Contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Workplace

In 2015 , the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by all United Nations Member States. They are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

There are 17 SDGs that countries all over the world have committed to, prioritising progress for those who are furthest behind. Here, we are focusing on, how your business can contribute to the SDGs and why it’s important.

What are the Sustainable Development Goals?

1. No poverty
2. Zero hunger
3. Good health and wellbeing
4. Quality education
5. Gender equality
6. Clean water and sanitation
7. Affordable and clean energy
8. Decent work and economic growth
9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure
10. Reduced inequalities
11. Sustainable cities and communities
12. Responsible consumption and production
13. Climate action
14. Life below water
15. Life on land
16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
17. Partnerships for the goals

Whilst some of these may feel ‘out of reach’ for individual businesses to achieve alone, there is a lot of smaller actions that can be taken, which can still contribute to these goals.

How your business can contribute to SDGs

Within an organisation, it’s important to look after the wellbeing and mental health of your employees as well as prioritising and measuring your social and environmental impact. But this isn’t the only driver for businesses to work towards SDGs. Just last year we spoke to over 80 financial directors from a range of industries and 51% reported that their biggest driver for implementing a carbon reduction plan was their businesses reputation.

So, how can you contribute to the SDGs and build a sustainable reputation among customers and suppliers?

Your business’ climate action

Most businesses already have an energy strategy in place alongside a net-zero strategy – both of which contribute to the 13^th SDG ‘Climate action’, but there are additional options to consider.

Many businesses are now looking at their supply chain as part of their Scope 3 emissions, and there is increasing pressure from consumers for businesses to ensure that every part of their supply chain is also working towards sustainability.

When looking to advance your SDG agenda, you should first act responsibly towards your strategies and operations – integrating the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact and understand that good practice and innovation in one area can’t make up for doing harm in another. You can learn more about what your business can do to contribute here.

Other climate activities include voluntary and mandatory reporting, buying green, reducing your businesses consumption, and looking to implement new energy technologies across your site(s). You can learn more about how to decarbonise your business at our Net-Zero Hub.

Getting your employees involved

Sustainability isn’t just at a process and operational level, but it extends to your employee behaviour too. Encouraging your staff to participate in lowering their carbon footprint and impact on the environment can also help support your contribution to the SDGs.

Inspired PLC have developed its own SDGme app for employees and clients to use free of charge. The app allows users to track their actions and includes a centralised dashboard to support Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) disclosures and reporting. It also helps users to see first-hand the positive impact they have on the environment and how they’re engaging with the .

Recording their efforts from walking instead of driving, not printing documents and reusing a coffee cup, they can rest assured that their efforts are contributing to saving the planet and the UN SDGs.