Acre Insights

Policy is a critical lever for driving sustainable change. Without legislation such as CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive), transforming traditional business to one that’s sustainable might take decades. Legislation has driven company action for years, this time around, however, failure to comply with CSRD can result in significant penalties including fines, sanctions or even prison sentences. The consequences of not complying will vary on a case-by-case basis but will be set by government.

​Different nations enforce these regulations with varying degrees of strictness. For example in Germany, the harshest penalty could be as high as five per cent of the company’s annual revenue. France has introduced even stricter measures, with company directors potentially facing fines of approximately 75,000 euros and up to five years in prison. The message is clear: non-compliance will incur serious sanctions.

So, what are companies doing to prepare?

As you’d expect, a lot. It seems as soon as the bottom line is affected there’s a call to arms. Execs who turned a blind eye to sustainability now poke their heads around the CSO, or equivalent’s, door.

This is the power of legislation and it has shifted the dial. CSRD, EU Taxonomy, CSDDD (Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive), European Green Deal and SFDR (Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation) are all playing their part in bringing sustainability to the table and creating action where previously there may have been little.

Some companies are already equipped to deal with the changing legislation. Those who have been compliant previously and gone above and beyond requirements, have foundations (for responding to legislation) already in place. However, companies of a certain size who haven’t previously committed to sustainability will have a lot of ground to make up, with huge costs associated.

How are sustainability teams changing?

The size of the business and its commitment to sustainability are consistently the two primary factors influencing decision-making regarding compliance. There are many nuances affecting how organisations deal with the legislation - below are three broad categories.

1. Small and medium-sized enterprises:
SMEs falling under the legislation often lack a dedicated full-time sustainability leader. Consequently, many are hiring for sustainability roles focused primarily on foundational compliance and reporting. Positions such as ESG Manager or Head/Director of ESG are common and work closely with finance teams. After establishing ESG foundations, these professionals typically develop further sustainability initiatives. Consulting services are also an option, albeit an expensive one.

2. Medium to large-sized companies:
Generally, these already have a sustainability team of up to several people. They will have commenced their net zero journey, developed a decarbonisation roadmap and will be looking at other sustainability elements such as waste, water, circularity and nature. This is where we’re seeing a big shift. It now falls on the current sustainability hire, or small team to shift their focus to compliance and reporting. I’ve spoken with plenty of Heads/Directors over the past month who have witnessed this shift.

3. Large companies:
Usually well equipped to tackle these changes, they tend to have a bigger budget so can hire specialists. In several cases, ESG reporting has moved into the finance function, sustainability still being a key internal stakeholder group. This shift enables the sustainability team to focus on their key task of building a future-fit sustainable company. In some cases, ESG has also been reporting into Legal or Communications & Public Affairs, especially in companies with significant brand considerations.

What are your options?

Consultancy – Many companies opt for consultancy services as a straightforward solution. Consultants provide in-house teams that can set up reporting systems, develop solutions, implement them, and then depart. However, this option can be costly, potentially three times more expensive than engaging an interim contractor.

​Interim/Contractor – This is often a really good solution for when businesses know what they need to achieve, and they need someone to implement it from within. The interim person has previous experience, so can hit the ground running and will be a cost-effective solution compared to consultancy support (up to 50-70% cheaper). They may even work hand in hand with your consultancy partner but will save on overall cost compared to needing a team around the clock.

​Permanent – If budget allows, hiring a permanent sustainability expert is the preferable option. Legislation will likely ramp up in the coming years. Having an in-house permanent expert is the more cost-effective and sustainable solution; helping integrate systems, conduct critical stakeholder engagement and programme management.

This is an unprecedented time for sustainability, with a surge in legislation. While there are both challenges and opportunities, it is clear the way we do business is evolving.

If you’re uncertain about navigating CSRD, feel free to get in touch. It’s a conversation Acre is having daily.

The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which came into force in 2023, represents a significant shift in how natural resource businesses must operate to ensure compliance with strict deforestation-free supply chains. This new law requires companies that place products such as palm oil, soy, timber, coffee, cocoa, rubber, and cattle products on the EU market to provide proof that they are not linked to deforestation.

