NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - Nov 20, 2014) - The Big Four accounting firms -- Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC -- continue to win the most mindshare with heads of sustainability worldwide when compared to other services firms according to a new global survey of 260 heads of sustainability. The second annual sustainability survey conducted by independent research firm Verdantix finds that Deloitte ranks first in brand preference for both sustainability consulting andsustainability assurance worldwide. According to the 260 sustainability leaders representing large corporations in 13 of the world's largest economies, KPMG achieves the second highest level of brand preference for sustainability consulting and EY the second highest for sustainability assurance. At least 87% of respondents are familiar with the sustainability services of the Big Four accounting firms.

"The positive results for the Big Four reflect the multi-million dollar investments they have made to develop the sustainability marketplace, shape standards like GRI and SASB and to educate corporate leaders on best practice," commented Verdantix CEO, David Metcalfe. "The global brand awareness achieved by DNV GL, ERM, Schneider Electric, DuPont Sustainable Solutions and CH2M HILL for their sustainability services also demonstrates their long-term commitment to an unpredictable market."

Among environmental consultants, DNV GL ranks fifth and ERM ranks seventh for brand preference globally in the sustainability consulting category. McKinsey has retained its position from 2013 as the most preferred pure play management consultancy, ranked sixth overall. Accenture, Schneider Electric and DuPont Sustainable Solutions also figure prominently with more than 20% of respondents worldwide indicating a positive perception of their sustainability advisory capabilities. Up to 65% of respondents are unfamiliar with the sustainability services of some engineering consulting and IT consulting firms which are active in the sustainability market.

In the sustainability assurance market, KPMG matches Deloitte for overall brand awareness, with 91% of respondents indicating their familiarity with the firms' assurance services. Looking ahead to 2015, 23% of respondents indicated they have a positive perception of Deloitte and might engage them. Eighteen per cent of the heads of sustainability interviewed by Verdantix might engage KPMG next year and 12% indicated the same for EY. DNV GL ranks fifth behind the Big Four for sustainability assurance as 19% of respondents state that the firm has strong capabilities for sustainability assurance. Bureau Veritas and BSI also rank in the top ten globally for brand preference. Compared to the 2013 survey data, Deloitte, DNV GL and KPMG have seen significant increases in brand preference.

For more information attend the Verdantix webinar "10 Hot Sustainability Trends for 2015".

David Metcalfe

dmetcalfe@verdantix.com

347 479 1544