SDG’s- Strategic Sustainability

As a business committed to sustainability, The Bear Factory understands the challenges of knowing where to start and how to prioritize initiatives. One effective way to guide your sustainability journey is by aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this article, we will explore what the SDGs are, why they are important, and how you can use a free tool to map your actions to these goals.

Not Sure Where to Begin on the Sustainability Journey? Use the SDGs

If you’re uncertain about where to start, the SDGs can serve as a comprehensive guide. Here are some steps to begin your sustainability journey using the SDGs:

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 interconnected global goals established by the United Nations in 2015. These goals aim to address a wide range of social, economic, and environmental challenges by 2030. They include targets such as eradicating poverty, ensuring clean water and sanitation, promoting sustainable economic growth, and taking urgent action to combat climate change.

The SDGs provide a universal framework that businesses, governments, and individuals can use to align their efforts toward a more sustainable future. For businesses, the SDGs offer a roadmap to navigate complex sustainability issues, prioritize actions, and measure progress. Embracing the SDGs can enhance a company’s reputation, foster innovation, and open up new market opportunities by addressing pressing global challenges.

Step 1: Understand the SDGs

Familiarize yourself with the 17 SDGs and their specific targets. This will help you identify which goals align with your business values and operations.

Step 2: Assess Your Impact

Evaluate your business activities to understand your current impact on these goals. This can involve conducting a sustainability audit, gathering data on your operations, and engaging with stakeholders to get their perspectives.

Step 3: Set Priorities

Based on your assessment, prioritize the SDGs that are most relevant to your business. Focus on the areas where you can make the most significant impact and where there are opportunities for growth and improvement.

Step 4: Integrate the SDGs into Your Strategy

Incorporate the selected SDGs into your business strategy, setting clear objectives and targets. Ensure that sustainability becomes a core part of your decision-making processes and corporate culture.

How to Get Started with the SDG Action Manager Tool

  1. Sign Up: Visit the SDG Action Manager website and create a free account for your business.
  2. Complete the Assessment: Answer questions about your business practices and impacts related to the SDGs.
  3. Analyze Results: Review your results to understand your strengths and areas for improvement.
  4. Implement Changes: Use the insights gained to implement sustainable practices that align with your prioritized SDGs.

Share Your Journey: Communicate your progress and achievements with your stakeholders, fostering transparency and engagement.

A Free Tool to Help Businesses Map Their Actions to the SDGs: The SDG Action Manager Tool

To support businesses in their journey, the SDG Action Manager Tool offers a free and comprehensive platform to assess and improve their impact on the SDGs. Developed by B Lab and the United Nations Global Compact, this tool helps companies of all sizes and sectors to:

  • Assess Impact: Evaluate your company’s current impact on the SDGs using a series of targeted questions and indicators.

  • Benchmark Performance: Compare your performance against industry standards and peers to identify areas for improvement.

  • Set Goals: Establish clear, measurable goals aligned with the SDGs to guide your sustainability initiatives.

  • Track Progress: Monitor your progress over time, making adjustments as needed to stay on track with your objectives.