What we do

A circular economy is fundamental to achieving our vision of more than 9 billion people living well within the boundaries of the planet by 2050. Moving towards a circular economy requires decoupling resource consumption and economic performance, through information sharing, new business models, supporting policies, science-based targets and value chain collaboration.

WBCSD's Circular Economy Program convenes over 50 companies to co-develop solutions that unlock their full circular potential. Through a safe platform for business, this program creates new standards, tools, advocacy, insights and experiences that empower companies to drive their circular transition.

More than half of the global population lives in cities, and it is projected that over the next two decades over 1 million people will move to cities every week. To reach the Sustainable Development Goals in cities provides a significant business opportunity estimated at 3.7tn USD by 2030, in the areas of housing, building efficiency, mobility, water and sanitation. Businesses are developing many solutions that can support urban sustainability, but they need a strategic engagement process to understand cities’ needs and place their solutions in a holistic context.

Combating climate change and transforming the energy system are core challenges on the path to a sustainable future for business, society and the environment. The Paris Agreement has sent a decisive and global signal that the start of the transition to a thriving, clean economy is inevitable, irreversible and irresistible.

Our Climate & Energy Program facilitates interaction on cutting-edge climate and energy topics between WBCSD members, their peers and stakeholders as they address critical industry issues and share best practices and solutions.

Economic systems are outstripping the resources of the planet. Diets are resulting in both over- and under-nutrition. Humanity’s future depends on an urgent reset – the creation of systems that support healthy people and a healthy planet. WBCSD’s Food & Nature Program leads business efforts to accelerate the much-needed system transformation in the areas of food, nature and water. We do this by bringing leadership standards and tools, advocacy and projects across the value chain – from production to consumption – which deliver impact at scale where the urgent agendas of climate, nature and food systems intersect.

Today’s society is characterized by a range of dynamic shifts and evolutions. WBCSD’s People & Society program provides insights & solutions that support companies in future-proofing their businesses by ensuring that their products, services, processes and conduct remain in tune with the needs, rights, goals and aspirations of society.

Corporate Performance & Accountability helps companies measure and manage risk, gain competitive advantage and seize new opportunities by understanding environmental, social and governance (ESG) information.

We do this by building collaborations and developing tools, guidance, case studies, engagement and education opportunities to help companies incorporate ESG performance into mainstream business and finance systems.

Our goal is to improve decision-making and external disclosure, eventually transforming the financial system to reward the most sustainable companies.