Clean Air Business Case Framework

The Clean Air Business Case Framework outlines a structured process for companies to reduce their air pollution footprint. It guides users through leadership engagement, pollution source mapping across Scopes 1, 2, and 3, the selection of mitigation measures in sectors like energy, transport, and agriculture, and the quantification of both financial and societal value. The framework emphasizes that clean air initiatives often overlap with greenhouse gas reduction goals and can create value through revenue increases, cost reductions, and improved ESG performance, specifically targeting UN Sustainable Development Goals 3, 11, and 12.

• The framework proposes a five-step process for building a clean air business case: leadership engagement, pollution source identification, mitigation measure development, business benefit assessment, and leadership decision.
• Air pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are often produced through the same processes, meaning clean air initiatives naturally complement GHG reduction efforts. The framework suggests mapping air pollution using the same Scope 1, 2, and 3 lens used for GHGs.
• The document identifies energy, transportation, and agriculture as three primary areas of focus for mitigation due to their significant contribution to air pollution. Examples of measures include installing solar panels, switching vehicle fleets to electric, and using drones to spray pesticides.
• Business value from clean air initiatives is categorized into company value (tangible/short-term) and societal value (less tangible/long-term). Financial levers include revenue increase, brand value, cost reduction, and risk reduction.
• The framework highlights three UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that directly reference air quality: SDG 3 (Good health and well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable cities and communities), and SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production).
• To quantify social value, the document suggests using Social Return on Investment (SROI), which combines financial cashflows with ESG flows (such as estimated health and productivity benefits) to determine the initiative's overall value.
• The document warns of 'co-dependence,' where overlapping initiatives measure efficiencies in the same areas, leading to double-counting of benefits. It suggests adjusting timing, segregating regions, or applying micro/macro adjustments to prevent overestimating value.

APA

World Economic Forum (2022). Clean Air Business Case Framework. https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Clean_Air_Business_Case_Framework_2022.pdf

Chicago

World Economic Forum. Clean Air Business Case Framework. 2022. https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Clean_Air_Business_Case_Framework_2022.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=World Economic Forum |title=Clean Air Business Case Framework |date=October 2022 |url=https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Clean_Air_Business_Case_Framework_2022.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{worldeconomicforum2022clean, author = {{World Economic Forum}}, title = {{Clean Air Business Case Framework}}, institution = {World Economic Forum}, year = {2022}, month = oct, url = {https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Clean_Air_Business_Case_Framework_2022.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }