Sustainability

About The Client

Our client is a global leader in real estate services, employing over 40,000 professionals across more than 700 offices worldwide. Headquartered in London and listed on the FTSE 250, they provides expert advice to corporate, institutional, and private clients, assisting them in acquiring, leasing, developing, or maximising the value of residential and commercial property in key global markets.

The Partnership

Our partnership was initiated by one of our most experienced consultants, David Ward, in September 2021. David has played a pivotal role in delivering tailored recruitment solutions to support their sustainability and ESG growth, utilising his deep expertise in navigating the complexities of this evolving field. Since the partnership's inception in September 2021, he has closely collaborated with the client to provide strategic recruitment support for key sustainability and ESG roles, helping them achieve ambitious goals in a highly competitive, rapidly evolving market.

Over the past three years, this collaboration has evolved into a trusted and enduring relationship. Most recently, the real estate corporation re-engaged with us to assist with two critical hires: Associate Director - ESG Reporting, and Principal Consultant - ESG Built Environment.

These roles were vital to our clients efforts to meet their growing sustainability goals and ensure the success of key projects. Having previously benefited from our strong candidate network and market expertise, Our client relied on this partnership to deliver high-quality results in a short timeframe.

Challenges and Solutions

The ESG Reporting, Associate Director role presented an interesting challenge. Originally designed as a fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave, the role required a candidate capable of quickly adapting to a dynamic and technical position. Our in-depth understanding of their needs enabled us to identify a variety of strong candidates who exceeded expectations. This hire impressed the client to the extent that the position was converted into a full-time role rather than FTC, showcasing both the candidate’s capabilities and the strategic foresight of our approach.

For the Principal Consultant - ESG Built Environment role, a recruiting hiatus had left our client with little time to fill the position. Given the strong candidate pool for the ESG Reporting role, another position was opened. However, the tight deadline and specific requirements added complexity to the process. We utilised our extensive candidate network to identify and redeploy a candidate initially considered for the ESG Reporting role. This proactive approach ensured that the client secured a highly capable professional without any delay, highlighting our ability to deliver under pressure.

Both roles carried high expectations for technical expertise and alignment with our clients values. Our experience in the sustainability sector enabled us to identify candidates who not only met these criteria but also adopted a forward-thinking approach in their roles.

Over the course of the partnership, we have consistently gone beyond recruitment to provide value-added services tailored to the clients needs:

• Salary guidance: We collaborated with the client to refine salary bands, ensuring competitive offers within budget constraints.
• Market insights: We provided regular updates on hiring trends, candidate availability, and skill demand to support informed decision-making.
• Project-specific advice: We helped the client identify key skills to align hiring strategies with ongoing and future sustainability projects.

By delivering these consultative services alongside recruitment, we helped the client strengthen its talent acquisition strategy and establish a foundation for long-term success in sustainability.

The successful placements and ongoing collaboration have deepened our relationship, resulting in an increased scope of work for 2025 and reinforcing our role as a trusted partner in helping the client achieve its sustainability and ESG aspirations.

The Outcomes

We submitted five candidates, two interviewed, with two successful placements. Filling both roles quickly and effectively ensured our client maintained momentum in its sustainability initiatives without compromising quality.

Candidates:
"I've always found David to be extremely efficient. He takes time to get to know you and only focuses on companies and roles that are most suited to your requirements. He has great contacts in the industry and can make things happen quickly. He’s also happy to explore leftfield options if agreed. I’d definitely recommend David if you’re looking for your next role or have a role to fill."

“David is a highly professional and efficient recruitment professional, with an excellent understanding of the sustainability industry. David was responsible for helping me find my latest employment, providing unparalleled support and communication throughout the application and interview process. I found his knowledge and experience to be invaluable, especially in this increasingly competitive market”.

Client:
“David has assisted us to hire multiple roles over the last few years, bringing good quality candidates and acting as an effective conduit between us and the candidates. Sustainability is a broad skill set, and David has an eye for candidates that meet our specific requirements, particularly for senior positions. He makes the process as simple as possible.”

