I've just returned from the WBCSD’s annual meeting – read my report here – which focussed on the need for business to scale up its response to global sustainability issues such as poverty, climate change and environmental degradation. WBCSD and its regional networks are focusing on identifying priority actions within Vision 2050 to be achieved by 2020. We are involved in scoping up this work and I’ll be talking to you more about it in the New Year.

With the holidays fast approaching, most people are looking forward to turning off cell phones and putting their feet up. But if you do find yourself short of a good holiday read, we've news and views online. Our ‘top reads’ include the Re:thinking Consumption study – a survey of consumer attitudes, motivations and behaviours relating to sustainable consumption from Globescan and SustainAbility, and Director 360: Degrees of progress – a global director survey from Deloitte which identifies what Boards are focused on. Government has released its latest report for the Business Growth Agenda, Building Natural Resources. We’ll be providing feedback in the New Year so let me know what you think.

One of the really interesting SBC events of late was Al Morrison’s presentation on Business and Biodiversity, hosted by Sovereign. You’ll be able to view a video online soon. In the New Year we look forward to inviting you to a number of events. These include the findings of the Carbon Disclosure Project’s AU-NZ Climate Change Report, and the SBC member Annual General Meeting on April 11 in Auckland, where the Hon Amy Adams is lined up to speak.

I'd also like to extend a warm welcome to our newest members – Beacon Pathway, Chevron, Contact Energy, Fletcher Building, Lion and NZ Steel.

I look forward to working with you all in 2013. I hope you have a happy and relaxing Christmas and New Year.

Penny Nelson
Executive Director
penny.nelson@sbc.org.nz