Takeaways

• WBCSD has been named one of Bloomberg Green’s “ESG Innovation Drivers” in The Watchlist 2026 for its global leadership in sustainable business transformation.
• The nomination highlights WBCSD’s role in accelerating decarbonization, circularity, and policy advocacy through cross-sector collaboration and innovative tools.
• With its growing network of leading companies, WBCSD continues to drive system-wide climate action and scale low-carbon solutions worldwide.

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) has been named one of the leading ESG innovation champions in Bloomberg Green’s The Watchlist 2026, unveiled on November 27 in Shanghai, China. The recognition highlights the organization’s long-standing commitment to sustainable business transformation and its global influence in accelerating climate-aligned decision-making.

Representing WBCSD at the gala dinner, China Director Weidong Zhou shared insights on how the organization is helping companies strengthen climate action and advance the low-carbon transition. With a global network of more than 250 member companies, WBCSD acts as a collaborative platform that connects businesses across regions and industries to solve shared sustainability challenges.

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A major reason behind the recognition is WBCSD’s work in developing practical, forward-looking frameworks that support decarbonization and the circular economy. Among these tools are the Climate Drive and the Global Circularity Protocol for Business, two widely applicable frameworks that offer companies a clear pathway toward net-zero operations. These solutions help businesses de-risk their climate strategies while speeding up implementation.

Another core pillar of WBCSD’s impact is its ability to strengthen innovation through cross-sector partnerships. The organization regularly convenes industry working groups, value-chain collaborations, and multi-stakeholder dialogues, creating a space where companies can share knowledge and co-develop new sustainability solutions. This collaborative approach has enabled breakthrough ideas to move more quickly from concept to real-world action.

WBCSD is also focused on scaling climate solutions through initiatives such as the Emissions Reduction Accelerator and work on Avoided Emissions. These programs support companies in turning low-carbon innovations into tangible business opportunities, ensuring that climate ambition translates into measurable progress. Through strategic partnerships, WBCSD helps member companies amplify their impact while reducing investment risks.

In addition to tools and collaboration, WBCSD plays a strong role in policy advocacy. It works closely with policymakers around the world to co-design regulations that encourage innovation and support sustainable growth. This includes promoting harmonized carbon accounting, smart incentives, and coherent policy frameworks that help remove barriers to climate action.

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As the global race to net-zero continues, WBCSD says innovation will remain the most critical driver of sustainable business success. The organization plans to deepen its efforts at the intersection of climate, competitiveness, and innovation, expanding its role in shaping the future of responsible business.

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Source: WBCSD