10 Best Sustainability Recruitment Agencies in the UK in 2026

10 Best Sustainability Recruitment Agencies in the UK in 2026

Posted 29 minutes ago

As the urgency around sustainability accelerates, UK organisations are increasingly prioritising climate strategies, ESG reporting, and governance compliance. The need for highly skilled professionals who can navigate ESG disclosure, carbon accounting, sustainable finance, climate risk management, renewable energy and operational decarbonisation has never been greater. Securing the right talent with both technical expertise and sector-specific insight is critical, and specialist sustainability recruitment agencies play a key role in bridging this gap.

As we are approaching the end of 2025, this list highlights the 10 best sustainability recruitment agencies in the UK for 2026, chosen based on their proven capability, specialisation, market positioning, and demonstrable impact on developing and placing top-tier sustainability talent. These agencies not only help organisations fill critical roles but also support the growth of a workforce equipped to drive meaningful, long-term environmental and social change.


EnableGreen

CEO / Founders: Hayatte Loukili / Morgan Richez

EnableGreen is an international sustainability and energy transition recruitment and executive search firm specialising in ESG, corporate responsibility, and renewable energy. They help organisations build the capabilities needed to meet rising expectations in corporate sustainability & ESG reporting, climate and social risk, green finance, carbon markets, and green energy technologies across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Asia.

With a global network of mid-level, executive, and C-suite professionals, EnableGreen delivers targeted recruitment and executive search solutions that place impact-driven talent into roles that shape long-term sustainability performance. Their expertise spans corporate sustainability, sustainable finance, responsible supply chains, social impact, and energy transition functions.

Year of creation: 2020

Specialisation: ESG, sustainability, corporate responsibility, climate, net zero, sustainable finance, renewable energy

Market positioning: EnableGreen differentiates itself through deep sustainability expertise and a global network of mid-level, executive and C-suite professionals dedicated to ESG and energy transition talent. They recruit across both corporate and technical functions for global corporates, financial institutions, private capital, investment funds and energy developers, making them a strong partner for organisations pursuing ambitious environmental goals.

Their senior-led, boutique service ensures tailored market mapping, rigorous assessment and transparent communication—avoiding the delegation seen in larger firms and delivering faster, more accurate searches. EnableGreen consistently succeeds in complex roles generalist agencies struggle with, including sustainability strategy, climate risk, energy transition, carbon markets and PPA origination.

They operate as a long-term strategic partner focused on impact, cultural fit, retention and building high-performing sustainability teams.

Location: HQ in London and Dubai, with additional representative offices in New York, Paris, providing roles across the UK, EU, US, Middle East, and Asia. 

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Acre

CEO: Richard Wright

Acre is one of the recognised names in sustainability recruitment. Since its founding in 2003, Acre has been at the forefront of sourcing HSE and more recently ESG professionals across multiple sectors, including corporate sustainability, responsible investment, and climate risk. Acre’s focus on behavioural assessments and competency-based recruitment helps organisations find leaders with the right values and skills to drive sustainability initiatives. Acre remains a good partner for corporates and NGOs looking to build high-calibre sustainability teams.

Year of creation: 2003

Specialisation: Corporate sustainability, ESG, responsible investment, climate risk, HSEQ

Market positioning: Acre is a large organisation respected for its comprehensive approach to sustainability recruitment. They support businesses across sustainability, from operational roles to senior leadership.

Location: London, UK  Amsterdam, The Netherlands, New York ,US, Singapore
 

Allen & York

CEO: Mark Allen

Allen & York is one of the longest-established recruitment firms in the UK, with over 30 years of experience in environmental and sustainability recruitment. The firm specialises in hiring for roles related to environmental management, and corporate sustainability. Allen & York’s broad expertise across various sustainability sectors makes it a good partner for organisations seeking a diverse pool of talent to support their green initiatives.

