Natural infrastructure guide for business
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Why natural infrastructure?

All businesses affect ecosystems and rely on the critical services that they provide. However, 60% of the world’s ecosystems have been degraded over the past 50 years – a degradation that, when taking into account the change in land use, is responsible for about 20% of carbon emissions globally.

This needs to change, if companies want to secure access to resources that are key to their operations and reduce their exposure to risks linked to ecosystem degradation, all while creating value for society and the environment.

Examples of natural infrastructure solutions

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The Natural Infrastructure for Business platform developed by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), CH2M (with support from The Nature Conservancy), and other member companies is designed to introduce business leaders and practitioners to natural infrastructure. As an alternative to gray infrastructure, natural infrastructure has various benefits to business, society and nature that can be harnessed by companies. The platform is the first step towards achieving the WBCSD’s vision that by 2020, investing in ecosystems – or natural infrastructure – will no longer be just a good idea; it will be common practice across industry sectors worldwide.

This platform is a first-time effort to raise business awareness, understanding and action towards increased investments in natural infrastructure solutions, by providing concrete guidance and tools. It is the first output of the WBCSD’s Natural Infrastructure work program, chaired by Shell and Dow and involving a group of over 30 WBCSD members.

For any questions or comments, please contact the team.

The WBCSD, a CEO-led organization of some 200 forward-thinking global companies, is committed to galvanizing the global business community to create a sustainable future for business, society and the environment.

The WBCSD provides a forum for its member companies—who represent all business sectors, all continents and a combined revenue of more than $8.5 trillion and 19 million employees—to share best practices on sustainable development issues and to develop innovative tools that change the status quo. The Council also benefits from a network of 70 national and regional business councils and partner organizations, the majority of which are based in developing countries.

For more information visit: www.wbcsd.org

© Copyright - WBCSD 2015
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