The challenges and opportunities facing businesses are evolving rapidly. Whether you're building executive understanding, developing capability, shaping policy or driving transformational change, SBC provides opportunities to connect, learn and take action.
Our opportunities for connection are designed for leaders at different stages of their sustainability journey, and help members gain insights, build capability, influence outcomes and collaborate on the issues shaping New Zealand’s future.
What we offer
Build Understanding
Stay ahead of the trends shaping business success
Business leaders need trusted insights to navigate a rapidly changing world. These opportunities provide fresh perspectives, leading practice and access to global and local expertise, helping organisations understand emerging risks, opportunities and trends.
Executive Leadership Forum on Long-Term Value Creation
A one-day leadership forum for CEOs and senior executives to explore how sustainability, resilience, workforce transformation, and broader societal change are reshaping business success. Based on the World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s (WBCSD) Executive Leadership Programme and adapted for the New Zealand context,
programme combines global insights, executive dialogue, and practical case studies informed by the perspectives and real-world experiences of leading businesses in New Zealand and internationally.
Participants will examine emerging risks and opportunities, strengthen their ability to navigate complexity and uncertainty, and explore how sustainability can drive innovation, competitiveness, organisational resilience, and long-term value creation. Through peer-to-peer learning and discussion, leaders will gain fresh perspectives on the strategic decisions needed to position their organisations for success in a rapidly evolving operating environment.
Audience: CEOs and their direct reports.
Upcoming dates: 27 October.
If you’d like to join, please get in touch with SBC Director – Programmes Jay Crangle.
Better Futures Research
The annual Better Futures research, delivered in partnership between Kantar and SBC, provides insights into changing consumer expectations, public attitudes and emerging societal trends shaping New Zealand’s future.
The research helps business leaders understand evolving stakeholder expectations and identify opportunities and risks that may influence future business strategy, customer relationships and organisational decision-making. It provides a valuable evidence base for organisations seeking to anticipate change and respond effectively.
Audience: Business leaders, strategy teams, sustainability professionals and communications leaders.
Upcoming dates: February – March 2027.
More details coming soon. Download previous reports here.
WBCSD Global Insights Series
Through SBC’s connection as the only New Zealand based Global Network Partner of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), members gain access to international business leadership, research, tools and leading practice.
The WBCSD Insights Series helps members understand emerging global trends, learn from international business leaders and explore practical approaches being used by organisations around the world. It provides a valuable bridge between global thinking and New Zealand business application.
Audience: SBC members, executives and sustainability leaders.
Upcoming dates: More information coming soon.
Climate Change & Business Conference
The Climate Change & Business Conference is New Zealand’s premier conference focused on the transition to a low-emissions, climate-resilient economy.
Delivered in partnership with the Environmental Defence Society and Climate Leaders Coalition, the annual flagship event brings together business leaders, policymakers, experts and practitioners, the conference provides strategic insights, practical case studies and opportunities for connection.
Participants explore the trends, risks and opportunities shaping New Zealand’s transition and gain practical knowledge to support individual organisation and collective action.
Audience: Business leaders, sustainability practitioners, policymakers and industry experts.
Upcoming dates: 7-8 September 2026
Find conference details here.
Communities of Practice (CoP)
SBC’s Communities of Practice (CoP) bring together sustainability and business practitioners to learn from each other, hear from topic experts, share practical experience, and discuss emerging developments. We currently run three Communities of Practice – climate reporting, nature positive, and climate adaptation – providing trusted forums for open dialogue, peer learning, and capability building across key areas of sustainability practice
SBC also hosts a Scope 3 Peer Group, delivered in partnership with The Warehouse Group. It provides a forum for in house professionals working on Scope 3 emissions, drawing on global insights from international and APAC peer groups while exploring the unique challenges and opportunities in Aotearoa New Zealand. The focus is pre competitive collaboration to advance collective understanding and capability in Scope 3 management.
Audience: Sustainability practitioners, ESG leaders and subject matter experts.
Upcoming dates: Regular engagements throughout the year.
If you’d like to join, please get in touch with SBC Sustainability Manager – Climate & Environment Charlotte Kootstra.
Social Impact Lab
The Social Impact Lab helps organisations better understand, measure and manage the social impacts, risks and opportunities associated with their operations and value chains. Informed by the principles and emerging guidance of the Taskforce on Inequality and Social-related Financial Disclosures (TISFD), the programme explores how businesses can better identify, assess and respond to social issues that have the potential to affect both people and long-term business success.
