1 July 2021
World Business Council for Sustainable Development - Constant van Aerschot
WBCSD is a global, CEO-led organization of over 200 leading businesses working together to accelerate the transition to a sustainable world. We help make our member companies more successful and sustainable by focusing on the maximum positive impact for shareholders, the environment and societies.
Tell us the story of how you became part of the team at WBSCD
14 years ago, I was working in Paris for the world largest cement manufacturer Lafarge. Cement is used to make concrete, which is the most widely used construction material in the world. Its production emits a lot of CO2 and that is how I became involved in sustainability. The “World Business Council for Sustainable Development” (WBCSD in short) is a 25-year-old industry association headquartered in Geneva. I represented Lafarge at WBCSD, who later asked me to head the WBCSD Asia Pacific regional office in Singapore.
What would you say is the biggest challenge you've faced in recent years?
Getting Asian companies understand that embedding sustainability in their corporate strategy creates a competitive advantage and helps to future-prooftheir business.
How has the pandemic affected the way you work?
Less travel but that’s a good thing because conference calls work as well, and it lowers CO2 emissions.
Do you have any productivity hacks to share?
Make sure you don’t do back-to-back calls. Organise 45min calls rather than 1h so that you can have regular breaks.
Tell us your secret - how do you juggle work and other commitments?
Think and reflect on what needs to be done. Learn how to say no. Delegate.
Favourite recent read.
Time Value of Carbon – an article that explains why reducing CO2 emissions now is so much more efficient that any lofty goal in the future.
Favourite place to chill around Bridge+ Ascent
Outside, looking at greenery
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