With enforcement beginning in 2025, businesses that fail to meet these requirements risk substantial fines, reputational damage, and loss of market access. However, for many companies, the biggest challenge is not just meeting regulatory requirements—it is finding and integrating the right talent with the expertise to navigate this complex legal and sustainability landscape.

The Growing Need for Regulatory and Sustainability Experts

For European natural resource businesses, compliance with the EUDR demands an unprecedented level of due diligence, data transparency, and supply chain oversight. This shift places sustainability, legal, and procurement teams under immense pressure to transform the way they operate. As a result, demand is surging for professionals with expertise in:

• EU Regulatory Compliance – Professionals who understand the intricacies of the EUDR and can ensure that businesses meet due diligence requirements.

• Supply Chain Traceability and Monitoring – Specialists who can implement and oversee robust tracking systems to verify that products are deforestation-free.

• Sustainability and ESG Reporting – Individuals skilled in data management and sustainability metrics, capable of translating regulatory requirements into actionable insights.

• Risk Assessment and Legal Expertise – Lawyers and compliance officers who can guide businesses through the legal implications of non-compliance.

• Sustainable Procurement and Supplier Engagement – Procurement professionals with the ability to work closely with suppliers to ensure they adopt sustainable sourcing practices.

The Talent Shortage in EUDR-Related Roles

Despite this growing demand, there is a shortage of professionals with the right combination of skills. Many businesses are scrambling to build in-house capabilities or seeking external support to upskill existing teams. Given the complexity of the EUDR, companies must compete for a limited pool of sustainability experts, regulatory specialists, and supply chain analysts who truly understand the nuances of the legislation.

Additionally, many organisations are facing a knowledge gap at the leadership level, where executive teams may not yet fully grasp the operational challenges and strategic adjustments required to align with the EUDR. This gap underscores the need for senior hires who can drive systemic change within companies and embed compliance into core business operations.

How Acre Supports Businesses in Securing Top EUDR Talent

At Acre, we have over 20 years of experience helping businesses navigate complex sustainability and ESG challenges through talent acquisition, market intelligence, and advisory services . With our deep networks across sustainability, compliance, and supply chain management, we are uniquely positioned to help European natural resource businesses secure the expertise they need to meet EUDR requirements.

1. Access to an Unrivalled Talent Pool

Acre’s global network of sustainability professionals includes experts in regulatory compliance, sustainable procurement, and ESG strategy. Our executive search and professional recruitment services enable businesses to identify and attract highly skilled professionals who can help them navigate the EUDR landscape.

2. A Specialised Approach to Hiring for EUDR Compliance

Understanding that EUDR compliance requires a mix of legal, operational, and sustainability expertise, we tailor our search to find candidates who not only understand the legislation but can also translate its requirements into business-friendly strategies.

For example, in the timber and paper industry, businesses require specialists who can manage chain-of-custody certifications and ensure compliance with FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) standards. In agriculture and food production, professionals with experience in deforestation-free supply chains, satellite monitoring, and supplier risk assessment are in high demand. Acre’s sector-specific expertise ensures we connect businesses with candidates who bring both technical knowledge and practical implementation skills.

3. Leadership and Advisory Services to Bridge the Knowledge Gap

Given the transformational nature of the EUDR, businesses need leadership teams that are well-versed in sustainability-driven regulation. Acre supports clients by identifying and placing C-suite executives and sustainability leaders who can drive compliance efforts from the top down.

Beyond recruitment, our advisory services help companies map out their talent needs, assess competency gaps, and provide strategic insights into how leading organisations are structuring their teams for compliance .

4. Market Research and Insights to Stay Ahead of Regulatory Changes

Acre conducts ongoing market research into team structures, hiring trends, and industry benchmarks, allowing businesses to stay ahead of evolving sustainability regulations. Our insights help companies understand how their peers are building compliance teams and what skills will be most critical in the coming years .

Future-Proofing Talent Strategies for EUDR Success

As the 2025 deadline for EUDR enforcement approaches, businesses must move quickly to strengthen their compliance teams and develop a clear talent acquisition strategy. The risk of non-compliance is not just financial—companies that fail to adapt could face supply chain disruptions, consumer backlash, and exclusion from the EU market.

To stay competitive, natural resource businesses must take a proactive approach to recruitment, focusing on:

• Upskilling internal teams through training in deforestation risk management and due diligence processes.
• Engaging with specialist recruiters like Acre to identify and attract the best talent in the field.
• Building long-term partnerships with sustainability professionals who can help navigate future regulatory shifts.

