There’s Good Business in Climate Change

A growing number of Australia’s largest companies are taking a strategic position on climate change, according to Sustainable Business Australia in a new climate action guide.

Sustainable Business Australia (SBA) has released the Australian CEO Guide to Climate Action with advice on how to integrate climate action initiatives into business strategy.  

The guide recommends strategies that drive energy productivity, increase the sourcing of renewable energy, reduce carbon throughout supply chains, improve water management, and support healthy ecosystems and sustainable lifestyles.

“A substantial shift is taking place. Business focus on climate change is settling into core business strategy and out of the CSR function,” Sustainable Business Australia CEO, Andrew Petersen, said.

“Recognising not only the risks to be managed, there is increasing interest in the opportunities for business growth with potential new products, services and markets opening up as the world’s major economies pursue their targets to decarbonise.

“There is widespread optimism in the global business community that the COP 21 climate negotiations in Paris will be successful.”

Petersen said much has already been achieved with participating nations announcing their domestic emissions reduction commitments ahead of the December meeting.

“Businesses that integrate climate change considerations into their business strategy early will be well positioned ahead of increased global action on climate change,” he said.

“Australia’s two energy giants and one of the big four banks have committed to initiatives under this global climate change campaign focussed on both businesses and the investment community. The business of climate change in Australia has clear and growing support.”

Download the Australian CEO Guide to Climate Action here.