In today’s business landscape, environmental stewardship is no longer a luxury—it’s an imperative. Around the globe, companies are embracing sustainability as a core strategic goal, driving them to seek expert partners who can both guide and accelerate their journey. Standing tall in this space is ECA Consulting, an award-winning, 100% Black female-owned environmental consultancy co-led by Managing Director, Ms. Leena Ackbar, and Operations Director, Ms. Manogrie Chetty. With an unmatched track record in offering environmental solutions and pioneering industry best practices, ECA Consulting has steadily become the go-to partner for organizations looking to align profitability with planet-friendly outcomes.
Pioneering a Culture of Innovation
Established in 2011, ECA Consulting was born out of a vision to transform South Africa’s environmental landscape—particularly within large-scale infrastructure, housing, and industrial projects—while championing gender empowerment. Through combined expertise of more than three decades, Leena and Manogrie have created a culture in which innovation and compliance are inseparable.
Both directors hold Master of Science degrees in Environmental Sciences and are Registered Environmental Assessment Practitioners (EAPASA) as well as Professional Natural Scientists (SACNASP). Their drive to push boundaries has led ECA Consulting to explore and adopt emerging technological tools. In September 2024, for instance, the company hosted a groundbreaking webinar on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)—a forward-thinking move that positioned them among the trailblazers of AI adoption within the environmental services sector.
Meeting Companies Where They Are—And Taking Them Further
Whether an organization needs a Basic Assessment (BAR), a full-scale Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), or guidance on Carbon Footprint Analysis, ECA Consulting ensures each project merges compliance with best-in-class sustainability practices.
This approach resonates strongly with companies looking to reinforce their own reputations as responsible global citizens. As Ms. Ackbar explains, “Our goal is not just to deliver a report or facilitate a license but to help our clients drive real, lasting change for both people and the planet.”
A Powerful Team Fuelling Gender Empowerment
One of ECA Consulting’s most distinguishing characteristics is its unwavering commitment to gender empowerment and transformation. Recognized as a Level 1 B-BBEE firm, they champion inclusivity and growth for women in science, technology, engineering, and related fields. Their leadership has garnered high-profile accolades such as the Standard Bank Topwomen Top Gender Empowered Company Award (2023/2024 and 2024/2025) and the EAPASA Award for Leading EAP Driving Key Issues in the Sector (2023/2024).
“We believe in lifting as we rise,” says Ms. Chetty. “We want to cultivate a new generation of environmental professionals who bring fresh perspectives to the most pressing challenges facing our planet.”
Shaping a Sustainable Future—Together
In a time of unprecedented environmental scrutiny and heightened corporate responsibility, ECA Consulting emerges as a beacon of partnership for organizations looking to thrive sustainably. By blending high-level scientific expertise, AI-driven innovation, and thoughtful mentorship, the consultancy ensures that every project becomes a blueprint for integrated social, economic, and environmental success.
Ready to elevate your sustainability strategies? Reach out to ECA Consulting and discover how their unique blend of expertise, innovation, and visionary leadership can help your business meet—and exceed—its sustainable development goals. Because at the intersection of profitability and purpose, ECA Consulting stands ready to guide the way. Get in touch now: connect@ecaconsulting.co.za
