Pioneering Sustainability: Zielke Research Consult's Trailblazing Journey in Sustainable Consulting
In an exclusive interview with Biz Tech Outlook, Dr. Carsten Zielke, founder of Zielke Research Consult, discusses the company's pioneering journey in sustainable consulting. With a background in insurance economics and extensive experience, Dr. Zielke highlights the firm's commitment to excellence and innovation in ESG reporting since its establishment in 2013.
Give us a biopic of the founder and the foundational pillars of the company.
Dr. Carsten Zielke, who has his PhD in insurance economics, stands as the visionary founder of Zielke Research Consult, a company that has made significant strides in the realm of sustainability reporting and consultancy. Carsten’s background as a former equity analyst provided him with a solid foundation in financial analysis and market dynamics, which he seamlessly integrated into his consultancy endeavors.
Founded in March 2013, Zielke Research Consult quickly distinguished itself by its commitment to excellence and innovation in advising clients on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) as well as Solvency matters. His deep involvement in standard-setting initiatives has been instrumental in shaping the company’s approach, enabling it to provide cutting-edge solutions tailored to the evolving needs of its clientele.
The foundational pillars of Zielke Research Consult are built upon Dr. Zielke’s core values of integrity, expertise, and dedication to advancing sustainable practices within the insurance and financial sectors. By leveraging his academic background, industry experience, and passion for driving positive change, he has positioned Zielke Research Consult as a trusted advisor, helping clients navigate the complexities of ESG and Solvency reporting with confidence and clarity.
Can you provide us with an overview of your company?
Headquartered in Aachen, Germany, Zielke Research Consult stands as a prominent consultancy firm specializing in sustainability reporting, particularly focusing on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) matters. Our team is comprised of 10 dedicated professionals and offer a comprehensive range of services aimed at guiding organizations through the complexities of ESG reporting. From providing strategic advice on data collection and analysis to assisting clients in adopting relevant reporting frameworks and regulatory standards, the firm’s advisory services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Drawing on Dr. Zielke’s active involvement in standard-setting initiatives, Zielke Research Consult remains at the forefront of industry best practices.
Our deep understanding of evolving standards and regulations enables us to offer invaluable insights to clients, enhancing transparency and credibility in their reporting processes. We are committed to promoting transparency and accountability within the financial sector, which is why we established Zielke Rating GmbH as a spin-off subsidiary. This specialized entity focuses on rating financial institutions based on the quality of their ESG reporting while only using publicly available information.
Being a decade-old company, can you share a scenario that positioned your company ahead of competitors?
Certainly! One scenario that positioned us ahead of competitors involved our proactive approach to thought-provoking research and active involvement in regulatory discussions. Several years ago, as the landscape of sustainability reporting was rapidly evolving, many companies in our industry were taking a reactive stance, primarily responding to regulatory changes as they occurred. At the time we recognized the importance of a proactive approach and through several strategic decisions managed to stay ahead of the curve. Instead of merely reacting to regulatory developments, we proactively engaged in discussions with regulatory bodies, industry experts, and stakeholders to anticipate upcoming changes and help shape the direction of policy development. This proactive approach not only enhanced our credibility and reputation within the industry but also allowed us to anticipate regulatory changes and adapt our strategies and services accordingly. As a result, Zielke Research Consult was able to stay ahead of competitors, maintain a competitive edge, and continue providing innovative solutions and valuable guidance to our clients.
Zielke Research Consult supports different sectors. Which sector do you consider most critical, and what solution are you planning for them that will become a sensation in the industry?
The insurance industry represents a critical sector for Zielke Research Consult, given the substantial demand for improved and trustworthy Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) data. Recognizing this immense potential, we are developing a solution tailored to address the pressing needs of the insurance industry in leveraging ESG data effectively. Through close collaboration with key stakeholders and industry experts, we are confident that our upcoming solution will make waves in the insurance sector, setting a new standard for ESG data utilization and driving positive impact across the industry. We anticipate a significant enhancement in ESG data management and analysis with this innovation, poised to revolutionize how insurance firms incorporate sustainability into their operations and decision-making. Stay tuned for further updates as we prepare to unveil this transformative innovation to the market.
How did you build a team that focuses on the holistic growth of the company?
To foster holistic growth within our company, we prioritize qualities over nationalities in our corporate culture. We’ve curated a team of international experts who embody not only exceptional skills but also possess a strong entrepreneurial spirit. By valuing diversity and entrepreneurial drive, we’ve cultivated a dynamic team that is committed to driving the holistic growth of the company. Each team member brings a unique perspective and expertise, contributing to a collaborative environment where innovation thrives and the collective success of the company is paramount.
Our team stays informed through strategic engagements and active involvement with key decision-making bodies and industry organizations. The CEO’s participation as part of the decision-making body at the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) in Brussels provides invaluable insights into upcoming regulatory developments and standards shaping financial reporting practices across Europe. This direct involvement allows us to anticipate changes in regulatory frameworks and proactively adjust our advisory services to align with evolving requirements. Additionally, the CEO’s mandate with the German government, particularly with the German Environmental Agency, offers a unique perspective on environmental policies and regulations. Involvement in corresponding ISO working groups further enhances our access to the latest industry standards and best practices. By actively contributing to the development of international standards our team stays ahead of global regulatory trends and emerging market practices.
What values do you uphold in the industry?
In the industry, we uphold the value of providing high-quality ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) data to facilitate more accurate risk analysis while prioritizing data integrity and reliability. Our commitment to excellence in ESG data empowers stakeholders with actionable insights, promoting informed decision-making and sustainable practices. As we navigate the evolving landscape of sustainable finance, traditional methods of obtaining inside information are outdated. With the proliferation of ESG-reported data across Europe, effective structuring and analysis are essential for informed decisions. At Zielke Research Consult & Zielke Rating, we embrace this challenge by harnessing the wealth of ESG data to drive meaningful insights and actions. Through our innovative approach and commitment to leveraging publicly available data, we provide clients with accurate, transparent, and actionable assessments of their ESG performance, contributing to trust, transparency, and responsible business conduct within the industry.
“Zielke Research Consult is globally present, precisely ahead.”
“At the time, we recognized the importance of a proactive approach, and through several strategic decisions, we managed to stay ahead of the curve.”
“Our commitment to excellence in ESG data empowers stakeholders with actionable insights, promoting informed decision-making and sustainable practices.”
Company Name : Zielke Research Consult
Website : www.zielke-rc.eu/en
Management Team
Dr. Carsten Zielke, CEO
Odile Zielke, COO