Through collaboration, shared learning and practical exploration, participants build their understanding of social impact and develop approaches for integrating social considerations into business decision-making. The programme supports organisations seeking to strengthen social outcomes while improving resilience, workforce wellbeing and long-term business performance.
Audience: Senior leaders with ownership of key operations, supply chains, and activities for their business, including those working in: Sustainability, Risk, Finance, Strategy.
Upcoming dates: Next intake November 2026.
If you’d like to join, please get in touch with SBC Director – Programmes Jay Crangle.
Driving Sustainable Business Leadership
Strong leadership is essential to creating successful, resilient and future-ready businesses.
We help business leaders and sustainability practitioners embed sustainability into strategy, governance, risk management and investment decision-making. Through executive engagement, peer learning and practical capability building, we support members to move from ambition to action.
By sharing experiences, building skills and learning from leading practice, members gain the confidence and capability to make better long-term decisions and accelerate progress within their organisations.
Executive Leadership Forum on Long-Term Value Creation
A one-day leadership forum for CEOs and senior executives to explore how sustainability, resilience, workforce transformation, and broader societal change are reshaping business success. Based on the World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s (WBCSD) Executive Leadership Programme and adapted for the New Zealand context,
programme combines global insights, executive dialogue, and practical case studies informed by the perspectives and real-world experiences of leading businesses in New Zealand and internationally.
Participants will examine emerging risks and opportunities, strengthen their ability to navigate complexity and uncertainty, and explore how sustainability can drive innovation, competitiveness, organisational resilience, and long-term value creation. Through peer-to-peer learning and discussion, leaders will gain fresh perspectives on the strategic decisions needed to position their organisations for success in a rapidly evolving operating environment.
Audience: CEOs and their direct reports.
Upcoming dates: 27 October | Auckland
How to get involved: Contact SBC Director – Programmes Jay Crangle to express your interest
Communities of Practice
SBC’s Communities of Practice (CoP) bring together sustainability and business practitioners to learn from each other, hear from topic experts, share practical experience, and discuss emerging developments. We currently run three Communities of Practice – climate reporting, nature positive, and climate adaptation – providing trusted forums for open dialogue, peer learning, and capability building across key areas of sustainability practice
SBC also hosts a Scope 3 Peer Group, delivered in partnership with The Warehouse Group. It provides a forum for in house professionals working on Scope 3 emissions, drawing on global insights from international and APAC peer groups while exploring the unique challenges and opportunities in Aotearoa New Zealand. The focus is pre competitive collaboration to advance collective understanding and capability in Scope 3 management.
Audience: Sustainability practitioners, ESG leaders and subject matter experts.
Upcoming dates: Regular cadences throughout the year
How to get involved: Contact SBC Sustainability Manager – Climate & Environment Charlotte Kootstra to express your interest
Social Impact Lab
The Social Impact Lab helps organisations better understand, measure and manage the social impacts, risks and opportunities associated with their operations and value chains. Informed by the principles and emerging guidance of the Taskforce on Inequality and Social-related Financial Disclosures (TISFD), the programme explores how businesses can better identify, assess and respond to social issues that have the potential to affect both people and long-term business success.
Through collaboration, shared learning and practical exploration, participants build their understanding of social impact and develop approaches for integrating social considerations into business decision-making. The programme supports organisations seeking to strengthen social outcomes while improving resilience, workforce wellbeing and long-term business performance.
Audience: Senior leaders with ownership of key operations, supply chains, and activities for their business, including those working in:
- Sustainability
- Risk
- Finance
- Strategy
Upcoming dates: Next intake November 2026
How to get involved: Contact SBC Director – Programmes Jay Crangle to express your interest
Inspiration and Thought Leadership
Navigating change requires access to trusted insights, fresh perspectives and emerging ideas.
We develop and curate research, thought leadership and learning opportunities that help members understand the trends, risks and opportunities shaping the future operating environment for business. We connect New Zealand organisations with leading local and international expertise, helping members stay informed, anticipate change and identify opportunities for growth.
Through conferences, research, dialogues and global insights, we support leaders to make informed decisions in an increasingly complex world.
Driving Sustainable Growth Programme
The Driving Sustainable Growth Programme explores how sustainability, innovation, technology and renewable energy can strengthen New Zealand’s productivity, competitiveness and economic prosperity.
