Sustainability, ESG and Climate Change Resources for Business and Associations

Below are resources that may be useful to associations and businesses in addressing important sustainability issues such as climate change and the transition to the low carbon economy, diversity and inclusion, and Indigenous reconciliation.

Popular Article: The Social Purpose of Associations: A Call to Action to Serve the Greater Good | Read more here.

Association Benchmark: “The Sustainable and Just Association: Canadian Benchmark of Association ESG Practices” | Read more here.

Check out this recent national benchmark of provincial and national association ESG / Sustainability practices to see where your association fits in and pick up actions your association can pursue, whether just starting out or advanced. Benchmark based on submissions from 59 associations including the following and many others: Building Owners and Managers Association of Canada; Canadian Chamber of Commerce; Canadian Institute of Planners; Cannabis Council of Canada; Cement Association of Canada; Chartered Professional Accountants Canada; Chemistry Industry Association of Canada; Colleges and Institutes Canada; Federation of Canadian Municipalities; Forest Products Association of Canada; Hotel Association of Canada; Mining Association of Canada; Retail Council of Canada

Climate Action: Note that a number of associations are setting net zero targets and industry decarbonization roadmaps and pledges, e.g. in tourism, cement, buildings, copper, manufacturing and post-secondary. Check out the Benchmark above for more information on these practices and here is a “Climate Change Guide for Industry and Professional Associations”

Association Social Purpose: “An Association’s Social Purpose: A Benchmarking Tool”: The Benchmark referred to above reveals many Canadian associations have a social purpose North Star. Here’s a tool to assess your organization’s approach.