Sustainability and private sector: ideas to contribute to the 2030 Agenda.
The 2030 Agenda represents a horizon for building a more equitable world and providing better conditions for future generations. It consists of a set of global goals aimed to eradicate poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda: the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Each goal has specific targets to be achieved over the next 15 years.
So, what can we do as a company to contribute to the achievement of these goals and be aligned with the 2030 Agenda? Whether you are part of an SME, or even a freelancer, there are many ways in which we can collaborate with the cause. Some SDGs may seem unrelated to our activity, however, there are many examples of companies that try to contribute as much as possible through multiple projects: from adjustments to their infrastructures or operations, to making donations to charitable institutions and NGOs, or, for example, raising awareness through their communication channels such as social networks.
Here are some ideas that can inspire the private sector to collaborate in achieving 5 of the SDGs:
SDG 3: Good health and well-being
As a company, we can look after the health and well-being of both our employees and our customers. From offering healthy menu options to encouraging sport and healthy lifestyles, for instance by sharing tips both on internal communication channels and social networks (“walk 10,000 steps a day”, “use the stairs instead of the elevator”, postural guidelines, etc.). We can also offer opportunities such as gym membership bonuses, sports tournaments, yoga or training in topics like ergonomics or workplace risk prevention.
SDG 5: Gender equality
In order to ensure a work environment in which gender equality is prioritized, it is key to first assess the situation. For this purpose, and particularly in companies with more than 20 workers, it is essential to carry out an Equality Plan that will allow us to evaluate the company’s situation with tools such as the calculation of the wage gap. For this calculation, we must take into account a variety of factors, since it is not only a matter of checking whether both genders are paid equally depending on the position, but it is also important to calculate the total amount to realize whether women, in general, are paid less. This is often due to difficulty in accessing senior positions, or the inability to work overtime and access bonuses due to family burdens.
SDG 13: Climate action
Fighting the climate emergency and trying to reduce emissions is a must for many sustainability-minded companies. It is becoming an increasingly common practice to determine a company’s carbon footprint (or make it available to customers) and then implement a carbon offset program. This can be done either by using one of the many online tools or by outsourcing it to experts in the matter. It is important to take into account many factors such as travel, waste produced, food consumption, etc. While calculating emissions is the ultimate action, there are many other actions that we can take: from informing our customers about low-emission transport options, to encouraging their use by installing electric vehicle charging points and racks for bikes and scooters.
SDG 14 and SDG 15: Life Below Water and Life on Land
Even though our activity may take place in an urban environment and far from natural ecosystems, our actions can affect the natural environment. An example is the wipes or oil that we must prevent from ending up in the sewers, so that they do not damage marine ecosystems. Our role will therefore be to raise awareness of these issues among customers and staff through social media posts, posters and training. Another valuable tool for spreading environmental awareness are activities to clean up beaches and forests, which, in the case of large companies, can be an original team-building activity. In the case of small companies or freelancers, carrying out these activities can be the perfect excuse to later upload a post on social networks explaining the activity and raising awareness of the importance of preserving natural spaces.
