Until recently, it was becoming increasingly difficult for companies to find the sustainability talent they needed.
While regulations were piling up, so was the demand for sustainability hires, and the competition was fierce to say the least. Sustainability teams didn’t always have the budget or bandwidth to hire full-time employees, and traditional consultancies weren’t offering the affordability, flexibility, and speed-to-hire required for overcoming ever-changing sustainability challenges.
Unfortunately, with only those two options to realistically choose from, it was actually starting to look like many companies with ambition to become sustainability leaders would fail to reach their potential. Simply because they could not access the necessary talent. (Most people didn’t see that one coming did they!?)
Thankfully, just in time, a game-changing solution has emerged. Specialist platforms have started popping up, offering quick and easy access to a range of sustainability professionals.
These platforms differ in terms of their talent pools, screening processes, speed, fees, and overall style. So below, we explore the top options available as we move into 2026, highlighting the key positives, drawbacks, and what each platform works best for.
1. Dazzle
The basics
Dazzle is a network of top-quality, extensively pre-screened sustainability freelancers, that connects companies with whatever sustainability expertise they need within 48 hours.
What sets it apart
- Extensive vetting process: To be accepted into the Dazzle network, freelancers have to pass a multi-stage screening process, which includes a written application, case study submission, cultural-fit interview, and a reference check. The process to join the network is similar to a traditional hiring process. It is done this way to make sure Dazzle only works with the top independent and interim consultants, and can therefore deliver quality work consistently for clients.
- Meet the freelancer first approach: With Dazzle, you have the opportunity to meet with potential freelancers and discuss your project in detail before committing to anything at all. Dazzle believes that to set you up for success, it is as important to meet the consultant(s) you will be working with first, as it is to scope out the project correctly.
- Supports global talent hiring through its collaboration framework: Dazzle enables clients to hire global sustainability talent effortlessly, managing all administrative processes, contractual agreements, and compliance on your behalf.
Where it shines
- Affordability: Dazzle doesn’t come with the heavy fees associated with traditional consultancy firms, making it a much more affordable option.
- Flexible and fast: Through Dazzle, you can start working with sustainability professionals within 48 hours, in whatever way suits you best. Project-based, on-demand, or on an interim basis. Whatever works for you.
- Guaranteed quality: Dazzle’s pool of freelancers is one that grows slowly, thanks to the rigorous vetting process. This means that only the highest performing freelancers make the cut, guaranteeing a quality experience for all clients.
- Enterprise-ready: Contracts, NDAs, IP, invoicing, and cross-border compliance are all handled by Dazzle, making the whole process as stress-free as possible for you.
- Vast pool of services and expertise: Dazzle regularly delivers projects for CSRD, EcoVadis, CDP, Scope 3, LCA, Decarbonization, SBTi, EU Taxonomy, Sustainability communications, and over 70 other areas of sustainability.
- Network includes certified sustainability experts: The Dazzle network includes freelancers certified by ISO, GRI, SBTi, EcoVadis, B Corp, and more.
Potential drawbacks
- Core regions: Works mainly with clients across the UK, Europe, and US.
Best suited for
Sustainability teams of mid-sized to large companies that need any kind of specialist sustainability expertise fast.
2. Leafr
The basics
Leafr is a platform that connects larger companies with pre-vetted sustainability consultants. It aims to simplify the process compared with traditional hiring channels.
What sets it apart
- Scale: Over 1000 vetted sustainability consultants.
Where it shines
- Regulatory compliance: Strong in GHG Protocol, SBTi, EU Taxonomy, CSRD.
- Enterprise-ready: Also handles contracts, NDAs, IP, invoicing, and cross-border compliance.
- Fast turnaround: Can deliver consultant shortlists within 48 hours.
Potential drawbacks
- Main focus on the UK.
- Minimum project size: Suited for larger engagements rather than small-scale tasks.
Best suited for
Companies that prefer not to use traditional hiring channels.
3. The Now Work
The basics
The Now Project is a collective of purpose-driven freelancers focused on systems change, climate justice, and regenerative business. You can think of it as a community rather than a traditional marketplace.
