BCSD Brazil (CEBDS)

Chair
Marcos Bicudo

President
Marina Grossi

Background information

Established in 1997, BCSD Brazil integrates the WBCSD Global Network, representing approximately 70 major business groups with revenues equivalent to 40% of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), responsible for approximately 1 million direct jobs and an even larger number of indirect jobs. The BCSD Brazil mission is to promote the practical transformation of industries, markets, companies and professionals, joining business and society for a sustainable country.It is the first institution in Brazil to address sustainability using the “Triple Bottom Line” concept, which proposes that business must operate in alignment with economic, social and environmental aspects. In 1997 CEBDS was responsible for publishing Brazil’s 1st Sustainability Report.

In order to raise awareness and mobilize companies to broaden this vision, CEBDS has joined forces with the most renowned academic institutions and non-governmental organizations. It represents companies in their dealings with governments, not only to defend the specific interests of their members, but especially to build a comprehensive sustainable development policy for the benefit of Brazilian society.

Activities:

To accomplish this mission, BCSD Brazil’s objectives and strategic direction are focused in four value proposals:

1. Practice Transformation:
Provide tools and methodologies that transform the management and operation of organizations.

2. Advocacy and Networking:
Influence public policy and to act in the network to ensure an enabling environment for business sustainability.

3. Cutting Edge Concepts:
Being at the forefront of concepts and practices that leverage corporate sustainability and ensure competitive advantage for members.

4. Educator and Trainer of Expertise:
Provide training in corporate sustainability and information and knowledge to society.

Beyond institutional representation, there are two main types of activities, which include the Working Groups and the Projects.

• The Working Groups are forums held on average every 45 days, whereby the associated companies from various sectors come together to discuss common problems in sustainability management. The forum is open to all associates. Currently, CEBDS has seven working groups: Energy and Climate Change; Sustainable Finances; Communication and Education; Biotechnology and Biodiversity; Water; Sustainable Mobility and Social Impact.
• Projects - usually related to information, tools, training and public policy.

Other activities include:

• Inspired in the WBCSD’s Urban Infrastructure Initiative, CEBDS launched a project called “Rio Cidade Sustentável”(Rio Sustainable City) focused on implementing sustainable infrastructure. The project brought together a diverse group of companies that collaborate with the authorities in urban development by having realistic, practical and economically sustainable strategies. This project was presented in RIO+20, gathering efforts, know-how and solutions from companies, government and other stakeholders. The chosen area was a disadvantaged community in Rio de Janeiro.
• CEBDS created the Sustainable Leadership Council (in Portuguese), a CEO-formed council that works directly with the Brazilian Minister of Environment, helping to establish a sustainability agenda.
• After being engaged in the Brazilian version of the document Vision 2050, all our efforts are focused on the implementation of such a document with development of Ação 2020, our view of the WBCSD project Action 2020.
• Development of Sustainability Guides by company areas (2 guides published per year).
• Tool adaptation to a national context: Global Water Tool and CERES Acqua Gauge.
• 20F: NYSE listed companies need to answer the “20F” form as a combined effort from sustainability and financial areas, which normally is not the case. CEBDS and associated companies are working towards implementing this approachTraining programs open to all, including 1) PESE (Biodiversity impact management); 2) GHG Protocol tool, 3) Integrated Reporting (IIRC Framework); 4) Adaptation to the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB); 5) Sustainability reporting for the supply chain.
• Training programs specific for financial institutions and natural capital issues. Together with GIZ (German International Cooperation), CEBDS will help financial institutions understand the huge role they play in managing the planet’s natural capital and what tools and/or metrics related to sustainability could be used while making investment decisions.