Environmental and sustainability (E&S) consultants working in the US are positive about their growth prospects in 2025. This is in spite of the market uncertainty, following a multitude of policy actions instigated by the new administration. Their plans and strategies are discussed in Environment Analyst’s Insight Report titled, US market optimistic for 2025, despite political uncertainty.

Largely driven by macro trends, like population growth, urbanisation, and the need to incorporate sustainability and resilience into infrastructure and other projects, companies like WSP, AECOM, Jacobs and Stantec are confident they will continue to build on recent years of strong growth.

Early analysis of Environment Analyst’s US E&S Consulting Market Assessment, which will be published in April, indicates revenue from US services has almost doubled since 2019. Work like transit modernisation, water infrastructure, environmental permitting, decarbonisation, meeting energy demand, including connectivity, green design, and implementing sustainability and resilience, is expected to continue to drive growth in the sector. 

Companies face a reduction in federal agency budgets and clarity over E&S regulations – and those more dependent on government work look exposed. However, many of the consultants are multidisciplinary and work for a broad client base. They say their exposure to federal government contracts is limited. And they are looking to local and state governments, and increase private funding, to support projects. 

Nevertheless, continued US growth is also dependent on a healthy and stable economy. And there is great uncertainty over the impact of President Trump’s policies.

The Insight Report examines some of these policies, including federal funding cuts, the impact of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the work of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the energy market, the impact of artificial intelligence and digital, sustainability communications and workforce issues.

E&S consultants generally seem calm. Sofia Berger, earth and environment line executive at WSP, notes that whenever there is a change in administration, there will be executive orders that could affect the sector in some way. But she adds it is important to “stay calm and keep monitoring” the situation. That way they can help their clients.