Sustainability and Society: Protect the Planet
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) want to address the environmental and social impact of their business, but doing it efficiently and with impact can be daunting. It’s our goal to knock down the barriers that stand in their way.
We'll lead by example with ambitious yet realistic targets of our own:
SMBs make up over 90% of businesses and are estimated to employ two billion people worldwide. However, the reality is a vast majority have yet to take climate action or put targets in place to reduce their carbon emissions. Lack of time, significant costs, overly complex guidance and uncertainty about quantifying emissions are barriers to their taking positive action. That’s why we’ve partnered with the global body for professional accountants, ACCA, and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to put forward SMB-friendly recommendations.
Ourcollaborative report “Think Small First: Enabling effective climate action by small and medium-sized businesses" calls for governments and large companies to step up to do more to urgently simplify carbon reporting and accounting so SMBs are not left behind in the Race to Net Zero.
Joining WBCSD as a Council Member gives Sage the opportunity to represent SMBs globally and the challenges they face in protecting our planet. We will collaborate with leaders across industries, sectors and geographies to help sustainable businesses be more successful.
Steve Hare will also play an active role in the Business Commission to Tackle Inequality (BCTI), as commissioner, where he will work with other purpose-led CEOs and industry leaders to mobilize the business community at large and drive tangible progress in support of prosperity for all.
