12 months, the firm integrated ESG criteria into 90%+ of its portfolios and strategies, up from ~50% prior, without sacrificing returns. They successfully launched two new Article 9 (impact-focused) funds, raising 500m+ in new capital. Their PRI assessment improved from A to A+, and they achieved full compliance with SFDR Level 2 disclosures ahead of deadline. The client’s CIO noted that ESG is now “embedded in our DNA” – investment teams are proactively identifying sustainability themes as alpha opportunities, giving the firm a reputational and competitive boost with asset owners.
PE-Backed Industrial Manufacturer – CSRD Readiness and Sustainability Strategy
A mid-market industrial components manufacturer (EU-based, ~ €3.5bn+ revenue) owned by a private equity sponsor needed to rapidly gear up for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and improve ESG performance to attract future buyers. SustainOpp was brought in by the PE firm to lead a full “build-operate-transfer” of the company’s sustainability reporting and governance capabilities.
Our Approach: We started with a double materiality assessment covering the company’s operations and value chain. Using our AI benchmarking tool, we highlighted gaps in the company’s existing disclosures relative to ESRS requirements – for example, the absence of a formal climate transition plan and limited social metrics. We then implemented a 90-day CSRD readiness sprint, establishing data collection processes for all relevant ESRS topical standards, training a small internal ESG task force, and drafting initial content for the sustainability report. Concurrently, we identified operational ESG improvements: energy efficiency projects in their plants, a switch to certified sustainable raw materials, and enhanced health & safety measures.
Outcome: Within 6 months, the company published its first comprehensive sustainability report, aligned with CSRD/ESRS and assured to limited level. The reporting process we implemented was ISSA 5000-aligned, making the company ready for upcoming assurance requirements. Moreover, the ESG improvements yielded tangible results: a 15% reduction in energy use, and improved safety incident rates. These steps not only ensured compliance but also increased the company’s valuation multiple in the eyes of ESG-conscious acquirers. Indeed, when the PE firm exited the investment the next year, bidders cited the company’s strong sustainability management as part of its appeal.
Sovereign Wealth Fund – Portfolio Climate Risk & Disclosure Framework
A sovereign wealth fund (SWF) managing government assets engaged SustainOpp to help integrate climate and ESG factors into its investment strategy and enhance transparency. The SWF, under state and stakeholder scrutiny, aimed to align with global best practices (TCFD, PRI) and ensure long-term portfolio resilience amid climate change risk exposure to infrastructure assets.
Our Approach: We worked with the SWF’s risk and strategy teams to conduct a climate risk scenario analysis across key holdings, evaluating impacts of various temperature rise scenarios on asset values . We also ran an ESG baseline assessment of the entire portfolio using our benchmarking tool, identifying which investments carried the highest ESG risks (e.g. carbon-intensive sectors) and which were potential ESG leaders. Based on these analyses, we assisted in formulating a new Responsible Investment Policy that included commitments to net-zero by 2050, sector exclusions (like coal), and a stewardship and engagement plan for portfolio companies on ESG improvements. In parallel, we developed a TCFD-aligned disclosure report for the SWF, including metrics like portfolio carbon footprint, and helped set up an internal dashboard for ongoing monitoring.
Outcome: The SWF now has a robust ESG risk management framework – climate risks are integrated into their strategic asset allocation and risk register. The first TCFD report was well-received, positioning the fund among global peers leading in transparency. Key findings, like a quantified projection of potential portfolio loss under a 3°C scenario vs a 1.5°C scenario, helped the fund reallocate capital towards more sustainable industries. These actions not only safeguard national wealth against future risks but also demonstrate accountability to citizens and regulators, strengthening the fund’s legitimacy. The SWF’s board has since approved a plan to increase green investments by 25% in five years, reflecting the influence of our work on strategic direction.
Mid-Market Enterprise – ESG Uplift for Competitiveness
A UK-based mid-market consumer goods company found itself under increasing pressure from major clients and supply chain partners to demonstrate sustainability credentials. Lacking a dedicated sustainability function, the company engaged SustainOpp to perform an “ESG uplift” programme to quickly raise their ESG profile and meet stakeholder expectations (including qualifying for a retailer’s sustainable supplier scheme).
Our Approach: We began with a baseline ESG maturity assessment, interviewing leadership and reviewing operations against a best-practice checklist. We identified priority areas: formalising policies (e.g. on human rights, anticorruption), setting environmental targets (for waste and packaging), and publishing some form of sustainability report to tell their story. SustainOpp worked as an embedded team for 6 months, helping the client institute basic ESG governance (appointed a sustainability champion, set up monthly ESG reviews), and launch several initiatives like a waste reduction drive and a whistleblowing policy. We then crafted a concise Sustainability Highlights Report – a 20-page public report aligned with key elements of GRI standards – to communicate these efforts externally
Outcome: The company’s ESG rating (from an external assessor used by their key client) improved from low to medium-high, allowing them to maintain preferred supplier status. They won a new contract with a large retailer that had strict sustainability criteria, directly attributing to their improved ESG credentials. Internally, the programme fostered pride and engagement – over 70% of employees participated in sustainability initiatives. By demonstrating proactive ESG management, this mid-market firm not only mitigated risk of lost business but actually enhanced its brand and opened doors to new opportunities. The CEO noted that “ESG went from a weak spot to a selling point for us,” and they plan to build on this with a more comprehensive strategy (with our continued support).
(Note: The above case studies are anonymised summaries for illustration. We are happy to discuss further examples relevant to your industry under appropriate confidentiality.)
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