Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia (BCSD Australia)


Previously known as Sustainable Business Australia, BCSD Australia was established in 1991 by a group of forward-thinking Australian business leaders who recognised the environmental imperative and business sense of integrating sustainability into the core practice of their businesses.

Chair

John Hewson, Australian National University

Managing Director

Andrew Petersen

Background information

BCSD Australia is a CEO-led organisation of more than 40 Australian businesses and non-governmental bodies working together to accelerate the transition to a sustainable world by aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and acting on climate change.

Representing the leading names in Australian business, BCSD Australia has a track record for action on sustainable development and is the Australian partner for the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). In 2018, BCSD Australia was selected as the Australian focal point for collaboration with the Natural Capital Coalition and as the Australian partner for the We Mean Business coalition and the Carbon Disclosure Project.

Activities

Collectively, BCSD Australia advocates for action by partnering with governments, non-governmental and intergovernmental organisations.

Its areas of focus align with those of the WBCSD and are developed through collaboration within working groups for each area:

  • cities and mobility,
  • energy and climate change,
  • people,
  • land, food and water,
  • circular economy, and
  • redefining value.

BCSD Australia delivers the Reporting Matters program for Australia, holds a series of events for members and the public through the year, sits on a number of government sustainability-focused advisory committees and delivers the renowned Fiona Wain Oration on sustainability every year.