Specific issues are tackled by different working groups, such as climate change and energy, sustainable construction and the role of companies in society.

This represents a pioneering initiative in Spain due to the relevance of participating companies, the multidisciplinary approach and the national and international repercussions of the results.

Energy and Climate Change

The latest IPCC report states that the Mediterranean basin, where Spain is located, will be one of the most affected by climate change. Associated risks will have a deep impact on our lifestyles, business activity and national wealth. Therefore, sustainable transition towards a low carbon economy must be a priority on government and business agendas.

This Working Group has analysed the most appropriate actions to reduce emissions in a number of diverse sectors such as electricity generation, industry, transportation and consumption.

The companies that comprise the Energy and Climate Change Group, Entorno-BCSD Foundation Spain are fully committed to these objectives, that we consider to be strategic as much to our activity, as to the Spanish economy as a whole.

How far can we cut back emissions? What technologies must be created in the forthcoming years to enable reductions? What circumstances are favourable for investment in R&D? These are just some of the questions discussed.

In conclusion, ACCIONA, together with the other participants, is committed to fight against climate change, collaborating with governments to achieve an effective policy to safeguard competitiveness, environmental protection and guarantee energy supply.

Reducing levels of CO2 emitted in activities will not only lessen the future consequences of climate change, but will also stimulate economic saving and improve competitiveness, which is positive for our economy.

ACCIONA has made a commitment to pursue a sustainable transition towards a low carbon economy.

To learn more about the conclusions achieved by the Energy and Climate Change Work Group, and about success stories, please click here to download this document:

eCO2nomía. Business leadership towards a low-carbon economy (.pdf, 2.97Mb)

Sustainable Construction

The objective of the Sustainable Construction Working Group is to define conditions that make sustainable development possible throughout the entire value chain. Two priority working paths have been established. On one hand, analysis of the mechanisms required to promote a sustainable construction market and, on the other hand, a study of the necessary criteria to lead coherent land planning with sustainable development.

Therefore, it is mandatory to promote dialogue between all agents and jointly analyse the best solutions with experts, governments, citizens and pressure groups that can be supported by society as a whole.

The target of this study includes the construction value chain, public administrations, construction companies, suppliers, consumers and experts.

The Corporate Role in Society

The working group discusses the facts and trends that will define the role of businesses in the future, such as globalisation, long, medium and short term expectations, the future of Corporate Social Responsibility as a concept and its adoption by Boards of Directors.

At ACCIONA we consider it a business responsibility to supply better products and services that respond to the great challenges of society -poverty, climate change, natural resource depletion, diversity, demographic changes and health – adding value to all areas possible.

Transforming challenges into business opportunities is the key factor to align business interests with society. We are sure that the actions taken to confront these challenges can only have substantial and sustainable importance if they are also cost-effective. The greatest contribution a company can make to society will only come about as a result of its own business activity.

ACCIONA is convinced it will prosper in helping society to prosper through innovation and creation of new products and services to attract new customers.

Future leaders team

WBCSD has created a number of multinational work teams. ACCIONA collaborates in two of these groups related to sustainability in the business world. Of special emphasis is the work group in charge of allaying doubts on how to communicate sustainability values, both within and beyond the workplace.

These multinational work groups meet every 2 to 3 months during the project, which lasts approximately 18 to 24 months.