ESG and sustainability
The growth of environmental, social and governance issues globally is having a significant impact in the listed companies sector, but these issues are just as profound for co-operatives and mutuals.
In sectors as diverse as agriculture, insurance, banking, superannuation, energy, motoring, housing and community services, the consequences of man-made global warming are already being felt.
Social and governance issues, too, are coming to the fore in ever new ways as organisations take stock of their activities that connect customers, suppliers, employees, government agencies and broader communities.
The BCCM is working with its members to deepen the sector’s sustainability to meet the challenges and expectations of people and planet.
Co-operative and Mutual Climate Policy and Declaration
Co-operative and mutual enterprises are coming together to accelerate action towards tackling climate change. Become a signatory
Purposeful, sustainable business
Read the BCCM’s report examining the familiarity and understanding of co-ops and mutuals of the concept of social responsibility and corporate accountability
Latest ESG news
16 March 2026
New guide highlights community co ownership opportunities in Australia’s clean energy transition
Community Power Agency has released Power in Partnership: A guide to developing a community stake in renewable energy, a new practical resource designed to help communities, developers and governments...
4 July 2025
New energy powered by a centuries-old business model
A new article by The Energy explores how co-operatives – centuries-old by design – are powering Australia’s clean energy future through community-led innovation.
22 October 2023
Greenwashing and Sustainability Reporting
One welcome trend in the sustainability world has been the recent regulatory focus and growing awareness of greenwashing.
21 December 2022
ESG Sustainability Project update
The BCCM's ESG Sustainability Project in 2022 has been a great success. View our list of ESG Project webinars.
7 December 2022
Is your co-op or mutual sustainability ready?
The BCCM's new Sustainability Strategy for Co-operatives and Mutuals course has been designed to help co-operatives and mutuals implement the Co-operatives and Mutuals Climate Policy.
19 November 2022
Australian co-op apex BCCM calls for fresh action on climate change
Australia’s BCCM has called for “an all-in commitment” to tackling climate change and launched a Declaration of Climate Action at its 2022 Leaders’ Summit in Melbourne.