Strategic Focus: Buyer Insights From The 2024 ESG & Sustainability Assurance Services Green Quadrant

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Executive Summary

Verdantix conducted interviews with ESG assurance services customers of firms that participated in the 2024 ESG and sustainability assurance services Green Quadrant (see Verdantix Green Quadrant: ESG & Sustainability Assurance Services 2024). Our extensive interviews, involving decision-makers from a variety of industries, delivered insights into different sustainability assurance offerings, potential challenges and pain points, and the value these services bring to buyers, beyond just compliance. This report analyses interview responses to illuminate the buyer journey, expectations and experiences with ESG and sustainability assurance service providers. It outlines key themes around selection, challenges and the benefits of assurance engagements. ESG and sustainability assurance providers, and their customers, should use this report to deepen their understanding of use cases, key value propositions and best practices.
Fourteen buyers of ESG and sustainability assurance services describe their experiences
Buyers seek ESG assurance services to meet regulatory deadlines, improve data quality and build credibility
Buyers prioritize deep ESG knowledge, industry-specific expertise and local presence
Customer advice on maximizing value from ESG and sustainability assurance services
Figure 1. Core recommendations to maximize the value of ESG and sustainability assurance services
Figure 2. The state of pre-assurance in the ESG assurance services market

About the Authors

Jessie Wilson

Jessie Wilson

Industry Analyst

Jessie is an Industry Analyst at Verdantix, with a research agenda spanning ESG reporting, the circular economy and supply chain sustainability. Jessie has a BSc in Geography ...

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Kim Knickle

Kim Knickle

Research Director

Kim Knickle is a Research Director at Verdantix, bringing more than two decades of analyst experience to the evolving world of sustainability. Her current research spans ESG a...

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