CEBDS brings together 7 of the 10 largest companies in the country in terms of net revenue; progress reflects business interest in best market practices, such as ESG criteria
The Brazilian business sector has increasingly sought to develop sustainable businesses. This is demonstrated by the significant increase in the number of companies that have joined the Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development (CEBDS). In the last two years, the number has increased by 63%, rising from 61 companies in 2020 to the symbolic mark of 100 members – achieved on August 24.
CEBDS brings together giants from the most important sectors of the economy – 7 of the 10 largest companies operating in Brazil in terms of net revenue are members of the Board. Among the new members in 2022 are leaders in their sectors, such as Accenture, Amaggi, Arezzo, Azul Linhas Aéreas, Bamin Mineração, Banco do Nordeste, Cargill, Grupo Pão de Açúcar+Assaí, Norte Energia, Prumo Logística, Vibra Energia and Zurich Seguros.
For CEBDS, this movement reflects the interest of businesspeople in building a new development model, which in recent years has been associated with the acronym ESG (environmental, social and governance). Growth that is environmentally correct, socially fair and economically viable.
“This is an important milestone, proof that we are in a time of great transformation. Sustainability has become mainstream and companies are part of the solution for a new development model. We need to rethink economic growth, and this decade offers a window of opportunity for Brazil to become a leader in the transition to a green economy, capable of generating economic and social gains,” says Marina Grossi, president of CEBDS.
This is a path promoted by CEBDS since its foundation 25 years ago, and it has transformed the image of companies. At Eco-92, the most important global conference on the environment held to date, the sector was heavily criticized for the impacts caused by its operations.
CEBDS was founded in 1997 by a group of leading Brazilian businesspeople who were aware of the challenges and opportunities that sustainability brought. It was created to represent companies in Brazil and to lead an effort to help transform good intentions into practical actions. The creation and consolidation of the Council led to a transformation in business – both internally, with the training of teams from each company, and through collaboration with governments and civil society, helping to develop public policies focused on a green agenda.
In recent years, CEBDS has led efforts to bring together the main voices of the Brazilian business sector on issues that are urgent for society, through impactful positions, such as “Business Movement for the Amazon”, “Climate Neutrality: A Great Opportunity” and “Businessmen for the Climate”, a document signed by 119 CEOs and 14 sector entities in defense of a sustainable development agenda for Brazil. This year, the Council also published the Open Letter to Presidential Candidates, with 12 proposals for the country – this is the third presidential election in which this has occurred, repeating what was done in 2014 and 2018.
About CEBDS
The Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development (CEBDS) is a non-profit civil association that promotes sustainable development through partnerships with governments and civil society, in addition to disseminating the most current concepts and practices on the subject. Founded in 1997, it brings together 100 of the largest business groups in the country, whose combined revenue is equivalent to 47% of Brazil's GDP and which generate 1.1 million jobs. In Brazil, it represents the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) network, which has almost 60 national and regional councils in 36 countries and 22 industrial sectors, in addition to 200 business groups operating on all continents.
