Benchmark Sustainability Projects
The US Business Council provides members the opportunity to participate in authentic sustainability projects with industry, governmental and other key stakeholders who might not other have the chance to collaborate and network. The projects generate economic returns while improving the environment and society - the triple bottom line.
Members find that participating in Business Council projects raises a company's sustainability profile and credibility, which opens doors to new relationships with other companies, government agencies and non-government organizations and non-profits.
US BCSD members benefit from direct access to World BCSD expertise and projects. Example: World BSCSD is currently completing an analysis about how sustainable construction can be authentically achieved. When that analysis is complete, US BCSD members will have access to those guidelines at no extra cost.
US-based US BCSD members receive increased international exposure through work on Council project as all outcomes are shared with the WBCSD and frequently leveraged as key learnings and case studies globally.
Networks and Partnerships
The US BCSD is an assembly of industry leaders seeking collaborative, non-confrontational approaches to environmental protection, stewardship and community development. Members gain opportunities to work constructively with local, state and federal governments, non-governmental organizations and other industries to define the values of sustainable development. The ability to work across industries gives members the power to forge meaningful relationships with government, nonprofit and corporate partners they would not regularly be able to access. These connections help link global strategies to the U.S. operations level, sharing best practices and finding sustainable solutions that have a much broader impact and benefit than if executed by just one company.
For example, CemStar, this patented process was created using steel slag from Chaparral Steel in a TXI cement kiln to create high-quality Portland cement. Profits for both companies increased, while CemStar reduced energy requirements by 10 percent and decreased carbon dioxide emissions by more than 10 percent per ton of cement produced.
Public and Agency Credibility
Council membership demonstrates corporate leadership in sustainable development, conferring public credibility and opening doors to constructive relationships with government agencies and non-governmental organizations. Membership recognition extends into relationships and networks on local, state, federal, and international levels. Experience from projects form the foundation of the US BCSD’s voice for business on sustainable development in the United States. Project results help members anticipate emerging social and environmental trends that may impact business activities.
As an active WBCSD partner, the US BCSD is linked with hundreds of like-minded corporate leaders on six continents. We bring additional perspectives on US issues, including those important to smaller companies that may not have representation at a global level.
For current WBCSD members, involvement in the US BCSD helps link global strategies for sustainable development to the US operations level.
Quarterly newsletters and the US BCSD website keep members informed on projects, conferences, and current events. The US BCSD also meets bi-annually to decide the organization's priorities and to discuss its strategic direction.
