The challenge today, says the report, is to speed up progress in moving towards the life cycle economy, doing accountable reporting against corporate responsibility commitments and strengthening engagement of business and industry from rapidly industrialising developing countries.
The report, released to coincide with the 14th Session of the UN's Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) in New York, provides an update on progress across some thirty industry sectors since the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD).
The report cards were prepared by 45 business and industry organisations and initiatives - including newcomers to the process such as cement, coffee, detergents, mining, paper, postal services, public transport and renewable energy - who volunteered to participate in the review facilitated by UNEP.