Year of creation: 1993

Specialisation: Environment, sustainability

Market positioning: With over three decades of experience, Allen & York continues is a leading name in sustainability recruitment. Its long-standing reputation in the UK and wide-ranging client base position it as a top choice for organisations in need of highly qualified professionals.

Location: Dorset, UK

 

The Green Recruitment Company

Group CEO: Daniel Smart

The Green Recruitment Company connects organisations with top-tier sustainability talent, specialising in roles related to renewable energy and sustainability, carbon markets, and climate tech. Since 2010, the firm has been instrumental in helping companies transition to more sustainable operations by providing skilled professionals in the energy &  environment. The Green Recruitment Company has a global reach, ensuring it can support clients in both UK-based and international green projects.

Year of creation: 2010

Specialisation: clean energy, carbon markets, climate tech

Market positioning: Known for its expertise in clean energy and environmental recruitment, The Green Recruitment Company’s global reach makes it a go-to firm for organisations in the environment and energy transition.

Location: London, UK (with global assignments)


Climate17

CEO / Founders: Tom Wolsey, David Blake, and Carlos Soria

Climate17 is a UK-based recruitment agency that focuses on sustainable development and renewable energy. They provide end-to-end talent solutions across the entire clean-tech and environmental services sectors. Climate17’s expertise covers everything from energy transition roles to ESG reporting and management, making it a strong partner for businesses looking to build cross-functional sustainability teams.

Year of creation: 2018

Specialisation: Sustainability, environmental services, renewable energy

Market positioning: Climate17’s position as a leading provider of clean energy recruitment solutions allows it to meet the growing demand for talent in renewable energy and environmental sectors.

Location: UK with operations across Europe

 

Lewis Davey

CEO: Miles Davey

Lewis Davey is a well-regarded recruitment firm that focuses on corporate sustainability roles. They help clients find the right talent for a variety of sustainability-related positions, including ESG reporting, climate strategy. Lewis Davey’s expertise is particularly valuable for organisations within the built environment and corporate sustainability.

Year of creation: 2013

Specialisation: ESG, corporate sustainability.

Market positioning: Lewis Davey is known for its deep connections within the built environment in the UK, making it an excellent choice for organisations seeking talent that can drive both sustainability and energy transitions.

Location: Headquartered in London, UK
 

Nexere Solutions

CEO: Andrew Yetzes

Nexere Consulting is a specialist recruitment firm providing talent solutions for the energy technology sector. The firm supports clients with sustainability-related hiring, particularly in emerging areas like data-driven climate solutions and energy efficiency. Nexere’s ability to source talent for both digital transformation and sustainability makes them a valuable partner in 2025’s green economy.

Year of creation: 1998

Specialisation: Technology, energy, sustainability, transformation

Market positioning: Nexere’s growing presence in the clean technology sectors positions them as a strong contender in sourcing innovative professionals who drive both digital transformation and green initiatives in the UK.

Location: London
 

Weinreb Group

CEO: Ellen Weinreb

Weinreb Group is a specialist recruitment agency focused on sustainability executive search. It supports organisations in sourcing senior talent for roles like Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) and ESG Director. With a strong footprint in the US, They are known as a sustainability and ESG executive search agency placing sustainability leaders and CSOs, but their main base and corporate listing are in the US and more recently in the UK

Year of creation: 2008

Specialisation: Sustainability leadership, corporate responsibility

Market positioning: Weinreb Group’s expertise in senior sustainability leadership makes them an ideal partner for companies seeking high-level expertise to drive strategic sustainability and ESG initiatives.

Location: US and recently the UK to a lesser extent.

 

HAYS

CEO: Dirk Hanh

Hays is a generalist recruitment firm offering a sustainability-dedicated team with a UK-wide footprint. Their end-to-end staffing solutions support organisations in securing professionals who drive environmental and societal impact while delivering business value.

