Topic: base of the pyramid

Bringing clean energy to India’s rural poor consumers creates cascading economic and social benefits, in addition to profits.

This piece originally appeared in The Economic Times (India).

Is it possible to do good in the world while also making a profit? A growing group of investors, known as “impact investors”, believe that it is.

The under-served rural Indian market offers opportunities for investors to support the sustainable energy solutions of the future.

WRI’s new report, in collaboration with CDF-IFMR, looks at the market potential for clean and renewable energy in rural India.

SBA Hydro is just one of the many companies starting to bring clean energy to India’s rural poor.

The New Ventures directors answer questions about what small, sustainable companies can do to boost local economies and protect the environment.

The latest What Works case study from NextBillion looks at a business that is fighting infectious disease in Ghana by providing much-needed health care to the base of the economic pyramid.

Where do the interests of environmental protection and the base of the economic pyramid coincide–and where do they clash?

In a speech at Davos today, Bill Gates called for a more inclusive capitalism that “would have a twin mission: making profits and also improving lives for those who don’t fully benefit from market forces.” That is a major milestone in the evolving thinking of perhaps the most influential philanthropist of our time.

“The Thinkers 50” biennial poll of the most influential business people in the world is topped by WRI board member C.K. Prahalad. The recognition speaks volumes about business-led approaches to sustainability around the world.