Sustainable Development
The principles of sustainable development are an integral part of responsible entrepreneurship, corporate strategy, effective business risk management, and decision-making processes. In 2008, the SEV Council for Sustainable Development (SEV BCSD) was established to promote sustainable development within the business community and more broadly across the economy and society. SEV BCSD supports businesses in understanding the value and growth opportunities associated with sustainable development and actively participates in public dialogue to advance policies that balance all three dimensions of sustainability, environmental, social, and economic.
SEV BCSD operates as a network for collective action and advocacy, advancing three strategic objectives:
- Empowering businesses to integrate sustainable development as a driver of value creation, resilience, and competitiveness. Through studies, research, and reports, we identify and analyze business needs and document the impact of new policies and regulatory measures. We also implement awareness-raising and educational initiatives to help the business community better understand the opportunities and practical ways of integrating sustainable development into both strategic planning and implementation.
- Strong institutional representation in public dialogue: As a dynamic interlocutor of the State on sustainability issues, we advocate for realistic policies that balance the different dimensions of sustainability while advancing business priorities.
- Collaboration & Networking: We encourage the development of synergies within the business community and foster networking with other stakeholders. Our members benefit from our national, European, and international network, gaining access to the expertise and experience of some of the most pioneering business initiatives in sustainable development.
SEV BCSD develops its activities with a focus on the following priority areas:
- Addressing climate change: Supporting businesses in adapting to climate targets and the transition to a low-carbon economy, while safeguarding the sustainability and competitiveness of Greek businesses.
- Transition to the Circular Economy: Promoting the Circular Economy as a value-driven business model that is essential for addressing and mitigating the impacts of today’s multiple crises, including climate change, pressure on natural resources, and threats to supply chains.
- Protection of nature & biodiversity: Encouraging business activity that operates in balance with the necessary protection of natural capital and with respect for the sustainable management of natural resources.
- Modernization of environmental legislation: Shaping policies for an effective regulatory framework that ensures a level playing field and more efficient enforcement of environmental regulations.
- Integration of ESG criteria: Promoting the integration of sustainable development principles into decision-making processes, holistic business risk management, and the exploration of new markets and opportunities, while highlighting the added value that meaningful disclosure of non-financial information across the three ESG pillars — Environment, Social, and Governance — creates for both society and businesses.
- Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within businesses: Promoting the Sustainable Development Goals as a common reference framework for the contribution of businesses to sustainable development.
Companies from almost every sector of the economy participate in the SEV Council for Sustainable Development (SEV BCSD), actively contributing to the promotion of sustainable development principles and sharing a common vision for its strategic and developmental role.
Any company that recognizes the value of sustainable development for both its strategic planning and day-to-day operations, and that actively embraces the core principles of responsible business conduct across the areas of environment, society, and governance, can join our network.
You can find more information on how to become a member and contribute to the Council’s initiatives on the Council’s website at www.sevbcsd.org.gr
