WBCSD leverages insight acquired through the development of SDG roadmaps for seven sector roadmaps with over 70 companies to update and enhance its SDG Sector Roadmap Guidelines.
Geneva, 10 June 2021: The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) has today released an update to its SDG Sector Roadmap Guidelines, developed in collaboration with ERM. Building on practical application experience acquired through working with over 70 companies on the development of roadmaps for seven industries in recent years, this updated resource lays out a step-by-step process that companies from the same sector can follow as they come together to explore, articulate and realize a common vision for how their industry can leverage their unique potential to contribute to the SDG agenda.
WBCSD originally published these guidelines in 2018, in response to recommendations from the Business & Sustainable Development Commission’s landmark Better Business Better World report that made a compelling case for companies to come together with peers at the sector level to develop SDG roadmaps as a means of guiding their industry’s shift to sustainable development in line with the SDGs.
WBCSD’s SDG Sector Roadmap Guidelines provide a structured framework and approach that companies can follow as they embark upon SDG road-mapping for their sector. The framework leads companies through a process of establishing their sector’s current level of interaction with the SDGs throughout the value chain; identifying the sector’s most significant opportunities for impact; and establishing key calls to action and monitoring systems in order to chart a course towards the sector’s 2030 vision.
Applying the methodology detailed in the guidelines enables companies to assemble a tailored strategic plan for their industry, with time-bound actions needed to meet ambitious yet attainable goals in line with the SDGs.
Since the launch of these guidelines, WBCSD has convened over 70 companies and several global industry associations to produce roadmaps for seven different industry sectors, creating important reference points that have helped to accelerate and optimize SDG impact across a number of industries including the Chemical, Indian Cement, Forest, US Agriculture, Electric Utilities, Oil and Gas and Tire sectors.
Building on the practical experience that has been built up through working with multiple industries over the course of the last few years, WBCSD is now pleased to be making available a refreshed and refined set of guidelines which also include case studies and examples of practical application by leading companies and associations to inspire best practice.
Peter Bakker, President and CEO, WBCSD said: “We will only be able realize the ambitions of the SDGs and to tackle the unprecedented challenges that we face as a global society through pioneering collaboration, with sector peers coming together to plot a new course focused on a common vision. As we enter a critical make-or-break “Decade of Action” to deliver the SDGs by 2030, we hope that these updated guidelines can inspire even more sectors to develop roadmaps that identify the common solutions, opportunities and partnerships needed to help achieve the ambitions of the SDGs.”
Keryn James, Chief Executive Officer, ERM said: “ERM has been privileged to work with WBCSD since 2017 on the SDG Sector Roadmap program, including the development of roadmaps for seven sectors. Sector roadmaps are a powerful example of how the private sector can navigate the immediate challenges they are facing and begin to build greater resilience as they plan for the road to 2030. With sustainability now at the center of many business models and strategies, SDG roadmaps can be used as a tool to help sectors lead, innovate, and challenge their approaches to shape a more sustainable future.”
More information
- Visit WBCSD’s SDG Sector Roadmap webpage to learn more about the concept and explore existing roadmaps in more detail.
- For more resources and for the latest insights on business and the SDGs, contact the WBCSD team or visit the SDG Business Hub
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