Partner with Acre for EUDR Talent Acquisition

Acre is at the forefront of sustainability and ESG recruitment, supporting businesses as they adapt to the regulatory landscape. Our proven expertise in hiring for climate risk, sustainability, and supply chain transformation makes us the partner of choice for companies seeking to build high-impact teams that will thrive under the EUDR.

If your organisation is preparing for EUDR compliance and needs support in sourcing top-tier sustainability and regulatory talent, get in touch with our team today. Together, we can build a deforestation-free future—one expert at a time.

​The construction industry is more than aware of the urgency to build more robust sustainability foundations into its operations to lessen the environmental impact.

With around 40 per cent of man-made global carbon emissions arising from constructing and operating buildings, it is fair to say the industry often falls under the spotlight for its negative contribution to the planet.

Although it consumes around one-third of the world’s natural resources (and 400 million tonnes of material in the UK each year), the good news is that the sector is cleaning up its act.

It is investing in new sustainable technology, using less carbon-intensive materials and becoming more energy efficient. 

We have looked at six sustainable construction companies recognised for their sustainability efforts and demonstration of company best-practice.

1. Mace

Mace is a member of the RE100 commitment - a global initiative to encourage organisations to use 100 per cent renewable energy. 

Mace is one of the most eco-friendly construction companies, and as such has piloted more than 20 diesel-alternatives and energy-saving digital solutions and wants to reach net zero carbon emissions this year.  It will offset outstanding emissions to Gold Standard (the independent benchmark for carbon offsets).

Mace has implemented a 'Steps without footprints’ strategy to help employees achieve its goal by working towards ‘Reduce, Transform, Investigate and Influence’ disciplines.

2. Lendlease

Lendlease’s sustainability framework highlights three vital areas: sustainable economic growth, vibrant and resilient communities and cities, and healthy planet and people.

It aims to conserve water, reduce waste, source sustainable materials, use renewable energy and purchase carbon offsets.

Lendlease is the only property and construction company participating in the Task Force for Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) advisory group for 2050 scenario planning. A range of environmental, social, technological, economic and policy indicators are used for the planning. 

3. Canary Wharf Group

Canary Wharf Group (CWG) has purchased 100 per cent renewable electricity for the Canary Wharf Estate since 2012, with zero waste going to landfill from managed operations.

It is also creating a platform to develop technology and places of the future to embed climate change mitigation.

Last summer, CWG was awarded the Plastic Free Communities Approved status by Surfers Against Sewage charity, in recognition of its efforts to reduce single-use plastic.

4. Laing O’Rourke

Sustainability priorities are organised around four EPIC themes: Environment, People, Industry and Community as the company works to maximise performance in all areas.

Laing O’Rourke uses an ‘engineering enterprise’ model, to implement a sustainability strategy by meeting the economic, social and environmental challenges.

It uses digital engineering tools which integrate data about a structure, with the ‘virtual construction’ reducing waste at all stages of the project lifecycle.

5. Sir Robert McAlpine

A sustainability strategy has been carved out for the next four years, covering net zero carbon emissions, resource efficiency, ethical procurement and social value.

The sustainable construction company also wants a year-on-year reduction in carbon emissions and has signed up to the Carbon Trust Standard to deliver on its pledge.

Sir Robert McAlpine is also continuing to maximise resource efficiency and apply circular economy principles by using more modern methods of construction and collaboration.

6. Skanska

Skanska analyses products and technology to embed sustainability at all stages of construction, development and maintenance.

Environmental performance is measured via its strategic tool, the Skanska Color Palette™.

It ranges from Vanilla to Deep Green, reflecting the stages between legal compliance and near-zero environmental impact. A Deep Green project achieves zero environmental impact in at least three areas, covering energy, carbon, materials and water.  

Skanska also measures corporate environmental performance through strategic indicators for waste, energy, carbon and water consumption.

Acre is proud to have supported all six of the aforementioned sustainable infrastructure companies by placing dedicated and impactful sustainability and CR professionals, who have made an immediate contribution to their sustainability agendas.

If you would like to learn more about Acre’s service offering in the construction sector, including health and safety construction jobs, please contact Ben Flint at ben.flint@acre.com