BSR Report 2010: Redefining Leadership

We chose the theme “Redefining Leadership” for the BSR Report 2010 because the fundamental challenges in our world require nothing less.

At its best, business can deliver the creative solutions that the world needs: low-carbon prosperity for a planet that will have 9 billion inhabitants by 2050. But business as usual—or leadership as usual—won’t make it happen.

One of the most exciting aspects of today’s fast-changing world is the unprecedented opportunity for every one of us to be a leader. Each of us has the tools to create, inspire, and collaborate in ways that previous generations could not have imagined. This gives us all immense power to build the kind of world we want—if we use that power wisely.

Every year, we report on BSR’s activities and the state of sustainable business. This Report, like our past efforts, provides a window into our activities, our accomplishments, and our challenges. This is consistent with our commitment to transparency, and our commitment to implement the same advice we provide our member companies on their own sustainability reports.

In this Report, you will see several examples of BSR in action, as we work with our member companies and a wide range of stakeholders and experts to advance sustainable business. We also hope to illuminate some of the challenges we face in working toward our mission. Like others committed to making sustainability the norm in business, we see many ways we can make faster progress: The process of producing this Report gives us a chance to reflect on how we can do exactly that.

Throughout the Report, we include perspectives on how leadership in sustainable business is changing. “The State of Sustainable Business” section presents our viewpoint on what’s most needed to make sustainable business a reality. We are also honored to present the reflections on leadership of five globally recognized sustainability leaders from diverse organizations.

Our Report is designed not only to provide a look back at 2010, but also to share our insights on where we need to go from here. To that end, we will be weaving the theme of leadership throughout our activities in 2011. The BSR Conference 2011, which will be in San Francisco November 1 through 4, will also focus on “Redefining Leadership.”

I am particularly excited about new features we have added to this Report, including video clips that provide additional depth and perspective on the topics we cover. We truly hope this Report will spark a reaction and inspire you to continue the conversation about the issues covered here. We value your input and encourage your thoughts on how to define leadership in sustainable business. Visit The State of Sustainable Business section to give your viewpoint.

I hope this Report underlines the importance of new ways of leading and reinforces how essential it is for everyone to be a leader. With that in mind, let’s get to work!

Aron Cramer
BSR President and CEO