Pure-play sustainability advisory firm ERM announced today the acquisition of energy and sustainability strategy consultancy E4tech, extending its expertise and capabilities in emerging low-carbon energy technologies.

Keryn James, CEO, ERM said:

“This is an exciting time for ERM. We are rapidly expanding our capabilities to support clients at all stages of their decarbonization journey, from developing a net zero strategy, implementing energy efficiency or reduction measures, to deploying low-carbon technologies, repurposing or retiring fossil fuel assets and managing related environmental liabilities. We are delighted to welcome E4tech to our growing team.”

Founded in 1997, E4tech helps businesses and governments identify transition opportunities through the next generation of technologies designed to decarbonize key sectors of the economy, including new and emerging types of energy, alternative energy storage solutions, low-carbon chemicals and applications of these technologies in the transport, power generation and other energy intensive sectors.

Ausilio Bauen, Director, E4tech, said:

“Since our foundation, we have strived to combine a deep understanding of low-carbon technologies, policies and business imperatives to help our clients to grow.”

The transaction marks the latest in a series of ESG and sustainability-focused acquisitions in the consulting space, as advisory firms face growing demand from clients increasingly focusing on these areas in their own operations. ERM has played a significant role in this trend, with acquisitions this year of renewable energy consultancy Arcus, and Dutch sustainability consulting firm Sustainalize, and last month, global alternative asset investor KKR announced the acquisition of a majority stake in ERM.

In the case of E4tech, ERM stated that the acquisition will enhance the firm’s ability to advise clients seeking to shift towards a lower-carbon future.

James added:

“Climate ambition has exploded in the past year with the doubling of net zero commitments worldwide. With the UN climate conference COP26 fast-approaching, pressure is increasing from shareholders, investors, regulators and consumers for businesses and governments to set and deliver on ambitious targets aligned with science.

“This latest acquisition strengthens our ability to support clients in carving out decarbonization pathways and, critically, to seize the opportunities presented by the low-carbon technologies of today and tomorrow.”