Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

In earlier chapters, we introduced the contributions sustainability could make to the definition of effective statements of purpose, that is, the self-definition of the company’s impact on its environment and society. We then proceeded to develop the argument further and highlighted the fact that, while sustainability offers a broad palette of meaningful objectives to choose from, this very diversity can be its Achilles’ heel, that is, too many choices often leads to the wrong choices. We developed the concept of materiality, to distinguish those material sustainability issues that have meaningful business impact, from immaterial ones. Vectoring is thus gradually coming into perspective as a concerted corporate effort to properly set the moral compass through a pertinent sustainability-driven statement of purpose focusing on a limited number of material sustainability issues. In this chapter, we develop a better understanding of an outside source of drive and inspiration for many organizations and individuals, namely the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, a unique initiative in voluntary global responsibility with clear targets and deadlines.

Exhibit 5.1: The Sustainable Development Goals: Examples SDG 6 and 7 [20]

To illustrate the challenges the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) are addressing, and to convey some of the inspirational value that is encapsulated within its definitions, two example SDGs are detailed below. The challenges and the impact achievements are sourced from the UN’s first accounting of where the world stands at the start of the collective journey to 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2016. The targets are directly taken from the UN’s sustainable development knowledge platform.

Goal 6: Clean Water & Sanitation

Challenges and Impact Achievements

Goal 6 goes beyond drinking water, sanitation and hygiene to also address the quality and sustainability of water resources. Achieving this Goal, which is critical to the survival of people and the planet, means expanding international cooperation and garnering the support of local communities in improving water and sanitation management.

• In 2015, 6.6 billion people, or 91% of the global population, used an improved drinking water source, compared with 82% in 2000. However, in 2015 an estimated 663 million people were still using unimproved sources or surface water.

• Between 2000 and 2015, the proportion of the global population using improved sanitation increased from 59 per cent to 68 per cent. However, 2.4 billion were left behind. Among them were 946 million people without any facilities at all who continue to practice open defecation.

• Water stress affects more than 2 billion people around the globe, a figure that is projected to rise.

• Integrated Water Resources Management plans are under way in every region of the world.

The Road Ahead: Targets

6.1:

By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all

6.2:

By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations

6.3:

By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dum** and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally

6.4:

By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity

6.5:

By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate

6.6:

By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes

6.a:

By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to develo** countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programs, including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse technologies

6.b:

Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management

Goal 7: Affordable & Clean Energy

Challenges and Impact Achievements

Goal 7 seeks to promote broader energy access and increased use of renewable energy, including through enhanced international cooperation and expanded infrastructure and technology for clean energy.

• The proportion of the global population with access to electricity increased steadily, from 79% in 2000 to 85% in 2012. Despite these improvements, 1.1 billion people were still without this essential service in 2012.

• In 2014, some 3 billion people, over 40% of the world’s population, relied on polluting and unhealthy fuels for cooking.

• Modern renewables grew rapidly, at a rate of 4% a year between 2010 and 2012.

• Global energy intensity improved by 1.3% a year from 2000 to 2012. About 68% of the energy savings between 2010 and 2012 came from develo** regions, with Eastern Asia as the largest contributor.

The Road Ahead: Targets

7.1:

By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services

7.2:

By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix

7.3:

By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency

7.a:

By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology

7.b:

By 2030, expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all in develo** countries, in particular least developed countries, small island develo** States, and land-locked develo** countries, in accordance with their respective programs of support

A comprehensive overview of all 17 SDGs with the complete 168 targets can be found on www.vectoring.online.