We have advised investors and companies in emerging markets on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risk management, value creation and reporting since 2014
About Paterson Sustainability.
We have advised investors and companies in Africa, Asia and Europe on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risk management, value creation and reporting since 2014.
Our work spans the full investment lifecycle — from due diligence and management-system design to embedded ESG leadership, independent monitoring and board-level advice. We help clients meet rigorous international standards, principally the IFC Performance Standards, and to treat ESG as a source of value rather than a compliance burden.
Led by founder Catriona Paterson and drawing on a network of internationally recognised specialists — many of them current or former IFC consultants — we bring experience that is both deep and diverse, across Infrastructure (energy, transportation and telecoms), Financial Institutions and Funds, Agribusiness and Forestry, Manufacturing, Health and Education, and Retail and Hospitality.
Why clients work with us.
Credibility first
Our advice is grounded in years inside the DFI system — at IFC, and advising DEG, FMO, OeEB and BII — so we know first-hand what lenders expect and what satisfies them.
Beyond compliance
We treat ESG as a strategic advantage. We build only what is genuinely needed, working with the grain of your existing systems so the result is proportionate and workable.
Trusted on both sides
We sit between investors and the companies they back, translating requirements into practical action and building the trust that gets deals done and keeps them on track.
Who we work with.
Our clients include Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) such as ADB, BII, DEG, FMO, OeEB and Swedfund; private equity and infrastructure fund managers, such as A.P. Moller Capital, Berkeley Energy, EMIA, Global Climate Partnership Fund, Dolma Impact Fund, Capsquare and Mekong Capital amongst others; other financial intermediaries such as Dragon Capital, Orion Capital, and Pan Asia Banking Corporation; and energy transition investment managers and developers such as Aquila Clean Energy APAC, SUSI Partners and Nexif Energy.
Financial Intermediaries
We are senior advisors to fund managers navigating DFI requirements, and EU reporting legislation (SFRD), advising investment committees on practical measures to manage ESG risks and create value, working with investee companies to enhance performance. We often step in as interim or fractional Head of ESG to build the function and system from the inside and support with fund raising.
Companies
We advise senior management and the board of companies in many sectors and geographies to enhance capacity to adopt good international ESG practices during planning, construction and operation, and transparently report on ESG performance, enhancing their reputation and appeal to international investors.
Testimonials.
Our clients' evolving ESG needs.
"Over the past five years we have seen a rapid change to the advice we are asked for. We are more often seen as strategic advisors, helping our clients deliver on their own sustainability purpose, advising boards or senior management on priorities and strategic direction and mentoring their staff, to keep companies accountable. Where companies may not need to invest in permanent fulltime highly experienced specialists, we step in with flexible, interim or part-time, senior advisors to support specific needs. We see this as a welcome sign of a more sustainable future. Please get in touch to find out more."
Catriona Paterson
Founding Director