Year of creation: 1968

Specialisation: Generalist but with dedicated sustainability, ESG, environmental management

Market positioning: A generalist recruitment firm provider of sustainability recruitment services for junior to senior level positions. 

Location: Headquartered in the UK, with operations across Europe, the United States, and globally.


Irwin and Colton

Director: James Irwin and Michael Colton

Irwin and Colton is a recruitment firm specialising in sustainability, environmental services, and energy transition roles. They work with both private and public sector clients to fill key positions in sustainability strategy, carbon management, and energy efficiency. Irwin and Colton has built a strong reputation for sourcing highly skilled professionals who can navigate the complexities of the green economy.

Year of creation: 2016

Specialisation: Sustainability, ESG, environmental management, energy, and carbon roles.

Market positioning: Irwin and Colton is known for its targeted approach to sustainability recruitment, connecting clients with professionals who have both the technical expertise and strategic insight needed to drive long-term environmental change. 

Location: Headquartered in the UK, with recruitment services delivered nationwide.

 

How to choose the right sustainability recruitment agency

 

Experience in sustainability

Choose an agency with a proven track record of successfully delivering projects across ESG, net zero, climate risk, and sustainability strategy. Their experience should demonstrate an ability to navigate complex sustainability challenges, tailor solutions to different sectors, and drive measurable outcomes.

 

Technical expertise

Ensure the agency possesses deep technical knowledge of sustainability practices and regulatory requirements. They should be able to provide practical guidance on environmental, social, and governance frameworks, climate risk assessments, and reporting standards, helping your organisation meet both compliance and strategic objectives.

 

Capability and resources

A strong sustainability agency will have access to the right specialists, tools, and networks to support initiatives of varying scale and complexity. From research and data analysis to project management and stakeholder engagement, their resources should enable effective delivery across all areas of your sustainability agenda.

 

Speed and responsiveness

Sustainability priorities often require timely decisions and rapid implementation. Partner with an agency that can provide prompt insights, actionable recommendations, and efficient project execution without compromising quality.

 

Strategic support

Beyond project delivery, consider agencies that offer long-term advisory support, leadership development, and stakeholder engagement. A truly strategic partner will help embed sustainability into your organization’s core operations, build internal capabilities, and support your long-term goals.

The important role of sustainability recruitment agencies

Partnering with a recruitment agency specialising in sustainability gives organisations access to niche expertise across the energy transition, ESG, corporate responsibility, and sustainable finance, and broader sustainability initiatives. These agencies help companies identify and secure the right talent for highly specialised roles, reduce hiring risks, and streamline the recruitment process. Beyond filling positions, they provide valuable industry insights, intelligence on emerging skills, and guidance on building a long-term sustainability talent pipeline.

These agencies play a vital role in bridging the gap between organisations striving to meet ambitious environmental and social goals and the skilled professionals required to achieve them. By leveraging their networks, sector knowledge, and recruitment expertise, they ensure that businesses are equipped with the talent necessary to deliver impactful sustainability strategies and drive meaningful, long-term change.

 

If your business is looking to stay ahead in the sustainability landscape, EnableGreen is here to help. Contact EnableGreen today to connect with top-tier talent who can drive your ESG and sustainability initiatives and help your organisation achieve its long-term environmental and social goals.

 

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Who we are and What we do

We are an exclusive Sustainability and ESG Executive Search and Recruitment Agency, offering both permanent and temporary contracts recruitment solutions, across all sectors. We assist employers find their next great hire in ESG and Sustainability Integration/ Green Energy & CleanTech/ Responsible Investment, Sustainable Finance & Impact Investing.