Our partnership with the client continues to thrive. The successful placements and ongoing support have led the client to increase its terms, reflecting the trust and value built over three years. This adjustment will facilitate additional roles in 2025, further solidifying our role as a key partner in helping them achieve their sustainability and ESG objectives.

Interested in collaborating? Let’s work together to make a difference. Reach out to David at dward@climate.17.com or on +44 (0)7761 800201.

Otherwise, our UK Sustainability page might provide you with the insights and information you are seeking regarding our presence and expertise in this dynamic market. We look forward to working together!  

About ecosecurities 

ecosecurities is one of the most reputable and well-established companies in the global carbon markets, with almost 3 decades of experience in sourcing, developing and financing emissions reduction and removal projects around the world. Highly impact-driven, they develop high-quality carbon projects based on the principles of environmental integrity, transparency and good practice that contribute not only to climate change mitigation but also to sustainable and inclusive development. They offer experience and tailored services in the origination, development, financing and commercialisation of nature-based solutions (NbS) projects, renewable energy, as well as technology-based carbon solutions. 

 
Partnership Initiation 

Climate17 has been recruiting in carbon markets since 2007. Following the financial crash and since the revival of the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) in recent years, we have been reconnecting with previous relationships. One of these is ecosecurities, who needed assistance to source and secure two strategically critical roles; a Global Head of Technology Based Solutions and a Global Head of Technical, Carbon Methodologies. 

Through full vacancy briefings, we gained deep knowledge and insights into the client and their needs and fully understood the nuances of the roles and their requirements. Subsequently, we delivered on the two roles within 6 weeks. 

 
Our Tailored Recruitment Solutions 

Recruiting in carbon markets is challenging due to a limited talent pool with specialised expertise. The rapid growth of the sector since its resurgence has created high demand, leading to fierce competition for qualified professionals and difficulties in retaining talent. Evolving regulations, lack of standardisation, and the need for interdisciplinary skills, including finance, environmental science, and data analytics, further complicates finding and securing the talent. Additionally, sourcing candidates with regional expertise and adaptability to emerging technologies presents challenges of its own.

Following these two successful placements, ecosecurities showed interest in strengthening our partnership and turned to us with new vacancies to fill. We then agreed on a commercially attractive and exclusive project-based partnership. 

Similar to our previous approach, we started with full vacancy briefings with hiring managers, followed by regular check-ins and summary reports. We conducted a focused headhunt using our own networks and LinkedIn to tease out the more passive candidates, in addition to advertising on our website, LinkedIn page and other paid prominent jobsites. With identified candidates, we arranged and conducted screening calls to ensure they met the role requirements, were the right cultural fit, and that expectations like salary, location etc were aligned. Once qualified, we sent CVs with profile summaries for review to the ecosecurities hiring team. We set up all Teams interviews and managed all candidates throughout the hiring process. 

We strive to always find candidates who genuinely believe in the work being done, and approach the search with focus, determination and perseverance, alongside utilising our strong network of extensive connections. 

We always remained flexible in our approach and tailored our services according to ecosecurities’ evolving needs. Staying in close contact and continually asking for feedback and adjusting and refining the search as needed, allowed us to build up a strong rapport with the key team members and hiring managers. 

The Outcomes 

Through a collaborative approach and shared commitment to positive impact, Climate17 has been instrumental in building ecosecurities’ workforce and supporting its ongoing growth and success.  

Interested in collaborating? Let’s work together to make a difference. Reach out to me at amy@climate.17.com or on +44 (0)7754853847.  

Otherwise, our UK Sustainability page might provide you with the insights and information you are seeking regarding our presence and expertise in this dynamic market. We look forward to working together!  

