By Marina Grossi
For over a decade, large companies operating in Brazil have been investing in innovative technologies and governance models to develop more sustainable products and services. The use of low-carbon materials, water reuse systems, waste recycling, and encouraging the development of entrepreneurs are some of the actions that are part of the routine of forward-thinking corporations. In this way, they aim to reduce the impact of their production processes on the environment and increase social inclusion and, consequently, market expansion.
However, the environmental, social and economic benefits of these voluntary initiatives by the business sector are, in most cases, restricted to the scope of the companies' production chain. Due to the lack of regulatory frameworks that encourage sustainable actions and create barriers to those disconnected from sustainability, all these efforts are not replicated with the necessary scope and speed and fail to offer Brazilian society the opportunity to build a new development model.
Based on this diagnosis, a group of more than 20 presidents of Brazilian companies from different segments launched the idea, at the end of last year, of preparing a proposal document addressed to the candidates for the Presidency of the Republic, as well as to the candidates for other elective positions. After successive meetings coordinated by Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development (CEBDS) and with the contribution of technicians from companies and civil and academic institutions, the “Agenda CEBDS – For a Sustainable Country”.
The document contains 22 proposals for public policies based on the concept of sustainability to meet society's demands. They indicate the direction for transforming environmental liabilities into competitive advantages in the international market and applying business mechanisms to promote a country with better health, education, sanitation, mobility, food supply, water and clean, affordable energy that is accessible to all.
The agenda's proposals include five macro-objectives: adding value and competitiveness to Brazilian industry products; valuing and protecting Brazilian natural assets and resources; expanding access to infrastructure and basic, quality services for the population; promoting efficiency and quality of life in Brazilian urban centers; and leading the transition to a low-carbon economy.
O CEBDS believes that a prosperous, fair and responsible country depends on the commitment between companies, government and civil society to scale up sustainable actions and thus build a better country. Therefore, the launch of the agenda goes beyond the elections. It is the starting point for an ongoing dialogue between companies and government, as well as the installation of an observatory, which allows the population to monitor and collaborate throughout the process.
*Marina Grossi is an economist and CEO of Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development (CEBDS) since 2010.
