Committing businesses to sustainability

The World Industry Council for the Environment (WICE) was founded in 1993. WICE activities include among others: working with the UN and other agencies on environmental matters so as to become their focal point when communicating with business; providing a forum for senior corporate executives to analyse likely effect of proposed environmental legislation on corporate interests; promoting the concept of sustainable development by serving as a catalyst for sound environmental management; demonstrating progress in corporate environmental stewardship and publicize the efforts of business; encourage exchanges between companies of their experience in implementing the [ICC Business Charter for Sustainable Development]; promoting technological cooperation between companies in developed and developing countries.

The Business Council for Sustainable Development (BCSD) was founded in 1990, to provide business perspective in the field of sustainable development. Within this context, BCSD aims to provide business leadership as a catalyst for change; work with and encourage policy makers to create the framework conditions required for business to make an effective contribution; help make business a respected partner in policy development and implementation; promote clear understanding in the global business community and challenge business to self-examine its performance; encourage business to develop goals and actions within their current profit and loss criteria and within the context of present and future international agreements, governmental policies and fiscal measures.

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) was founded 1 Jan 1995, Geneva, at the initiative of ICC, with the merger of the Business Council for Sustainable Development (BCSD) and World Industry Council for the Environment (WICE). WBCSD carries out activities previously undertaken by both organizations.

UNEP's Industry and Environment Office (IEO) was established in 1975 to bring industry and government together for environmentally sound industrial development. It operates with the following goals: encouraging the incorporation of environmental criteria in industrial development plans; facilitate the implementation of procedures and principles for the protection of the environment; promote the use of safe and clean technologies; and stimulate the exchange of information and experience throughout the world (through publication of technical reviews and guidelines and provision of a query response service). To achieve these goals, the IEO provides access to practical information and develops cooperative on-site action, training activities and expert exchange backed by regular follow-up and assessment.