Building on SBC’s Driving Sustainable Growth work, the programme brings together business leaders, experts and decision-makers to examine the economic opportunities presented by the transition to a more sustainable economy. It focuses on practical pathways for improving business performance, unlocking investment and supporting long-term growth.
Audience: Business leaders, executives and sustainability leaders.
Upcoming dates: Regular engagements through the year
Early 2027 – workshop on future of the NZ ETS
How to get involved: Members can contribute through SBC advocacy, and thought leadership activity, and identify opportunities for SBC to facilitate a collaboration on pathways.
Contact SBC Director – Policy & Advocacy Alex White for more information or to raise ideas for collaboration
Better Futures Research
The annual Better Futures research, delivered in partnership between Kantar and SBC, provides insights into changing consumer expectations, public attitudes and emerging societal trends shaping New Zealand’s future.
The research helps business leaders understand evolving stakeholder expectations and identify opportunities and risks that may influence future business strategy, customer relationships and organisational decision-making. It provides a valuable evidence base for organisations seeking to anticipate change and respond effectively.
Audience: Business leaders, strategy teams, sustainability professionals and communications leaders.
Upcoming dates: February – March 2027.
How to get involved: 2027 launch event – More details coming soon. Download previous reports here.
Regional Leadership Dialogues
Regional Leadership Dialogues bring together business leaders to explore sustainability challenges and opportunities.
These discussions create space for peer learning, local collaboration and practical conversations about the issues shaping business success. Participants gain insights from fellow leaders while contributing their own experiences and perspectives.
Audience: Business leaders and senior executives.
Upcoming dates: Monthly
How to get involved: Contact the SBC Events team for upcoming opportunities
Climate Change and Business Conference
The Climate Change & Business Conference is New Zealand’s premier conference focused on the transition to a low-emissions, climate-resilient economy.
Delivered in partnership with the Environmental Defence Society and Climate Leaders Coalition, the annual flagship event brings together business leaders, policymakers, experts and practitioners, the conference provides strategic insights, practical case studies and opportunities for connection.
Participants explore the trends, risks and opportunities shaping New Zealand’s transition and gain practical knowledge to support individual organisation and collective action.
Audience: Business leaders, sustainability practitioners, policymakers and industry experts.
Upcoming dates: 7-8 September 2026
Find programme details or register to attend here.
WBCSD Global Insights Series
Through SBC’s connection as the only New Zealand based Global Network Partner of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), members gain access to international business leadership, research, tools and leading practice.
The WBCSD Insights Series helps members understand emerging global trends, learn from international business leaders and explore practical approaches being used by organisations around the world. It provides a valuable bridge between global thinking and New Zealand business application.
Audience: SBC members, executives and sustainability leaders.
Upcoming dates: More information coming soon.
Shape the Future
Help create the conditions for sustainable business success.
The decisions made by policymakers, regulators and market participants influence the environment in which businesses operate. These opportunities enable members to contribute their perspectives and help shape future policy and market settings.
Election Engagement Programme
The Election Engagement Programme provides members with opportunities to contribute to and inform SBC’s engagement with political parties and policymakers pre- and post- the 2026 General Election.
The programme focuses on the policy settings required to support sustainable economic growth, business competitiveness, resilience and long-term prosperity. It helps ensure business perspectives are represented in national discussions and provides members with opportunities to help shape SBC’s advocacy priorities. The SBC team will seek to build relationships across all political parties for greater cut-through of our asks, regardless of the election outcome.
Audience: Senior business leaders and policy specialists.
Upcoming dates: December for post-Government formation advocacy update and briefing to incoming Ministers.
If you’d like to join, please get in touch with SBC Director – Policy & Advocacy Alex White.
Sustainable Growth and Decarbonisation Advocacy
SBC advocates for practical and evidence-based policy settings that support emissions reduction, clean energy investment, economic growth and business competitiveness.
This work draws on member expertise and experience to inform policy discussions and encourage solutions that support both economic and environmental outcomes. Members contribute through consultation, engagement activities and topic-specific advocacy working groups.
Audience: Member organisations interested in policy and advocacy.
Upcoming dates: Regular engagements throughout the year. Upcoming workshop on future of the NZ ETS in early 2027.
For more information, please get in touch with SBC Director – Policy & Advocacy Alex White.
Adaptation and Resilience Policy Engagement
Climate adaptation and resilience are becoming increasingly important business and economic priorities.
