● The Bogota Chamber of Commerce created a technological tool that allows companies of all sizes and sectors to measure their level of maturity in their sustainable practices free of charge and receive recommendations for improving their management. ● At the end of the 2023 measurement, the CCB recognized 19 companies for having achieved high performance in sustainability management within their companies and in their business environment. As part of the event, the CCB presented the results of the "Decarbonization and Climate Action" survey applied to 1,500 companies in its jurisdiction, which covers the Capital District and 59 municipalities in Cundinamarca. ● According to the results of the survey, 78.8% of the companies do not have a plan that allows them to reduce their environmental impact. Likewise, 50.2% of the sample assured that lack of knowledge is one of the main barriers to decrease environmental impact, followed by lack of financial, human and time resources. Bogota, December 14, 2023. The Sustainability Ranking, carried out for the first time in Colombia by the Bogota Chamber of Commerce, is a self-assessment exercise for companies that allows them to identify their current status in terms of sustainability, provide recommendations for their progress, and make visible those companies that have a solid management in the economic, environmental and social dimensions.

As a result of the Ranking, the companies that obtained the best results as of July 28 were invited to participate in an audit process with ICONTEC, which certified the 19 top positions. The companies were certified taking into account their size and 3 categories (Leader in sustainability; Advanced towards sustainability; Active initiating the path towards sustainability). Survey results As part of its commitment to promote the generation of shared value and the incorporation of sustainability in the business fabric of Bogota and 59 municipalities of Cundinamarca, the CCB presented the results of the survey "Decarbonization and Climate Action", in which it analyzed, from three main focuses - Climate change, decarbonization and carbon neutrality - how companies understand these aspects and the actions they are implementing to adapt to this new reality.

Regarding the knowledge and general perception of the companies on climate action, 66.3% of the companies were familiar with the concept of climate change, 28.2% were familiar with decarbonization and 20.9% with carbon neutrality. Additionally, it was highlighted that 64.5% of the organizations are not aware of the norms or public policies associated with climate change that Colombia is advancing, in addition to the fact that 54.4% stated that they are not aware of the commitments and national goals that are in favor of a reduction of greenhouse gases - GHG -. Ovidio Claros, president of the Bogota Chamber of Commerce, stated that "From the CCB we are committed to sustainability and the generation of shared value in MSMEs. For the first time we conducted the sustainability ranking, which allows companies to self-evaluate themselves in terms of sustainability. This, together with the decarbonization survey, shows us how companies are shaping their processes towards sustainability, and with this we seek to devise programs and initiatives to support them during this process". The survey also showed that 78.8% of the companies surveyed do not have a plan to reduce their environmental impact. Likewise, 50.2% of the sample said that lack of knowledge is one of the main barriers to reducing environmental impact, followed by lack of financial, human and time resources.

On the other hand, the CCB's Decarbonization and Climate Action Survey showed that 57.6% of companies have implemented measures such as the use of bicycles, walking or carpooling as their main means of transportation to work. It also showed that only 2.8% have opted for the purchase of carbon credits as a measure to address climate change.

In the last two years, the entity has accompanied more than 40 companies in the measurement and establishment of protocols to manage their carbon footprint, in addition to carrying out four rounds of sustainable finance with more than 200 attendees, involving 10 entities and around 128 business appointments. Likewise, we have counted with the participation of financial, banking and allied entities such as DNP, Global Compact, UK Pact, USAID, GIZ, among others. From the CCB we want to be key players so that our affiliated companies can implement sustainable programs with the environment.