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Challenges |
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Lack
of Technical Solutions - When asked recently what
the major challenges to sustainable development are, Bjorn
Stigson, president of the World Business Council for Sustainable
Development, pointed to the lack of solutions to a number
of challenges including climate challenge and water scarcity,
and said that the development of new technology, particularly
in the transport sector, is too slow. Stigson also identified
as obstacles the fact that Official Development Assistance
is not increasing, and that trade barriers are not being
lifted.
Persuading Industry - An independent study on the
cement industry, commissioned by the World Business Council
for Sustainable Development, concluded that sustainable
development will occur only if there is a real synergy
between sustainability and profitability. But industry
must also recognize this synergy.
The study identified a number of issues that will shape
the cement industry's path to sustainable development,
including resource productivity, climate protection, emissions
reduction, ecological stewardship, employee and community
well-being, and regional development. By following it
recommendations on these issues, it promised, cement companies
can create shareholder value by reducing capital and operating
costs and by improving their licenses to operate.
SD Reporting - Although still in its early stages,
sustainable development reporting is gaining favor among
companies. Business leaders are starting to realize that
comprehensive reporting helps support company strategy,
and shows commitment to sustainable development.
Companies need to be clear about what they stand for and
be open about their performance in response to this call.
This creates a number of dilemmas for corporations: how
to strike a balance between what stakeholders find interesting
to know, what they have the right to know, and what can
be put to meaningful use in companies. Companies also
want to know how aspects of sustainable development reporting
could help them improve overall performance. |
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