Our boutique sustainability consulting firm specializes in comprehensive, financially focused, ESG solutions.
We improve corporate financial performance by developing and integrating tailored sustainability solutions for clients, primarily in the U.S. and Europe. Each project aims to consistently improve business-critical ESG metrics, year-on-year.
Key services include:
Writing annual reports to ensure clear, effective communication of corporate sustainability efforts.
Performing competitor, peer, and sectoral benchmarking to identify and capitalize on shared sustainability opportunities.
Developing ESG data strategies, from initial data collection to processing, analysis, and assurance.
Undertaking materiality assessments and risk mitigation, ensuring clients are prepared and resilient against ESG-related risks.
Preparing organizations for future compliance with evolving regulations such as the SEC Climate Disclosures, California SB 253 & 261, EU CSRD & ESRS, and IFRS S1 & S2.
Conducting regulatory reporting and voluntary disclosures, including compliance with standards and frameworks such as GRI, ISSB/SASB, CDP, TCFD, and SBTi.
Implementing GHG Protocol-based carbon accounting and Scope 3 carbon value chain audits.
Setting targets for net-zero emissions and achieving climate neutrality certifications for clients.
Enhancing stakeholder engagement and alignment, facilitating better understanding and cooperation among all parties.
Improving performance in third-party ESG rating assessments and audits, including but not limited to EcoVadis and ISO standards.
Guiding clients through transitions from voluntary to mandatory sustainability disclosures.
Highlights of our Work in the News
(2023) Publication of client Sustainability Report
Optinova Group 2022 Sustainability Report Published Today
"Key highlights from the Optinova Group Sustainability Report 2022 include:
Ambitious Goals: We have laid out ambitious benchmarks for carbon emissions reductions, joining the circular economy, waste reductions, promoting gender equality, and advancing sustainable sourcing.
Carbon Emissions Measurement: Optinova adopted the Greenhouse Gas Protocol method, ensuring an accurate and globally recognized way of quantifying our carbon emissions.
Sustainability Programs: We uphold high standards in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices and empower our stakeholders to do the same."
(2021) Interview in the BBC
Personal accountability encourages positive social behaviour.
"Imagine living on a little island in the Baltic Sea 100 years ago. You took care of your neighbours and they took care of you, because there was no one else. Somehow the Ålanders haven't lost that kindness." Rather than an especially "cooperative" society, it's a "kind society aware of the strengths and failings of each other and accepting of each because we're all in this together."
(2019) On the Åland Islands of Finland I led a project to turn an empty historic building into a Pop-up Sustainable Small Business Center.
"New Business Concept Grows in Mariehamn" - Swedish text at Ålandstidningen
"Michael will gather Åland businesses under one roof" - Swedish text at Nya Åland
"He plans a Sustainability Center in the Stone Warehouse" - Swedish text at Nya Åland
(2016) Contributing to the Regional Sustainability Plan with Bärkraft Åland (Page 10).
(2011) With the Patagonia volunteer team I helped clean-up a scenic rafting waterway - the Concord River.
"CORPORATE VOLUNTEERS... Patagonia Employees Make An Impact" - Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust
Key Certifications
2023
Certificate in Data Analytics via the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
Equips individuals with skills in data analytics, including the ability to articulate business questions, identify and manipulate relevant data, apply appropriate analytical techniques, visualize and communicate findings, and understand ethical and security issues in data analytics.
Foundations of Financial Risk Certificate via the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP)
Provides comprehensive knowledge in financial risk management, covering risk assessment, management strategies, and an understanding of global financial markets and instruments.
Investment Foundations Certificate via the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute
Offers a foundational understanding of the investment industry, covering ethics, economics, finance, investment tools, and portfolio management, preparing individuals for roles in the investment sector.
Generative AI Overview for Project Managers via the Project Management Institute (PMI)
Empowers participants to harness the power of generative AI techniques in project management including practical integration and application of GenAI in real-world scenarios
2022
Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification via the Project Management Institute (PMI)
Develops advanced skills in project management, including planning, execution, monitoring, controlling, and closing. It enhances knowledge in risk, stakeholder management, and communications.
Fundamentals of Sustainability Accounting (FSA) Credential via the IFRS Foundation
Focuses on the integration of sustainability into financial analysis. It enhances skills in evaluating the materiality of sustainability information for corporate performance and investment analysis.
Introduction to Scenario Analysis and Understanding the recommendations of the TCFD via the Financial Stability Board’s Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
Enhances abilities in assessing, managing, and disclosing climate-related financial risks and opportunities, focusing on scenario analysis, governance, risk management, and disclosure.
Setting Science-Based Targets to Achieve Net-Zero via the United Nations Global Compact
Equips participants with the skills to set science-based targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aligning corporate goals with broader environmental objectives towards achieving net-zero emissions.
Transitioning to the GRI Standards 2021 Update via the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
Develops proficiency in using the updated GRI Standards for sustainability reporting. It enhances skills in transparent and credible business reporting on economic, environmental, and social impacts.
Skills in Action
Global ESG excellence delivered to clients and partners as a Certified SASB FSA, Certified GRI Reporter, including Science Based Targets and TCFD Scenario Analysis
Excellent English written and oral communication demonstrated as conference host SmartMarina 2021, copywriter/translator Sustainability Masterplan, Island of Kökar 2020, winner business pitch competition 2017, SME speaker JCI conference 2016
Project Management in creation of Pop-up Sustainability Business Hub, ultra-low energy retrofit of corporate headquarters, build-out of 209 kWp solar energy plant (Certification as a Project Management Professional from PMI - 2022)
Personnel leadership as CSO of Environmental Site Leaders team and as Site Director of STEM educational enrichment programs
Office Productivity tools including MS Teams, Office365, Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Data Science with capture, clean-up, management, analysis, presentation, assurance
Special Tools Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Life-Cycle Analysis (LCA)
Governance as board member of NGO Ålands Natur och Miljö 2017 - 2019, Conservation Commissioner, Westford MA 2007 - 2009
Additional Works
Conference Host, SmartMarina (2021)
Translator and Copywriter, Sustainability Masterplan, Island of Kökar (2020)
Board Member, Ålands Natur och Miljö (2017 - 2019)
Winner of Business Pitch Competition, ÅUAB (2017)
Public Speaker, Junior Chamber International (2016)
Contributor, Regional Sustainability Plan, Bärkraft Åland (2016)
Certified GRI Reporter (2015)
Certified FLIR Thermal Inspector (2014)
Academic Writings
Available at Academia.edu
‘Managing Municipal Open-spaces for Conservation, Education, and Recreation at East Boston Camps: Westford, M.A.’ Harvard University; Environmental Ethics and Land Management
‘Life Cycle Assessment of Catalytic and Non-Catalytic Wood Stoves’ Harvard University; LCA Case Studies
‘Renewable Energy: Bridging the Gap Between Energy Production and Energy Consumption' Harvard University; Environmental Management
‘Factors effecting the sustainability of marine invertebrate fisheries: An explanatory case study of the Caribbean Spiny Lobster fishery of the Miskito Coast and the Queen Conch fishery of the Caribbean.’ Harvard University; Masters Thesis
'Factors Affecting the Public Perception of Water Quality at Forge Pond Beach and the Relationship to True Water Quality' Harvard University