About Carbon Architecture 

Carbon Architecture is an energy and sustainability consultancy that began as a small, independent firm focused on energy efficiency. Over the years, it has evolved into a leading company offering a wide range of solutions, including decarbonisation and energy management. Carbon Architecture has built a reputation for delivering cutting-edge, innovative solutions to help businesses reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. As a forward-thinking consultancy, they have consistently invested in the growth and development of their team, recognising that attracting the right talent is crucial to their success. 

Partnership Initiation 

From the early days of Carbon Architecture, we have been a trusted recruitment partner, helping them build the team that has fuelled their growth. The company was experiencing rapid expansion and required a strategic approach to recruitment that would enable them to continue delivering high-quality services to their clients. The challenge was to recruit a diverse range of professionals, from recent graduates to senior-level consultants and a new Head of Department, who could not only meet the technical demands of the roles but also align with the company’s culture of innovation and sustainability. 

Challenges & Our Consultative Solutions 

We worked closely with Carbon Architecture to develop a deep understanding of their business objectives and talent needs, allowing us to tailor our recruitment approach, ensuring that we deliver candidates who not only had the required expertise but also shared the company’s vision and values. 

The recruitment process for Carbon Architecture presented several challenges. As the company continued to expand, they needed to fill multiple roles across different levels, from graduates to senior consultants. Additionally, the Head of Department role was crucial in guiding the company’s strategic direction and scaling operations, making it essential to find the right fit for this leadership position. 

By understanding complexity of the recruitment requirements, we adopted a consultative approach. We worked with Carbon Architecture’s leadership team to refine job specifications, ensuring that each role was clearly defined and aligned with the company’s growth strategy. Our tailored recruitment efforts focused on identifying candidates with both the technical expertise and the passion for sustainability that Carbon Architecture values. 

To source the right talent, we leveraged our extensive industry network, as well as specialised job platforms, to target professionals with proven experience in energy efficiency, carbon management, and sustainability. For senior roles, we employed headhunting techniques and relied on referrals to attract seasoned experts with strong leadership capabilities. 

The Outcomes 

Through our partnership, we successfully placed 19 candidates in key roles, enabling the company to expand its team and continue its growth. This included five graduates who have brought fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to the team, three mid-level energy consultants who are contributing to practical expertise to client projects, and three senior energy consultants who are driving high-impact initiatives and mentoring junior staff. 

We additionally filled the Head of Department role with a visionary leader who has been instrumental in scaling the company’s operations and refining its service offerings. This appointment has helped Carbon Architecture strengthen its position as a leader in the energy efficiency and sustainability sectors. 

Our collaborative approach ensured that all new hires were successfully integrated into the company, with ongoing support provided through the recruitment process. The results have been a robust and dynamic team that is well-equipped to meet the growing demands of the industry. 

Through our collaborative approach, we have played an instrumental role in supporting Carbon Architecture’s ongoing growth and success. Our ability to navigate the complexities of the recruitment process, while aligning with the company’s strategic goals, has enabled us to deliver results that have strengthened their workforce and reinforced their position in the energy efficiency and sustainability space. 

Interested in collaborating? Let’s work together to make a difference. Reach out to our team here.

Otherwise, our UK Sustainability page might provide you with the insights and information you are seeking regarding our presence and expertise in this dynamic market. We look forward to working together!

About John Swire & Sons

John Swire & Sons (JS&S) is a 200-year-old private family firm with a multitude of business in Asia, US and EU working within international trade and development, and with over 100,000 employees worldwide. JS&S Private Group consists of eight individual operating companies across international businesses, including cold storage, biofuels, energy services, tea and coffee, water servicing and engineering, container shipping business, steamships, property and hotels.

JS&S is headquartered in the UK and is responsible for formulating and directing overall group strategy and provides a range of services and support to the group of companies.

As a forward-thinking company, the Group is firmly committed to the integration of sustainability across its diverse range of businesses to minimise environmental impact and enrich the lives of communities around the globe.