What sets it apart
- Values-led talent: Many members have backgrounds in research, advocacy, or non-profits.
- Collective working style: Members commonly team up to shape outputs jointly.
Where it shines
- Transformative change projects: Approaches grounded in co-creation and regenerative principles.
- Values-driven transformation: A fit for missions centred on cultural or structural change over regulatory checklists.
Potential drawbacks
- Decentralised network: Members aren’t organised through a central platform or automated matching system.
- Lightweight administration: Enterprise-level contracting and compliance features aren’t included.
- Unsuitable for heavy reporting: Works best for advisory or values-led projects rather than strict compliance.
Best suited for
Purpose-driven organisations, NGOs, or foundations.
4. Fiverr
The basics
Fiverr is a marketplace built around quick, transactional gigs with clear, upfront pricing.
What sets it apart
- One-step process: Gigs are available immediately with no negotiation or selection required.
- Defined outcomes: Every gig specifies exactly what the buyer receives.
- Open to all: Anyone can access and purchase services quickly.
Where it shines
- Quick, routine jobs: Ideal for simple, repeatable work such as visuals, translations, or slide design.
- Fast, low-stakes work: Best for assignments where speed matters and mistakes are not critical.
Potential drawbacks
- Basic know-how: Consultants may only have surface-level understanding of the topic.
- Repetitive templates: Deliverables often follow a generic structure.
- Accuracy concerns: Sustainability outputs aren’t guaranteed to be reliable.
Best suited for
Low-risk, visual, or administrative tasks, but not for core strategy or regulatory reporting.
5. Upwork
The basics
Upwork is a massive global platform where companies can browse and hire from millions of freelancer profiles.
What sets it apart
- Vast talent pool: Access to a huge number of freelancers from around the world.
- Affordable options: Freelancers are available at a wide range of price points.
- DIY platform: Freelancers can be found and hired without platform assistance.
Where it shines
- Worldwide reach: Find sustainability professionals regardless of location.
- Low-cost initiatives: Works best when funds are limited and risks are small.
Potential drawbacks
- Unverified skills: Freelancers aren’t screened for ESG or sustainability knowledge.
- Difficult filtering: Companies must sift through a lot of irrelevant or unsuitable profiles.
- DIY process: Businesses manage project definitions, candidate evaluation, and onboarding themselves.
- No legal safety net: Companies must handle contracts and intellectual property matters themselves.
Best suited for
Non-critical projects that don’t require extensive technical expertise.
6. Linkedin
The basics
LinkedIn is the largest professional network in the world, and professionals use it to highlight their experience and build connections.
What sets it apart
- Worldwide talent pool: Connect with leading sustainability professionals across the globe.
- Verified experience: Users can check past roles, qualifications, and endorsements.
- Connection-based vetting: Warm intros make it easier to confirm expertise.
Where it shines
- Executive search: Suited to sourcing senior consultants directly.
- Relationship-focused networking: Helps create ongoing connections with sustainability experts.
- Talent validation: Lets you confirm skills and credibility of freelancers discovered outside the platform.
Potential drawbacks
- DIY administration: Companies handle contracts, invoicing, and project coordination themselves.
- Time-intensive process: Reaching out to potential consultants can take significant effort.
- Unpredictable replies: Consultants may not respond promptly, or at all.
Best suited for
Companies willing to, and capable of, headhunting top sustainability consultants themselves.
Dazzle: Making sustainability talent accessible in 2026
If you’ve made it this far in the article, then you’ve already heard the good news: as we move into 2026, finding top-quality sustainability expertise is no longer the major headache it once was.
A range of platforms now exist, each offering different strengths depending on your company’s needs. Whether you’re after highly values-driven collaborators, low-cost freelance support, or executive-level talent, there’s an option that can work for you.
That said, whatever your needs are, if you’re looking for speed, flexibility, and guaranteed quality, at Dazzle we’re proud to always deliver all three.
Contact us today, and within 48 hours, we can have you working with whatever experts you need to overcome your most pressing sustainability challenges.
If sustainability in 2025 was a hassle, let 2026 be easy, with Dazzle.
