The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals aimed at tackling the world’s most pressing issues.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals aimed at tackling the world’s most pressing issues. The United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015 as part of their 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These goals consist of 17 interconnected critical objectives to reach a better and more sustainable future for all.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals are:
- No poverty
- Zero hunger
- Good health and well-being
- Quality education
- Gender equality
- Clean water and sanitation
- Affordable and clean energy
- Decent work and economic growth
- Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- Reduced inequalities
- Sustainable cities and communities
- Responsible consumption and production
- Climate action
- Life below water
- Life on land
- Peace, justice and strong institutions
- Partnerships for the goals
The SDGs are universal, meaning that they apply to all countries, regardless of their level of economic development.Each goal has specific targets and indicators to measure progress towards achieving it.They require collaboration between governments, civil society, the private sector, and individuals. The UN believes everyone has a role to play in achieving these goals. Governments need to make policies and investments that align with the SDGs, while businesses must adopt sustainable practices that promote growth and reduce their environmental impact. Individuals can also do theirpart by reducing their carbon footprint, consuming responsibly, and being socially responsible.
The UN agenda recognises that economic growth must take social and environmental impacts into account. Investing in sustainable development will produce widespread benefits and reduce the risks associated with climate change, poverty, and inequality. The UN target is ambitious and achieving the SDGs by 2030 will require the cooperation and effort of all countries, businesses, and individuals.
A framework for action
The UN Sustainable Development Goals provide a framework for thepositive actions needed to move towards a more sustainable world. And all the research shows that people are increasingly concerned about sustainability when it comes to their everyday lives, including the products and services they buy.
In fact, four in ten consumers now say they choose sustainable goods often or whenever possible (Deloitte). But many people are wary of sustainability claims that brands make, and with good reason. AUK Government survey indicatedthat as many as 40% of green claims made online could be misleading.
A solution to greenwashing
At Feefo, we offer a Sustainability Awareness Solution developed alongside our sustainability partner, ethy, to help businesses and consumers make the right decisions. It's based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals and offers a series of ecolabels, which allow brands to showcase their sustainability activities.
To achieve the ecolabels, brands need to submit documentary evidence of the sustainabilitysteps that they have taken across a range of issues, such as reducing plastic, improving recycling, operating in an equitableway and supporting communities, to name just a few. There are over 40 ecolabels in all, which cover the following six areas:
2. Clean planet
3. Responsible resource use and production
6. Protecting biodiversity and animal welfare
The ecolabels help generate brand awareness, allowing businesses to showcase their positive impact and give customers more reasons to choose them.
Based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the ecolabels share the same foundation as other ethical standards organisations such as B Corp. So both businesses and consumers can feel confident they provide true verification of brands' actions on sustainability.
If you’re interested in learning more about Feefo’s Sustainability Awareness Solution, get in touch with one of our team who can tell you more about how it works. Or call us on 0203 362 4209.