Our Partnership Story

Initially, JS&S reached out to Climate17 to recruit a permanent Climate & Nature Manager role they had struggled to fill previously, recognising our expertise in sustainability recruitment. This newly created role, leading and overseeing nature-led carbon-offsetting projects for long-term carbon removal requirements across the Group, required knowledge and experience in decarbonisation, carbon offsetting and project management, coupled with a passion for nature and biodiversity.

In addition to this, the departure of their Sustainable Development Manager created an urgent need for a suitable replacement, leading JS&S to turn to us for assistance. This second role for a strategic thinker required all-round technical sustainability knowledge, with demonstrable sustainable business transformation and change management experience and the ability to work with senior stakeholders at the highest level, advising, influencing and developing strategies to make a positive change within a complex multi-sector organisation.

By partnering with them for these two key roles, we played a pivotal role in successfully sourcing strong candidates that not only met the technical requirements but also aligned with JS&S’s broader sustainability goals, all within a set timeframe.

Challenges & Our Consultative Solutions

Filling two roles within a 2-month window presented challenges of its own. In addition, these roles required candidates who could commit to three set days in London, bring relevant experience and navigate the intricacies of a large multiple sector organisation. The departure of the Sustainable Development Manager also added an extra layer of complexity, with the need of an interim cover if a suitable replacement was not found in time, potentially creating a third recruitment project.

Recognising JS&S’s commitment to inclusion and diversity, we presented a shortlist with anonymised CVs. The selection process was intricate and rigorous, taking candidates through four-stages of interviews, including three in-person, with the addition of a presentation task and psychometric, numerical and verbal assessments. 

Coordinating this extensive process required meticulous management. We ensured the alignments of schedules, allowed time for the assessments, and provided candidates with the necessary support throughout the various stages. Building on this, we also collaborated with JS&S to refine their job specifications and interview tasks, offering our insights into key attributes to seek in candidates.

Navigating the intricacies of today's competitive sustainability market requires more than just sending CVs to fill positions; it demands adept forecasting, a deep understanding of market dynamics, and an extensive network of engaged talent. By utilising our expertise in sustainability recruitment and applying a consultative approach, we effectively navigated and managed these complex processes, meeting JS&S’s hiring needs and filling both roles within the required timeframes.

The Outcomes

“Rachel and the Climate 17 team successfully filled two positions within a tight two-month timeframe. They provided us with high-calibre candidates and were quick to revisit and refine their shortlist whenever we felt the need. They were responsive to problems, and their adaptability was evident throughout the process. We also greatly appreciated their commitment to incorporating DEI strategies, which align with our team’s values. 

They efficiently took over the recruiting role, delivering strong candidates and managing the administrative aspects with ease. They also navigated relatively complex steps, including the administration of psychometric tests, with competence. Overall, they were effective in achieving rapid results within our timelines.”

-Lateefah Arewa, Sustainable Development Coordinator, John Swire & Sons

 “Rachel was incredibly helpful in my job search, providing professional support throughout the process. Her timely advice and feedback were key in securing my new position. I highly recommend Rachel to anyone seeking a dedicated and effective recruiter.”

- Joseph Fisher, Climate & Nature Manager, John Swire & Sons

“Rachel and the Climate17 team supported my transition from Australia to an exciting role in London. Rachel is a warm and proactive recruiter who took the time to understand my strengths and match them appropriately. I felt reassured after both meetings that the team genuinely listened and had a fantastic network that they could draw upon to give me realistic leads. 

I ended up participating in a competitive, multi-phase recruitment process and Rachel was supportive the whole way through by ensuring I got timely answers to questions I had on the business and process, and by following up with debrief calls afterwards. I had an extremely positive experience and would strongly recommend Rachel and the team.”

- Alison Freeman, Sustainable Development Manager, John Swire & Sons

Through a collaborative approach and shared commitment to driving sustainable and impactful change, Climate17 has been instrumental in strengthening JS&S’s workforce and supporting their ongoing growth and success. Despite the complexities and timeframes, we successfully guided JS&S through their recruitment challenges and enabled them to secure talent that perfectly aligns with the role requirements and their strategic goals.

