The Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development (BCSD-Brazil or CEBDS in Portuguese) has addressed to the presidential candidates a document containing 10 sustainability proposals prioritized by the business sector. The “CEBDS Agenda for a Sustainable Country“ was endorsed by CEOs of the 60 largest companies operating in the country, which together earn the equivalent of about 45% of the Brazilian GDP. The document was launched during CEBDS Sustainable Congress 2018 held on September 11th and has been presented to the presidential candidates. The document has been delivered in partnership with Coalizão Brasil, a multi-stakeholder organization focused mainly on climate change.
The 10 proposals are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and range from domestic problems, such as deforestation and lack of sanitation, to more recent ones, such as the absence of carbon pricing mechanisms and the fostering of renewable energy production.
The proposals prioritize actions that combine sustainability and efficiency, making the economy more competitive. For the water resources management, for example, there is a proposal for a national water reuse law in industries.
“It is a mistake to think that sustainability is dissociated from country's economic and social problems. Environment and civil liability are not isolated problems. As they must be integrated in companies' investment plans, they shall be prioritized in government plans. The lack of basic sanitation, for example, a problem that dates back to the 19thth century, is reflected in the current infant mortality rates, which have returned to growth in Brazil. Also, the dependence on fossil fuels must be rethought for a transition to the low carbon economy. We need to diversify our energy matrix so that the country can grow and become a global reference in renewable energy. We have the potential for this” – says Marina Grossi, president of CEBDS.
The final details of the document were discussed in CEBDS Leaders Council meeting, an event that brings together CEOs of member companies. The main mission of this council is to discuss solutions for a sustainable business chain, generating technology, employment and profit, as well as proposing public policies to governments.
