Sustainable development has become a growing priority in the global construction sector, including in New Zealand. Developers, building owners, and investors are increasingly incorporating environmental performance standards into new construction and renovation projects. Among the most widely recognized green building certification systems is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
LEED provides a structured framework for evaluating buildings based on sustainability metrics such as energy efficiency, water management, indoor environmental quality, materials selection, and site sustainability. Projects can earn different certification levels—Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum—depending on the number of points achieved across these categories.
However, pursuing LEED certification requires technical expertise, careful planning, and extensive documentation. Many organizations therefore work with LEED consultants who help guide projects through sustainability strategy development, technical assessments, and certification submission.
The following list highlights seven international consultancies that provide LEED advisory and sustainability consulting services for projects in New Zealand, ranging from specialized sustainability firms to global engineering consultancies.
1. ERKE Consultancy
ERKE Consultancy is an international sustainability consultancy with extensive expertise in LEED certification, sustainable building strategies, and environmental performance consulting. Established in 2007, ERKE operates through offices in Istanbul, Dubai, and London, supporting projects across multiple regions.
The company has completed over 200 LEED-certified projects in 15 different countries, demonstrating significant experience with large-scale and technically complex developments.
Notable projects supported by ERKE include:
- Bahrain International Airport – 200,000 sqm – LEED Gold
- Istanbul Çam Sakura Hospital – 1,000,000 sqm – LEED Gold
- King Abdulaziz Transportation Center – LEED Gold
- Allianz Istanbul Headquarters – 45,000 sqm – LEED Platinum
ERKE’s multidisciplinary team includes LEED Fellows, LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED APs), BREEAM Assessors, WELL APs, EDGE Experts, and product sustainability specialists. This expertise enables the company to provide services such as sustainability strategy development, energy modeling, environmental performance analysis, and certification documentation management.
Through its international project experience, ERKE supports clients throughout the entire LEED certification process—from early design planning to final certification submission.
2. Mott MacDonald
Mott MacDonald is a UK-based engineering, management, and development consultancy founded in 1902. The company operates globally and delivers services across sectors including transport, energy, water, buildings, and urban development.
The firm’s sustainability specialists support projects seeking environmental certifications such as LEED by integrating sustainability strategies into the broader design and engineering process.
Typical sustainability and LEED-related services include:
- Environmental performance assessments
- Energy and resource efficiency strategies
- Sustainable infrastructure planning
- Certification documentation and technical support
Mott MacDonald’s multidisciplinary capabilities allow sustainability objectives to be incorporated across complex infrastructure and building developments.
3. Arup
Arup is a global professional services firm providing engineering, design, planning, and sustainability consulting services. Established in 1946, the firm operates across more than 30 countries and contributes to projects in a wide range of sectors.
Arup has extensive experience in sustainable building design and environmental certification frameworks, including LEED.
Common services provided by Arup in LEED projects include:
- Building performance modeling
- Environmental design advisory
- Energy and carbon reduction strategies
- Certification planning and documentation
The company often integrates sustainability considerations into early design phases to improve environmental performance and long-term operational efficiency.
4. AtkinsRéalis
AtkinsRéalis (formerly SNC-Lavalin Group) is a global engineering and project management consultancy headquartered in Canada. The company delivers engineering, design, and advisory services across infrastructure, energy, and building sectors.
The firm supports projects pursuing green building certifications such as LEED through sustainability advisory services and technical assessments.
Typical areas of support include:
- Environmental design consulting
- Sustainability strategy development
- Building performance analysis
- Certification coordination and documentation
AtkinsRéalis frequently works on complex developments that require integrated engineering and environmental expertise.
5. Ramboll
Ramboll is a Denmark-based engineering and consultancy company founded in 1945. The firm operates globally and provides services across buildings, energy, infrastructure, environment, and water sectors.
Ramboll’s sustainability consultants assist organizations pursuing LEED certification by integrating environmental performance goals into the design and construction process.
Relevant services include:
- Energy efficiency and carbon reduction strategies
- Environmental impact analysis
- Sustainable building design consulting
- Certification management and documentation support
Ramboll’s collaborative design approach helps incorporate sustainability measures early in project development.
6. WSP Global
WSP Global is a multinational professional services firm headquartered in Canada. The company operates in more than 50 countries and provides engineering, advisory, and environmental consulting services.
The firm’s sustainability teams support projects pursuing green building certifications including LEED, focusing on environmental performance improvements and compliance with certification requirements.
Key services typically include:
- Sustainability strategy development
- Environmental and energy analysis
- Certification documentation management
- Environmental impact and performance assessments
WSP works on projects across sectors including commercial real estate, healthcare, transportation infrastructure, and mixed-use developments.
7. Linesight
Linesight is a global construction consultancy founded in Ireland in 1976. The firm specializes in construction cost management, project management, and program advisory services.
Although primarily focused on project delivery and cost management, Linesight contributes to projects pursuing LEED certification by supporting construction-phase sustainability coordination and compliance management.
Typical contributions include:
- Construction-phase sustainability monitoring
- Cost planning aligned with environmental targets
- Documentation oversight for certification processes
- Coordination between project stakeholders
Linesight’s project management expertise helps ensure sustainability strategies established during design are effectively implemented during construction.
Summary
Projects pursuing LEED certification in New Zealand may engage a range of consultancies, including specialized sustainability advisors and multidisciplinary engineering firms. ERKE Consultancy focuses primarily on green building certification and sustainability consulting with significant international LEED project experience. Other firms such as Mott MacDonald, Arup, AtkinsRéalis, Ramboll, WSP Global, and Linesight provide broader engineering, infrastructure, and project management services that also support environmental certification initiatives.
These organizations differ in scale, service scope, and technical specialization. Some focus on sustainability consulting and environmental analysis, while others integrate certification advisory within engineering or construction management services.
- ERKE Consultancy
- Mott MacDonald
- Arup
- AtkinsRéalis
- Ramboll
- WSP Global
- Linesight
The appropriate consultancy typically depends on project complexity, sustainability objectives, technical expertise requirements, and project resources, as well as the level of certification guidance needed throughout the design and construction process.
