The world is changing rapidly - how we live and work is evolving as we navigate complex environmental and social challenges. The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises champion responsible business conduct (RBC) to help companies rise to the challenge of transitioning to a green economy and preserving the world’s greatest wealth - our natural ecosystems.

Implementing RBC due diligence recommendations helps companies address environmental threats and progress global environmental objectives as they relate to their business activities – including their supply chains and business relationships. Both the OECD Guidelines and OECD due diligence guidance include government backed recommendations on how businesses should and can behave responsibly when it comes to global environmental priorities including addressing climate change, biodiversity-loss, pollution, and working towards a circular economy.

Protecting and preserving the environment is central to achieving sustainable development and the goals of the Paris Agreement. Doing business responsibly today builds a better future for people and planet tomorrow.

The OECD is developing a number of tools to support the implementation of OECD due diligence recommendations in the context of climate change, in addition to other key environmental threats and global environmental objectives: 

• NEW HANDBOOK - OECD Handbook on Environmental Due Diligence in Mineral Supply Chains

• NEW PAPER - The role of OECD instruments on responsible business conduct in progressing environmental objectives presents an overview of the role of the OECD Guidelines for MNEs and OECD guidance on due diligence for RBC in progressing environmental objectives.

• Joint OECD and UNFCCC session at COP 26 - Responsible Business Conduct and Climate Action: how global instruments on responsible business conduct can support implementation and accountability of business’ net-zero commitments Watch live stream | Background note | Find out more

• The OECD, UNEP and UNFCCC secretariat are collaborating in sharing a unified message on RBC expectations as they relate to strengthening responsible climate action by businesses | Find out more

• OECD-German Environment Agency (UBA) project - OECD Practical Tool on Environmental Due Diligence in Mineral Supply Chains | Factsheet | Side event at 2021 OECD Minerals Forum

• 2021 - OECD Forum on Responsible Business Conduct | Plenary session: RBC for a just climate transition

• Policy note - Policy Trends in Environmental Due Diligence ENG | JPN

Consult more resources and events

OECD RBC instruments are critical for driving responsible climate action by business, supporting a just climate transition, and mainstreaming climate mitigation and adaptation considerations into business’ core decision making and risk management processes – including across supply chains.

The OECD Centre for RBC is working closely with UNEP, UNFCCC and other key stakeholders in supporting engagement on RBC and climate change by the private sector – including through the development of practical tools aligned with OECD guidance on supply chain due diligence.

Find out more about RBC and climate change action

Embedding biodiversity considerations into business decision-making – including across supply chains - is critical for companies to reduce harmful impacts and nature-based risks, understand dependencies, and contribute to global environmental objectives.

Working together with key stakeholders, the OECD looking to provide new analysis, guidance and stakeholder dialogue to help business and investors better identify, prioritise, manage and report on biodiversity risks and adverse impacts arising from their portfolios, investments and business decisions, building on existing RBC instruments.

Find out more about RBC and biodiversity

Read blog: In the fight against deforestation, companies can turn to due diligence tools

Find out about the OECD-FAO Practical Business Tool on Deforestation, Forest Degradation and Due Diligence in Agricultural Supply Chains

The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and related due diligence guidance help financial institutions reduce the negative impacts of their investments on society and the environment, while avoiding financial and reputational risks, responding to the expectations of their clients and beneficiaries and contributing to global goals on climate and sustainable development.

Promoting RBC in the financial sector is vital to building a sustainable global economy and offers an opportunity to accelerate clean economic growth.

Find out more about RBC in the financial sector

Find out more about the OECD Centre on Green Finance and Investment

For more information:

rbc@oecd.org

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