Interested in collaborating? Let’s work together to make a difference. Reach out to our team here. 

Otherwise, our UK Sustainability page might provide you with the insights and information you are seeking regarding our presence and expertise in this dynamic market. We look forward to working together! 

Decarbonising transport is one of the toughest challenges currently facing the UK Government. Transport is the biggest polluter, responsible for 27% (in 2019) of UK greenhouse gas emissions, excluding shipping and aviation. The case for transport decarbonisation goes well beyond lowered GHG emissions and road decongestion, affecting air quality and health. 

FirstGroup plays a key role in accelerating the transition to low-carbon transport. This fits within the company’s ambition to be the partner of choice for innovative and sustainable transport for a zero-carbon future. In December 2019, FirstGroup approached Climate17 for help with identifying an Environmental Manager who could continue to lead and deliver their successful sustainability programme.

Climate17’s mission is to bridge the gap between ‘business as usual’ and a regenerative world, by bringing together purpose-driven people and organisations. We support small businesses and large organisations, such as FirstGroup, alike. We felt honoured to be able to support FirstGroup to continue to lead and innovate to create carbon-free cities. 

About FirstGroup – Key Information

• FirstGroup is a British global transport services provider headquartered in Scotland. They operate transport services in Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada. 
• Transporting over two billion people every year, their services help create strong, vibrant, and sustainable local economies. 
• First Group works with national governments, local authorities, schools and universities to meet their transport needs. 

Understanding The Main Challenges and Deliverables 

Sustainability markets are booming. As a result, finding experienced talent that is available and willing to move roles is ever more challenging. We worked in close partnership with FirstGroup to further understand their requirements and help them to build a competitive, attractive package. Given the urgency of FirstGroup’s requirement, we focussed on understanding the challenges and planning ways to overcome them. 

The main challenges presented by the brief were finding a candidate who was able to start immediately and be willing to work on a contract basis, as maternity cover. As well as this, they required someone who had both corporate and consultancy project experience, making the pool of suitable candidates considerably smaller. 

The main objectives were to find a candidate who could:

• Lead on a wide variety of environmental challenges and opportunities including environmental management systems, competency and training frameworks, and operating procedures. 
• Ensure carbon reduction, energy efficiency, fuel, water and waste management were effectively managed through stakeholder engagement and appropriate governance structures.

Finding FirstGroup’s Environmental Manager 

Climate17 conducted a full market search, to identify the best suitable candidates available in the market. Thanks to our longstanding and exclusively referred networks, and despite the challenge of time and the role being a 12-month FTC, we were able to quickly identify, approach and engage several passive high calibre candidates, and present FirstGroup with an extensive shortlist. We conducted in-depth biographical and competency interviews to ensure candidates had sufficient technical background, as well as commercial acumen. 

Climate17 supported the entire recruitment process. We kept an open and honest dialogue with FirstGroup throughout and provided extensive and objective insights into candidates’ potential for success, as well as areas requiring further development. We provided candidates with in-depth constructive feedback after each interview and closely supported them throughout the interview stages.  

The Outcome and Impact 

Thanks to the time and effort we invested in thoroughly understanding FirstGroup’s business, culture and expectations, we were able to swiftly identify the right candidate within one week of taking the brief. Our preferred candidate was hired after the first interview, securing FirstGroup their Environmental Manager within one month of engaging with Climate17. Climate17 is still a trusted partner of FirstGroup and continues to support the growth of their sustainability team, which delivers world-class results across all areas of their business. The team is continuing to drive the company’s innovative sustainability agenda, with an increasing number of low carbon and electric vehicles rolled out in several cities including Glasgow and Aberdeen. 

To discuss how we can help you with similar requirements, please contact David Ward at dward@climate17.com. David is an Associate Director and leads our Sustainability practice.