How Can Companies Contribute To Sustainable Development

Business leaders have an integral mission to contribute to SDGS. The 2030 agenda for sustainable global goals is a worldwide agreement to create a plan of action in order to tackle inequality and injustice, reduce poverty and build a more sustainable future both in life and on land. The agenda for sustainable development is to achieve a better life for all and protect our planet from further damage, and will take a great effort from businesses in all sectors to help reach these goals. The UN Global Compact then promotes activities by businesses that contribute to sustainable development goals.

In this article, we are going to specifically speak about a few of the sustainable development goals (sdgs), and how you can contribute to them.

Ensure Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns

The global ‘material footprint’ increased by 70% between 2000 and 2017. Businesses across the world have a responsibility to ensure that they are segregating and recycling waste correctly, resulting in the repurposing of materials into new products and saving raw materials from being overused. This can be implemented into businesses by the addition of more recycling bins, clear signage and instructions for disposal, and partnering with a waste management company to deal with your waste recycling appropriately. You should also make sure to avoid single-use materials such as coffee cups and plastic bottles from being used daily, and better provide crockery or a business branded bottle that will be used over and over.

Encouraging the ‘reduce, reuse, and recycle’ motto into the work culture will also increase your employees’ motivation to recycle effectively, and can spark a group action in tackling this crisis. This may fire up some innovative ideas from your team on new recycling schemes to be implemented into the business, and get your employees excited about their new aligned goals.

Combatting Climate Change

As an organisation, especially of a large size, both the energy you are using and waste produced can be having a huge impact on the planet. This can be combated by reducing waste sent to landfill, reducing energy consumption, and choosing sustainable materials and suppliers. As we have already focused on waste management, let’s take a look at other important tactics. 

Reducing your energy consumption is key to cutting carbon dioxide emissions and costs. The use of clean energy is essential to decreasing pollutants emitted into the atmosphere that are speeding up the rate of climate change rapidly. By investing in renewable energy such as solar, wind, biomass and hydro power you can help achieve this goal and create a healthier planet. You can also make smaller quick switches by switching to LED lighting, having timers or sensors installed so that electrics will be switched off not in use, and purchasing energy-efficient office equipment.

Choosing sustainable suppliers and equipment will ensure sustainability remains running throughout your entire supply chain. By partnering with environmentally-friendly businesses, you will not only help to reduce your carbon footprint, but also save money. People will also recognise your actions and admire you for it, which can increase your customer base as people prefer to work with businesses who are focused on their impact on the environment.