The Coalition for Greener Mobility has released its vision for a more consistent approach to environment, social and governance (ESG) in moving and relocation industry RFPs.
The Bridging the Gap report, published in partnership with sustainability consultancy JustOne, gives guidelines for global mobility firms to ‘embed sustainability into all aspects of business to future-proof the industry and ensure sustainability goals are met’.
Based on nearly 400 real-world sustainability-related RFP questions, the report offers analysis and solutions that aim to give clarity to relocation service providers and show them where they can improve their approach.
Maura Carey, ESG Programme Lead at Dwellworks LLC, said: ‘Bridging the Gap provides stakeholders across our mobility ecosystem with clear, grounded guidelines on how to frame, measure and consistently expand sustainability performance. A set of core standards enables us to be more responsive and specific to clients, while giving our downstream partners clarity about performance expectations and what is required to earn more opportunity. We’re looking forward to supporting this cross-industry initiative as an overall upgrade to sustainable global mobility.’
The research highlights how, during 2025, there has been a shift from ESG as a reporting framework to sustainability as a core business strategy. As financial risks and opportunities linked to environmental and social issues become clearer, companies are moving beyond brand reputation to focus on value creation, resilience and long-term success, despite political pushback in some regions.
‘Sustainability isn’t dead – it’s evolving,’ said Dave Carlos, Managing Director at JustOne. ‘Social and environmental issues are business issues, and the companies that embed sustainability, rather than bolt it on, are the ones best positioned for many benefits such as long-term growth, resilience and talent attraction – regardless of political or economic shifts. The industry now has the tools to move beyond complexity and make real progress that benefits people, planet and profit.’
Focused on businesses of all sizes, but particularly SMEs, the report offers tools such as simplified RFP questions, examples of good and best practice, and guidance on how to embed sustainability without overburdening teams.
Key insights from the report include:
- Suppliers face inconsistent and burdensome RFP requests: many ESG-related questions overlap, are poorly defined, or fail to reflect supplier size, scope of activity and context.
- A growing desire for impact: many businesses want to do more, but need better guidance, clarity, and consistency in the ESG questions they receive.
- Corporate demand is growing – but varies widely: some clients are well aligned with sustainability goals and provide supplier support; others include ESG questions without follow-up or clarity on how responses are used.
- Supplier readiness is mixed: some suppliers have mature strategies; others are just starting out and struggle with limited time, skills or resources.
- The industry needs standardisation and support: a harmonised approach to sustainability in RFPs will benefit everyone in the supply chain.
The report also includes:
- 16 categories of RFP sustainability questions, with diversity, equity and inclusion, energy and carbon, and ESG strategy development the ones that are asked most frequently.
- Examples of minimum, best and exemplar practice across ESG themes.
- Engagement and insights from 21 companies around the world, including RMCs, housing providers and global clients.
- Predictions for the future of mobility and sustainability –including the rise of value-based sustainability strategies and the risks of ESG backtracking.
The future of global mobility is collaborative
According to the coalition report, there is growing industry consensus that tackling sustainability challenges is now about collective transformation, rather than the performance of any individual company.
- Shared challenge and opportunities: the report outlines how suppliers, clients and industry bodies can come together to understand challenges, streamline processes and enable meaningful action at scale.
‘Global mobility is central to the modern workforce, and by aligning around shared sustainability goals, we can build a future that’s not only more effective and transparent, but also more resilient and attractive to top talent,’ said FIDI’s Sustainability and Strategic Communications Manager, Magali Horbert, speaking on behalf of The Coalition for Greener Mobility.
‘This report outlines how suppliers, clients and industry bodies can come together to understand challenges, streamline processes and enable meaningful action at scale, if we work together.
The Coalition for Greener Mobility and JustOne will continue to support the sector through knowledge sharing, practical solutions and cross-industry partnerships, to drive long-term value and resilience.