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The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals that aim to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They were adopted by the UN in 2015, and are an integral part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The SDGs provide a framework for governments and businesses to collaborate and take action on the world’s most pressing challenges, such as poverty, climate change, health, education, and gender equality. The goals are interconnected, meaning that progress on one goal can help support progress on the others. If you're looking to brush up on sustainability in general, it's worth reading our breakdown of what is means for businesses.
How are they be used in sustainability?The SDGs are used by businesses to measure and report on their progress in terms of sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Businesses can use sustainability frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) to measure and report on their impact. Companies can also use certifications such as ISO 14001, LEED and BREEAM to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. For more info on sustainability certifications check out our article here.
There are 17 SDGs, each with specific targets. Let’s dive into each of the goals and talk through how your company can take action to contribute to each:
Goal 1: No Poverty
This goal is focused on eradicating poverty in all its forms. Companies can take action by implementing programs and policies that promote the economic empowerment of people living in poverty, such as providing financial literacy courses, access to credit and training opportunities.
Goal 2: Zero Hunger
This goal is focused on ending hunger and malnutrition. Companies can take action by investing in sustainable agriculture, ensuring access to safe and nutritious food, and reducing food waste.
Goal 3: Good Health and Well-BeingThis goal is focused on improving health and well-being for all. Companies can take action by providing access to quality healthcare, promoting healthy lifestyles, and supporting mental health initiatives.
Goal 4: Quality EducationThis goal is focused on providing access to quality education for all. Companies can take action by providing scholarships, training opportunities, and educational resources.
Goal 5: Gender EqualityThis goal is focused on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. Companies can take action by promoting gender diversity in the workplace, investing in gender-inclusive initiatives, and implementing equal pay policies.
Goal 6: Clean Water and SanitationThis goal is focused on ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all. Companies can take action by investing in water conservation initiatives, investing in water infrastructure projects, and reducing water pollution.
Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
This goal is focused on ensuring access to affordable, reliable and clean energy. Companies can take action by investing in renewable energy projects, investing in energy efficiency initiatives, and promoting sustainable energy practices.
Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
This goal is focused on promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Companies can take action by investing in job training and skills development, supporting small businesses, and investing in sustainable infrastructure projects.
Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
This goal is focused on promoting sustainable and resilient infrastructure, fostering innovation, and promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization. Companies can take action by investing in green technology, promoting green building practices, and investing in sustainable transport solutions.
Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
This goal is focused on reducing inequalities within and among countries. Companies can take action by providing access to economic opportunities, investing in diversity and inclusion initiatives, and promoting gender equality.
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
This goal is focused on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Companies can take action by investing in green infrastructure projects, promoting sustainable transport solutions, and investing in green buildings.
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
This goal is focused on promoting responsible consumption and production patterns. Companies can take action by investing in eco-friendly products, promoting sustainable packaging solutions, and investing in green manufacturing practices.
Goal 13: Climate ActionThis goal is focused on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Companies can take action by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in renewable energy projects, and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
Goal 14: Life Below Water
This goal is focused on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources. Companies can take action by investing in marine conservation initiatives, promoting sustainable fishing practices, and reducing plastic pollution.
Goal 15: Life on Land
This goal is focused on protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. Companies can take action by investing in reforestation projects, promoting sustainable land management practices, and investing in sustainable agriculture projects.
Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
This goal is focused on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice, and creating effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions. Companies can take action by investing in conflict resolution initiatives, promoting human rights, and investing in access to justice.
Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals
This goal is focused on strengthening global partnerships to achieve the goals. Companies can take action by collaborating with NGOs, investing in sustainable development initiatives, and promoting public-private partnerships.
To illustrate how businesses can use the UN SDGs, let’s look at a case study of the company Nike. Nike has adopted the SDGs as part of their corporate sustainability strategy and has committed to taking action on each of the goals. For example, to achieve SDG 1 (No Poverty) Nike has committed to providing access to education and training opportunities for people living in poverty. To achieve SDG 13 (Climate Action) Nike has committed to reducing carbon emissions and investing in renewable energy projects.
The UN SDGs offer businesses a framework for taking action on the world’s most pressing challenges and making a positive impact on society. By taking action on the SDGs, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, create value for their stakeholders, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
At Futureproof, we help businesses to improve their impact for each UN SDG. We work with companies to understand their sustainability goals and objectives, and then develop tailored strategies and solutions to help them meet their targets and report against them.
Speak to us today today if you're looking for help to track and report your company's SDG progress.
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