An influential global sustainable business group has moved away from its long term Australian partner and called on Australian business to lift its game when it comes to action on climate change and preserving the natural environment
The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) has ended a long-term, although ultimately fruitless, relationship with the Business Council of Australia (BCA).
The WBCSD announced that Sustainable Business Australia (SBA) has been appointed as its Australian Global Network partner to drive national business leadership for sustainable development.
WBCSD president and CEO Peter Bakker said the move came at a time of increasing uncertainty in Australia around policies for sustainable economic development and environmental stewardship.
”Australia’s move away from the only recently implemented carbon tax is well noticed by the world and not seen as a positive sign when it comes to the whole issue of climate change,” Mr Bakker said.
The move cements SBA as the peak body for sustainable business in Australia and unshackles the WBCSD from a relationship that has achieved little since it was struck in 1998.
BCA has shown virtually no interest in the sustainability agenda, which has muted the engagement of the local divisions of the WBCSD’s multinational members.
The influential group has around 175 high-powered members from all continents, except Australia.
“Australia has been a pioneer on climate action, smart energy technologies and the development of biodiversity markets,” Mr Bakker said.
“Up until recently, Australia made globally recognised progress pursuing energy and resource efficiency across its economy.
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It is important that Australian business continues to contribute to global momentum on climate mitigation, water and resource management, waste re-education and the ongoing development of corporate reporting and valuation.”
SBA CEO Andrew Petersen said the new arrangements would involve forward-thinking Australian companies in WBCSD international programs and cross-sector projects.
“The partnership will be adding direct value to members by bringing the latest thinking and best practices on economic, environmental and social management as well as gaining access to key international players and platforms,” said Mr Petersen.
“With over 30 Global Network partners across Asia Pacific alone, one of the immediate opportunities for us is the cooperation and business interaction with our regional colleagues.”
Last year the WBCSD started working with partners to develop the Action2020 platform, science-based priorities where business needs to focus its action and deliver measurable impact at scale.
WBCSD is developing business solutions that will contribute to the achievement of societal goals that must be reached in order to have a shot at achieving its Vision2050.
“The participation of Australia’s leading businesses in Action2020 is key to the inclusion of substantive southern hemisphere business perspectives and solutions that are needed in the development of globally appropriate action towards Vision 2050’s goals,” said Mr Bakker.
