Top sustainability consulting practices to boost our environmental impact

Rethinking Sustainability Consulting Through a Queer Intersectional Ecofeminist Lens

It's 2025. And though we imagined a better world by the time the 21st century hit, data and percentages from climate and social scientists are telling us otherwise: Sustainability, enmeshed with social justice, is no longer a choice but a necessity. Many businesses are increasingly turning to sustainability consulting as a means to mitigate their environmental impact.

However, traditional sustainability practices often overlook the deep-rooted social inequalities that accompany environmental degradation. A queer intersectional ecofeminist approach to sustainability consulting provides a more critical and nuanced understanding of sustainability—one that does not just address the environment but also the social injustices tied to gender, race, class, and colonial histories. This approach challenges businesses to move beyond corporate greenwashing and engage in genuine, transformative change that acknowledges both ecological and social justice.

Sustainability consulting in this framework goes beyond surface-level assessments: It calls for businesses to examine their practices not only through an environmental lens but also through a critical examination of the structural inequalities embedded in their operations, especially their policies. As an ecofeminist consultant with significant expertise in policy work, I bring in strategies that are tailored to your goals yet still emphasize equity, justice, and an intersectional perspective on climate action.

Energy efficiency audits: A critical examination of power dynamics

Energy efficiency audits are often the starting point in sustainability consulting. These audits reveal where energy is being wasted and how it can be conserved, but a queer intersectional ecofeminist critique asks: who benefits from energy efficiency, and who bears the brunt of environmental exploitation? Energy audits, if not done with a justice-oriented mindset, can inadvertently reinforce existing power structures. For instance, efficiency measures might reduce costs for businesses but fail to address the energy inequities faced by marginalized communities, such as those living in energy poverty or areas impacted by fossil fuel extraction.

A more inclusive approach would involve prioritizing renewable energy solutions that empower local communities, especially those disproportionately impacted by environmental degradation. Consultants who adopt this lens guide businesses to take responsibility for the broader social implications of energy consumption and production, advocating for energy justice that aligns with the values of queer intersectional ecofeminism.

Waste management: Beyond circularity to social justice

While waste management is often hailed as a crucial component of sustainability consulting, a queer intersectional ecofeminist perspective questions the very notion of a "circular economy" if it doesn’t account for the social inequalities that determine who is exposed to waste and pollution. Consultants who approach waste management with an intersectional lens ask critical questions: How does waste disposal disproportionately affect low-income and marginalized communities? How are workers in waste management treated? Are these communities being left out of the conversations on sustainability?

Sustainable waste management strategies like recycling and composting are vital, but they must be accompanied by policies that address environmental racism and the unequal distribution of pollution. A truly sustainable system considers not just the environmental impact of waste but also the racial, gender, and economic inequalities tied to its production and disposal.

Carbon footprint reduction: A call for systemic change

Reducing carbon emissions is a central goal of sustainability consulting, yet mainstream approaches often overlook the intersecting crises of environmental degradation and social injustice. While transitioning to renewable energy and improving efficiency are important steps, a queer intersectional ecofeminist approach recognizes that these actions are insufficient if they do not address the underlying power imbalances that fuel climate change. Climate justice cannot be achieved without confronting the colonial legacies and exploitative practices that perpetuate environmental harm.

Sustainability consultants with a justice-driven approach will help businesses not only reduce their carbon footprint but also align their strategies with broader social movements. This includes supporting policies and initiatives that prioritize the needs of marginalized communities, whether through divestment from fossil fuels, advocacy for reparations, or supporting local environmental justice organizations. Carbon footprint reduction, in this context, is not just about lower emissions but about creating a just, equitable, and sustainable future for all.

Employee engagement: Are you creating inclusive eco-cultures or perpetuating harm?

Sustainability consultants often work with businesses to develop employee engagement programs that encourage eco-friendly behaviors. However, without a critical, intersectional approach, these programs can unintentionally reinforce harmful stereotypes or ignore the lived experiences of marginalized employees. For instance, programs that focus solely on individual behaviors without considering structural barriers can further marginalize workers who may face economic or cultural barriers to participating in sustainability efforts.

A queer intersectional ecofeminist approach to employee engagement involves creating inclusive, accessible, and supportive programs that acknowledge the different ways in which people experience environmental and social oppression. This might mean recognizing that not all employees have the same access to resources or opportunities, and that sustainability efforts should be rooted in solidarity with those most affected by environmental and social injustices.

Sustainable supply chains: Moving beyond greenwashing

Sustainability consulting often focuses on improving supply chain practices to reduce environmental impact. However, the pursuit of “green” supply chains can be fraught with contradictions. A queer intersectional ecofeminist perspective challenges businesses to examine how their supply chains contribute to not just environmental degradation but also the exploitation of workers, especially women, Indigenous peoples, and people of color in global supply chains. Simply choosing suppliers based on environmental criteria without considering labor rights, gender equity, and colonial histories perpetuates harmful practices under the guise of sustainability.

Consultants with a justice-centered approach encourage businesses to engage with suppliers who are committed to environmental and social justice, ensuring that fair labor practices, equitable wages, and community empowerment are prioritized in the supply chain process. This is not just about reducing a company’s environmental impact but about creating a more just and equitable global economy.

Final thoughts:

Sustainability consulting, when approached through a queer intersectional ecofeminist lens, goes beyond mere environmental optimization—it becomes a tool for addressing the intertwined systems of oppression that shape our world. It challenges businesses to consider their role not just in environmental stewardship but in dismantling the power structures that perpetuate social and ecological harm. This approach offers an opportunity for companies to engage in truly transformative change, one that recognizes the importance of social justice, equity, and solidarity in the fight against climate change.