Katrin Keis

In consulting, networks are a core asset – both personal relationships and structural connections. They’re essential because sustainability challenges like climate change and the energy transition are complex and cross-sectoral. Success often depends on how well you engage, influence, and integrate across these networks.

At Nomine Consult, we’re deeply involved in both the voluntary and compliance carbon markets, including the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) – a mandatory carbon market for large industries under the EU ETS Directive. We’ve seen the system expand to cover more sectors, showing how interconnected policies, markets, and stakeholders are, and why strong networks matter.

In my opinion, consultants are not just advisors; they connect the right players at the right time, ensuring knowledge and best practices flow. Trust is the critical currency in sustainability transitions: when stakeholders trust you, they are more willing to act on your advice. And when they do, they also respect your network.

Yes, absolutely. Collaboration with external partners enables us to take part in larger and more complex projects. No single team can cover the full range of expertise required, so we maintain strong networks, and not only with universities, financial and legal experts, but also with competitors. For example, in nationwide energy and environmental studies, environmental impact assessments, and due diligence projects, external know-how is essential to deliver high-quality results.

Personally, I believe that when major nationwide studies are involved, it makes far more sense to join forces than to compete. Collaboration allows us to create real, lasting change. After all, we have only one planet, and it’s our shared responsibility to take care of it.

In Lithuania, for example, we conduct environmental impact assessments for large-scale renewable energy projects: onshore wind parks of up to 700 MW and solar parks of around 100 MW. These projects require specialized expertise, such as bird and bat experts and human health specialists, which we source through our network. Similarly, in power plant development projects, we work closely with civil engineers and other professionals.

As we take on larger and more international projects, it’s clear we can’t cover every area in-house. At the same time, other stakeholders and consulting firms increasingly turn to us for our expertise. Many investors entering energy or environmental projects in the Baltic region seek trusted local experts who understand regulations, communicate with authorities, and manage public hearings, and that is exactly what we deliver.

More and more companies are treating networking as a strategic collaboration framework. ESG reporting provides a valuable platform to share sustainability metrics, exchange best practices, and learn from each other’s efforts. By engaging suppliers and distributors, companies can improve supply chain traceability, reduce Scope 3 emissions, and promote sustainable practices throughout their operations.

What’s noteworthy is that companies leading in sustainability don’t work alone: they build ecosystems. Through cross-sector collaboration, supplier engagement, and public-private partnerships, businesses can extend their impact far beyond their own operations.