Hélène Baron
Mit über einem Jahrzehnt Erfahrung im Bereich der unternehmerischen Umweltverträglichkeit habe ich meine Karriere darauf ausgerichtet, Unternehmen dabei zu unterstützen, einen positiven Einfluss auf den Planeten auszuüben.
Durch die Kombination praktischer Erfahrung mit intellektueller Strenge halte ich außerdem einen MSc in Umwelttechnik und Agrarwissenschaften vom Institut National Polytechnique in Toulouse, Frankreich.
My story
My journey into sustainability began with a deep-seated passion for the environment. Even as a kid, I was always interested in science and nature. I was determined to forge a career path where I could have a positive impact on the world. As I learned more, I developed a strong belief that sustainable transformation is possible – and businesses must be part of it.
I began my career at Holcim in the cement industry, where I held a corporate sustainability role, gaining invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities within industrial sustainability. Later, I took on a managerial role at PwC, where I led various consulting projects and spearheaded sustainability assurance engagements within the Sustainability & Climate practice, working with clients across industries and countries. These international experiences were crucial in broadening my expertise and refining my approach. They also provided a pragmatic understanding of the complexities and realities of sustainability in the corporate world.
While I enjoy the challenge of corporate sustainability, eventually I became frustrated with the traditional consultancy world and wanted to forge my own path.
Driven by a desire to fully align my work with my values, I founded Baron Sustainability in 2021. I apply a science-based and no-nonsense approach to sustainability, ensuring that strategies are environmentally credible and aligned with best-practice. My approach to sustainability is both strategic and holistic, combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of the complex challenges that companies face in today’s rapidly changing world. In a world where resources are finite, I challenge the notion of infinite growth and work with my clients to develop sustainable strategies that respect planetary boundaries while protecting their long-term business resilience.
Based in Zurich, Switzerland, I bring an international perspective to my work, having collaborated with companies across Europe. Over my career, my work has spanned diverse sectors of the real economy, from industrial manufacturing to luxury goods.
My Expertise
Environmental Consulting: Extensive knowledge of environmental regulations and experience in climate strategies, net-zero roadmaps, science-based target setting (SBTi), climate risk assessment (including TCFD reporting), carbon accounting (GHG Protocol, Bilan Carbone), environmental reporting and nature-related work such as required by TNFD and SBTN.
Industry Knowledge: Having worked with clients in a wide array of sectors, I understand the unique sustainability challenges and opportunities that come from business models producing physical goods. I have worked with clients in industrial manufacturing (Zehnder, Georg Fischer), power (Hitachi Power Grids, EDF), agriculture (Ökostrom, Suez, WWF), chemicals (Sika, Clariant), construction (Holcim), healthcare (Roche, Novartis, Sonova), apparel (Kering) and watches (Breitling).
Multilingual Communication: Fluent in French, German and English, I engage with clients across Europe and beyond, ensuring that language is never a barrier to achieving sustainability goals.
My Philosophy
I believe that sustainability is more than just a buzzword—it is a responsibility and an opportunity.
My philosophy centers on the idea that sustainable practices not only benefit the environment but also drive innovation, improve efficiency, and create long-term value for businesses and society.
To create this value, it is essential to align strategies with the reality of our planet’s ecological limits. I am committed to providing clients with honest, science-based insights – even when this means facing challenging truths.
My role is to help clients discover and implement sustainable solutions that align with their values, business objectives, and regulatory requirements. I believe in empowering my clients by sharing all data, tools, and knowledge, so you are equipped to implement and sustain these solutions independently, ensuring our work is genuinely impactful.
Why work with me?
- Science-Driven & Data-Backed: My solutions are grounded in rigorous scientific analysis and data interpretation, ensuring they are robust, credible, and aligned with the latest industry standards and frameworks. I surround myself with a strong network of experts and partners to ensure you receive the best, most up-to-date science-based insights.
- No-Nonsense Approach: I deliver straightforward, honest advice without the fluff. Focusing on what works, without overpromising or sugar-coating the challenges. I emphasise practical, realistic solutions over glossy presentations or empty promises.
- Challenging Conventional Wisdom: I encourage my clients to reconsider the outdated notion of infinite growth, helping you embrace sustainable strategies that respect planetary boundaries and focus on long-term resilience rather than short-term gains.
- Personalised, Bespoke Solutions: I work closely with you to understand your unique business challenges and needs, avoiding generic and one-size-fits-all recommendations.
- Comprehensive & Holistic: My services cover a wide range of environmental sustainability aspects, from climate strategies and net-zero roadmaps to nature-related work and regulatory compliance, while also being mindful of social sustainability impacts.
- Collaborative & Empowering: I work closely with you, equipping you with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to manage your sustainability initiatives independently.
- Pragmatic & Reality-Based: My approach is grounded in the practical realities of the business world, focusing on solutions that are both achievable and impactful.