{"id":5310,"date":"2023-04-11T09:54:56","date_gmt":"2023-04-11T08:54:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.imsm.com\/south-africa\/?p=5310"},"modified":"2023-04-11T09:54:56","modified_gmt":"2023-04-11T08:54:56","slug":"how-iso-standards-help-with-sustainable-development-goals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.imsm.com\/south-africa\/news\/how-iso-standards-help-with-sustainable-development-goals\/","title":{"rendered":"How ISO standards help with Sustainable Development Goals"},"content":{"rendered":"

In our modern world, do businesses have a moral obligation to take sustainability seriously? Can ISO standards help achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals<\/a>, increase ROI, and facilitate business growth and success?<\/p>\n

An independent study commissioned by SmartestEnergy<\/a> shows that “4 out of 5 consumers describe themselves as likely to choose a brand with a positive approach to environmental sustainability”. The study also outlines change in consumer behaviour\u00a0 towards favouring companies that take sustainability seriously. A recent report from Deloitte<\/a> on Sustainability & Consumer Behaviour<\/a> tells us that “consumers are more likely to avoid single-use plastic and to choose brands that have environmentally sustainable and more ethical practices and values”.<\/p>\n

What are the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals<\/h2>\n

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development<\/a>, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, “provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action for all developed and developing countries in a global partnership”.<\/p>\n

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to transform our world are:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. No poverty<\/li>\n
  2. Zero hunger<\/li>\n
  3. Good health and well-being<\/li>\n
  4. Quality education<\/li>\n
  5. Gender equality<\/li>\n
  6. Clean water and sanitation<\/li>\n
  7. Affordable and clean energy<\/li>\n
  8. Decent work and economic growth<\/li>\n
  9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure<\/li>\n
  10. Reduced inequality<\/li>\n
  11. Sustainable cities and communities<\/li>\n
  12. Responsible consumption and production<\/li>\n
  13. Climate action<\/li>\n
  14. Life below water<\/li>\n
  15. Life on land<\/li>\n
  16. Peace, justice and strong institutions<\/li>\n
  17. Partnerships to achieve the goal<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Why should I be concerned about SDGs as a business?<\/h2>\n

    Inspiring and informed leaders in business genuinely understand the importance of sustainability. Environmental and ethical responsibilities are essential to our civilisation. Business leaders can lead the way by ensuring that their business models reflect worldwide sustainability goals and evolve according to their customers’ consumer behaviour. Don’t take our word for it; check the Deloitte CxO Sustainability Report, which tells us that of the 2,000-plus leaders who responded to this survey, “two-thirds said their organisations are using more sustainable materials and increasing the efficiency of energy use. More than half have adopted energy-efficient or climate friendly machinery, technologies, and equipment”.<\/p>\n

    What ISO standards can help with SDGs and will these help my business?<\/h2>\n

    Have you ever imagined that as a business, you could not only be leading the way in making the world a better place but simultaneously can:<\/p>\n