This work brings business perspectives into discussions about adaptation, resilience and risk management at both organisational and national levels. SBC works with members and stakeholders to improve understanding of climate-related risks and support policy settings that strengthen New Zealand’s long-term resilience.
Audience: Business leaders, risk professionals and sustainability practitioners.
Upcoming dates: More information coming soon.
For more information, please get in touch with SBC Sustainability Manager – Climate & Environment Charlotte Kootstra.
Advocacy
The policy and market settings that shape business matter.
We advocate for practical, evidence-based policies that support sustainable economic growth, business competitiveness, resilience and long-term prosperity. Drawing on the experience and expertise of our members, we engage constructively with government, policymakers and key stakeholders on the issues that matter most to New Zealand businesses.
Our advocacy focuses on creating the conditions that enable businesses to invest, innovate and succeed while contributing to a more sustainable future.
Election Engagement Programme
The Election Engagement Programme provides members with opportunities to contribute to and inform SBC’s engagement with political parties and policymakers pre- and post- the 2026 General Election.
The programme focuses on the policy settings required to support sustainable economic growth, business competitiveness, resilience and long-term prosperity. It helps ensure business perspectives are represented in national discussions and provides members with opportunities to help shape SBC’s advocacy priorities. The SBC team will seek to build relationships across all political parties for greater cut-through of our asks, regardless of the election outcome.
Audience: Senior business leaders and climate policy specialists.
Upcoming Dates:
- 7 November – General Election
- December – post-Government formation advocacy update
- December – briefing to incoming Ministers
How to get involved:
Contact SBC Director – Policy & Advocacy Alex White for more information
Sustainable Growth and Decarbonisation Advocacy
SBC advocates for practical and evidence-based policy settings that support emissions reduction, clean energy investment, economic growth and business competitiveness.
This work draws on member expertise and experience to inform policy discussions and encourage solutions that support both economic and environmental outcomes. Members contribute through consultation, engagement activities and topic-specific advocacy working groups.
Audience: Member organisations interested in policy and advocacy.
Upcoming dates: Regular engagements through the year
Early 2027 – workshop on future of the NZ ETS
How to get involved: Contact SBC Director – Policy & Advocacy Alex White for more information
Adaptation and Resilience Policy Engagement
Climate adaptation and resilience are becoming increasingly important business and economic priorities.
This work brings business perspectives into discussions about adaptation, resilience and risk management at both organisational and national levels. SBC works with members and stakeholders to improve understanding of climate-related risks and support policy settings that strengthen New Zealand’s long-term resilience.
Audience: Business leaders, risk professionals and sustainability practitioners.
Upcoming Dates: For updating
How to get involved: Contact SBC Sustainability Manager – Climate & Environment Charlotte Kootstra to express your interest
Lead System Change
Help create the conditions for sustainable business success.
Some of New Zealand’s biggest opportunities require collective leadership and collaboration. These initiatives bring together businesses, government and stakeholders to drive meaningful progress on complex, long-term issues.
Climate Leaders Coalition
The Climate Leaders Coalition (CLC) brings together Chief Executives committed to accelerating emissions reductions and strengthening climate leadership across New Zealand business.
Through collaboration, shared accountability and collective action, participating organisations work to reduce emissions, improve transparency and contribute to New Zealand’s transition to a low-emissions economy. The initiative also supports businesses to build resilience and respond to evolving stakeholder expectations.
SBC is the secretariat for CLC.
Audience: CEOs and senior executives of Climate Leaders Coalition current and prospective signatories.
Upcoming dates: Regular engagements throughout the year.
For more information, please get in touch with CLC Manager Shannil Varma for more information.
Social Impact and Resilience
The Social Impact and Resilience initiative explores how businesses can support workforce readiness, social wellbeing and organisational resilience during the transition to a low-emissions economy.
The work recognises that successful transitions require attention to both economic and social outcomes. It supports businesses to better understand emerging workforce challenges and opportunities while sharing leading practice in social impact and organisational resilience.
Audience: CEOs and Executive teams.
Upcoming dates: More information coming soon.
For more information, please get in touch with SBC Director – Programmes Jay Crangle.
Climate Adaptation Community of Practice
Established February 2022 to assist CLC/SBC member organisations in understanding the meaning of and taking action on ‘Climate Adaptation’. This group meets 6 times a year on Thursdays, 10-11am (co-chaired by IAG). For more information, best practice examples, and additional resources, please visit this page.
