The environmental consulting sector in Illinois has many unique, dynamic, and high-performing companies that offer a vast number of services. These services range from risk management, compliance obligations solutions, to sustainable waste recovery operations and waste disposal. Sustainability is at the core of the industry, with companies helping others become more eco-friendly and comply with environmental regulations. As the sustainability trend continues to grow, these environmental consulting firms are expected to experience increased demand for their services, which they continually innovate to meet.


Top 25 environmental consulting companies in Illinois

1. Sphera

  • Website: sphera.com
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 1999
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Latest funding type: Acquired
  • LinkedIn

Sphera is a leading provider of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance and risk management software, data, and consulting services. They specialize in Environment, Health, Safety & Sustainability (EHS&S) solutions, Operational Risk Management (ORM), Product Stewardship, and Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM). Their comprehensive platform helps companies mitigate risks, meet compliance obligations, and improve sustainability performance.


2. Heritage-Crystal Clean LLC

  • Website: crystal-clean.com
  • Headquarters: Hoffman Estates, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 1999
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Latest funding type: Ipo
  • LinkedIn

Crystal Clean is an environmental services company that specializes in sustainable waste recovery operations. They offer innovative solutions for waste disposal, recycling, and reuse using modern technology. Their services include non-hazardous waste stabilization, used oil collection, wastewater treatment, and PFAS remediation.


3. VelocityEHS

  • Website: ehs.com
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 1996
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Latest funding type: Secondary Market
  • LinkedIn

VelocityEHS is a global enterprise that offers solutions to help companies protect their people, profits, and the planet. They provide EHS and ESG services and support to assist organizations in managing their air, water, waste streams, and identifying and prioritizing ESG risks and opportunities. VelocityEHS offers industry-leading expertise, best-in-class technology platforms, and innovative solutions to drive business success and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.


4. Chicago Event Management

  • Website: cemevent.com
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 1996
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn

CEM (Chicago Event Management) is a company focused on event management and sustainability. They organize various events and prioritize environmental impact. Their services include event planning, race management, and sustainability consulting.


5. Ecogardens

Ecogardens is a company that specializes in green roofs and sustainable landscaping. They offer services such as smart irrigation and stormwater management to maximize the benefits of green infrastructure. With a focus on employee wellness and productivity, they also provide office space redesigns that prioritize health and sustainability.


6. Ilm

ILM Environments is an ecological services company dedicated to the care and preservation of land and water. They offer a wide range of services including stormwater and wetland management, erosion control, and aquatic plant and algae control. With a focus on holistic care, ILM aims to enhance the ecological health of each place they visit.


7. True North Consultants, Inc.

True North Consultants is a trusted partner and leading provider of environmental solutions. With a wide array of services, we offer expertise in industries such as real estate, infrastructure, healthcare, and more. Our experienced team can assess and treat every project uniquely, ensuring the best solutions for our clients' environmental needs.


8. Gabriel Environmental Services

Gabriel Environmental Services is a Chicago-based environmental consulting company offering a wide range of services including environmental site assessments, wastewater consulting, industrial services, and renewable energy services.


9. PRI Group LLC

The PRI Group is a waste consulting and recycling services company that helps businesses identify, minimize, and recycle waste materials. By adopting proper waste disposal programs, the company diverts waste from landfills, cuts waste disposal costs, and in some cases, generates income. They offer services to companies of all sizes in every industry, handling virtually all types of recyclable commodities. The PRI Group provides effective and affordable recycling and waste disposal programs, managing waste in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner.


10. Recycling Consultants

Recycling Consultants is a company that provides expert advice and guidance on efficient and sustainable recycling practices. They offer consulting services to businesses and organizations looking to improve their waste management and recycling processes. With their in-depth knowledge and experience in the industry, they help clients optimize their recycling operations and reduce environmental impact.


11. Smith Ecological Systems

Smith Ecological is a company that provides ecological consulting and design services to clients. They specialize in sustainable land use practices and offer a range of services to help clients achieve their sustainability goals.


12. Environmental Law & Policy Center

  • Website: elpc.org
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 1993
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn

The Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC) is an organization advocating for the protection of the Midwest's environment. They work to protect natural resources such as the Great Lakes, promote clean air and water, and advocate for clean energy and transportation.


13. Gary R. Weber Associates, INC.

  • Website: grwainc.com
  • Headquarters: Wheaton, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 1982
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn

GRWA is an ecological consulting and land planning firm specializing in landscape architecture. We offer a range of services to assist clients with their land development projects. With a focus on sustainability and environmental impact, we provide expert guidance for creating beautiful and functional spaces.


14. ESD (Environmental Systems Design, Inc.)

  • Website: esdglobal.com
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 1967
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • LinkedIn

ESD Global is a company that specializes in designing and planning for the built environment. They offer services in markets such as Data Centers, Workplace Interiors, High Rise Buildings, Real Estate Asset Repositioning, Healthcare and Life Sciences, and Hospitality and Convention Centers.


15. Antero Group

The Antero Group is a multidisciplinary firm specializing in civil engineering, planning & design, and strategic consulting. They provide innovative solutions to complex engineering and planning challenges, with a focus on transforming communities, institutions, and developers for the future.


16. Sumac

  • Website: sumacinc.com
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 2002
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn

Sumac Inc offers services in architecture, engineering, construction management, and owner's representation. They specialize in sustainable and energy-efficient solutions for various sectors including aviation, commercial, retail, corporate offices, data centers, education, healthcare, and residential. Sumac Inc is committed to diversity and sustainability.


17. Bridge House Advisors

Bridge House Advisors provides comprehensive and integrated services and IT-enabled solutions to help investor clients manage ESG considerations throughout the investment life-cycle.


18. Ensight

Founded in 2013, Ensight Consulting developed from Julia's experience as Director of Sustainability for a large development and construction firm, where it became evident that expertise in green building alone was not enough. Instead, it was the use of systematic organizational change that successfully drove the company's sustainability performance.


19. The Conservation Foundation

The Conservation Foundation is an organization dedicated to preserving and protecting natural resources. Through education, partnerships, and community engagement, they work to promote conservation-minded practices and sustainable development.


20. Delta Institute

Delta Institute is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that serves as a trusted advisor and project implementation expert for partners in the public, private, nonprofit, and community sectors. They offer services in sustainability, climate action, resiliency, regenerative agriculture, and more.


21. Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance

Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) is a collaborative network promoting energy efficiency to optimize energy generation, reduce consumption, create jobs, and decrease carbon emissions in the Midwest.


22. WRD Environmental

WRD Environmental is a company focused on green infrastructure, stormwater management, and environmental education through sustainable design. They provide civil engineering services and expertise in sustainable practices.


23. Atelier Lira Luis

  • Website: liraluis.com
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
  • Headcount: 11-50

ALLL is an architecture and design firm that collaborates with Fortune 500 companies and startups to create positive change through design innovation and ESG sustainability.


24. GaiaTech Holdings

  • Website: gaiatech.com
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 1993
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Latest funding type: Acquired
  • LinkedIn

GaiaTech joined the RPS Group in 2014, offering environmental, engineering, and consulting services to regional and international clients, helping them improve their environmental impact, reduce liabilities, protect people and assets, and bottom-line gains.


25. EnviroMap

EnviroMap is an environmental consulting firm that provides innovative solutions for waste management, air and water quality monitoring and sustainability. We help organizations reduce their environmental impact and minimize downtime.


Want to find more environmental consulting companies?


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...and a lot more!