The WBCSD is a CEO-led organization of forward-thinking companies that galvanizes the global business community to create a sustainable future for business, society and the environment. 

Together with its members, the council applies its respected thought leadership and effective advocacy to generate constructive solutions and take shared action. 

Read more »

Organization »

The WBCSD was founded on the eve of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit to ensure the business voice was heard at the forum. It was created by Swiss entrepreneur and philanthropist Stephan Schmidheiny who believed that business had an inescapable role to play in sustainable development: at the same time as making significant contributions to the creation of a sustainable society, it is in the interest of business, and its bottom line, to do so.

Read more »

Members are made up of some of the globe's leading corporations spanning a wide range of sectors and geographies.

Membership is open to companies committed to sustainable development and to promoting the role of eco-efficiency, innovation and corporate social responsibility. 

Read more »

The WBCSD takes a unique approach to developing publications and tools that are created with extensive input from and road tested by member organizations, demonstrating that they deliver proven results.

Output is developed via work programs that were set up to ensure all aspects of sustainable development in business are dealt with effectively. It is clearly divided in to: focus areas, sector projects, systems solutions and capacity building.

Work program »

Member representation in work program »

The WBCSD's Regional Network is an alliance of nearly 60 CEO-led business organizations united by a shared commitment to providing business leadership for sustainable development in their respective countries or regions.

Regional Network »

Close cooperation between all stakeholders in society is essential to creating a sustainable future for business, society and the environment. The WBCSD’s work with experts from across international organizations, academic institutions and business organizations forms a key element to its approach. 

Partners list »

Accelerate now
2012 Annual Review

Download the annual review »