Nature Community of Practice
Established in July 2024 off the back of the Beca & SBC Nature Positive Workshop Series as a forum to continue engagement and learnings on the topic of ‘Nature’. In 2025, the Nature Community of Practice has opened to all SBC members working on nature to join. The group convenes 5 times a year on Wednesdays, 10-11am (co-chaired by Beca). If you would like to join, please contact Charlotte Kootstra.
Climate Related Disclosures Community of Practice
Established March 2024. The group came together following the SBC, Deloitte, KPMG & Toitū climate-related disclosures readiness workshop series as a forum to provide support, networking, and learnings on the topic of ‘Climate-Related Disclosures’. In 2025, this Community of Practice has opened to all SBC members working on CRDs to join. The group convenes 5 times a year on Wednesdays, 10-11am, plus ad hoc technical bonus sessions. If you would like to join, please contact Charlotte Kootstra.
Adaptation Community of Practice
Established February 2022 to assist CLC/SBC member organisations in understanding the meaning of and taking action on ‘Climate Adaptation’. This group meets 6 times a year on Thursdays, 10-11am (co-chaired by IAG). For more information, best practice examples, and additional resources, please visit this page.
Nature Community of Practice
Established in July 2024 off the back of the Beca & SBC Nature Positive Workshop Series as a forum to continue engagement and learnings on the topic of ‘Nature’. In 2025, the Nature Community of Practice has opened to all SBC members working on nature to join. The group convenes 5 times a year on Wednesdays, 10-11am (co-chaired by Beca). If you would like to join, please contact Charlotte Kootstra.
Climate Related Disclosures Community of Practice
Established March 2024. The group came together following the SBC, Deloitte, KPMG & Toitū climate-related disclosures readiness workshop series as a forum to provide support, networking, and learnings on the topic of ‘Climate-Related Disclosures’. In 2025, this Community of Practice has opened to all SBC members working on CRDs to join. The group convenes 5 times a year on Wednesdays, 10-11am, plus ad hoc technical bonus sessions. If you would like to join, please contact Charlotte Kootstra.
High-Impact Initiatives
Some opportunities and challenges are too large for any one organisation to solve alone.
Each year, SBC focuses on a small number of high-impact initiatives where collective leadership can accelerate progress and create meaningful change. These initiatives bring together business leaders, government and other stakeholders to address strategic issues critical to New Zealand’s future prosperity, resilience and competitiveness.
By working together, members can help shape solutions, influence outcomes and drive progress at a scale that delivers benefits for business and society.
Climate Leaders Coalition
The Climate Leaders Coalition (CLC) brings together Chief Executives committed to accelerating emissions reductions and strengthening climate leadership across New Zealand business.
Through collaboration, shared accountability and collective action, participating organisations work to reduce emissions, improve transparency and contribute to New Zealand’s transition to a low-emissions economy. The initiative also supports businesses to build resilience and respond to evolving stakeholder expectations.
SBC is the secretariat for CLC.
Audience: CEOs and senior executives of Climate Leaders Coalition current and prospective signatories.
Upcoming Dates: Regular cadences throughout the year
How to get involved: Contact CLC Manager Shannil Varma for more information
Social Impact and Resilience
The Social Impact and Resilience initiative explores how businesses can support workforce readiness, social wellbeing and organisational resilience during the transition to a low-emissions economy.
The work recognises that successful transitions require attention to both economic and social outcomes. It supports businesses to better understand emerging workforce challenges and opportunities while sharing leading practice in social impact and organisational resilience.
Audience: CEOs and Executive teams
Upcoming Dates: More information coming soon
How to get involved: Contact SBC Director – Programmes Jay Crangle to express your interest
Our Track Record
We put on dozens of events and workshops every year (in-person and online) designed to provide members the opportunity to connect with and learn from subject matter experts, SBC team members, and one another.
SBC has a long history of bringing businesses together to address complex sustainability challenges and create practical solutions with lasting impact.
Previous collaborations have helped accelerate progress across sectors, influence national conversations and create platforms for ongoing action.
SBC Connects
Start of the year event
Annual Council Meeting – Aug 2025
SBC Spotlight Series
More recent spotlight events can be accessed here
Transition Leaders Breakfast Series
Another cohort may run later in the year, please submit EOI’s to Jay Crangle.
Inner Development Goals Workshops
Next workshop is in June, register here.