The Paris Agreement at COP21 identified capacity building as a core challenge our governments, institutions, organisations and civil society need to overcome to build a sustainable world.
Companies need to build business strategies and develop activities to keep growing and create value for their shareholders without exhausting resources or harming future generations. Therefore, engaging in building a decarbonised and equitable economy is at the core of their mission and success in the long term. Their ability to build resilience of human and ecological systems will enable them to navigate this ever-evolving world.
As a recruitment agency, we truly believe, we have a substantial part to play in equipping those thriving businesses with the best candidates to conquer those challenges.
Our purpose is to support businesses in their sustainability journey by connecting them with the best talents in the ESG and Sustainability job market.
We focus to provide tailored solutions to our clients’ needs and enhance candidates’s experience in finding their ideal jobs.

Qualifications and Education: Building Expertise in the Field

In terms of qualifications, academic programs and certifications in sustainability and ESG management have gained prominence. Universities and professional organisations offer courses and certifications that equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the field. Additionally, relevant degrees in environmental science, sustainability, business administration, and finance are highly valued by employers.
The ESG and sustainability job market is experiencing significant growth and offers diverse opportunities for professionals. Dedicated roles, as well as the integration of ESG knowledge into traditional job functions, highlight the increasing importance of sustainability in business strategies. Specialized skills, regulatory expertise, and industry knowledge are highly sought after.
​As companies strive to embed ESG practices into their operations, professionals with ESG expertise will continue to play a crucial role in driving positive change and shaping a sustainable future.

Diverse Opportunities: ESG and Sustainability Across Industries

The ESG and sustainability job market is not limited to specific industries. While sectors such as renewable energy, cleantech, and sustainable finance have a well-established presence, organisations across diverse industries are recognizing the need to prioritize ESG and sustainability practices. From manufacturing and retail to technology and healthcare, professionals with ESG expertise are sought after to drive sustainability initiatives and help companies future-proof their operations.

Navigating the Regulatory Landscape: Compliance and Governance Expertise

The increasing regulatory focus on ESG factors has led to a rise in demand for professionals who can navigate the evolving compliance landscape. Knowledge of relevant regulations and frameworks, such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is highly valued. This includes expertise in managing ESG risks, conducting audits and assessments, and implementing sustainable governance structures.

Specialised Skills and Knowledge: Key Areas in High Demand

The ESG and sustainability job market also offers opportunities for specialised skills and knowledge. Professionals with expertise in renewable energy, circular economy, sustainable supply chain management, impact investing, and environmental conservation are in high demand. Additionally, individuals with experience in sustainability reporting frameworks, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) or Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), are sought after to ensure transparent and standardized reporting.

ESG Expertise in Traditional Job Roles: The Integration of Sustainability Principles

Another emerging trend is the growing importance of ESG expertise in traditional job roles. Professionals in finance, legal, marketing, operations, and human resources are increasingly expected to have a solid understanding of ESG principles and their implications for their respective fields. For example, financial analysts need to assess the financial risks and opportunities associated with ESG factors, while marketing professionals must effectively communicate a company’s sustainability initiatives to consumers.

Dedicated ESG and Sustainability Roles: A Shift Towards Holistic Approaches

One significant trend in the job market is the rise in dedicated ESG and sustainability roles. Previously, these responsibilities were often dispersed across different departments, such as corporate social responsibility, environmental management, or investor relations. However, as companies recognize the need for a holistic approach, they are creating specialised positions such as ESG managers, ESG analysts, and corporate sustainability officers. These roles focus on integrating ESG considerations into business strategies, measuring and reporting on sustainability performance, and engaging with stakeholders.

ESG and Sustainability Job Market Trends

The ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and sustainability integration job market has experienced significant growth and transformation in recent years. As companies worldwide recognize the importance of incorporating ESG principles into their operations, the demand for professionals with expertise in this field has surged. This article will explore the evolving landscape of the ESG and sustainability job market, highlighting key trends and opportunities.
The integration of ESG and sustainability practices into business strategies has become a top priority for organisations across industries. This shift is driven by various factors, including the increasing awareness of climate change, social justice issues, and corporate governance standards. As a result, companies are actively seeking professionals who can navigate the complexities of ESG and sustainability and drive positive change within their organizations.
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