Seventeen steps to sustainability
Sustainability and how to achieve it in business is a growing challenge for Kiwi companies. And the topic is in the spotlight on September 25 - the day which marks two years since 193 countries, including New Zealand signed up to the 17-strong list of United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
These pose inspiring but ambitious targets in the pursuit of economic growth, ecological integrity and social progress from programmes that help alieviate poverty to those that help introduce the concept of human rights into business.
The SDGs were inspired by the often quoted assertion by Ban Ki Moon, a former United Nations Secretary-General, that ‘‘we don’t have plan B, because there is no planet B.’’
Starting next week, Sunday Business, Stuff and the Sustainable Business Council, will be taking a look at some of the exciting projects being undertaken by New Zealand businesses large and small, to both reduce negative impacts on the communities around them, and also promote aims which do some good.
Stuff has started the journey on really understanding what becoming a socially responsible corporation means. We want to share our journey and that of other companies, so we can all benefit.
Stuff’s CSR manager Annamarie Jamieson said: ‘‘For us Corporate Social Responsibility is not a token programme. CSR is a way of doing business - an ethos - that brings profound purpose to everything we do.
‘‘We do this because the best business done is business that benefits everyone. Our social purpose represents our business purpose. Building a business with social good at the core gives meaning in our day-to-day work.’’
Stuff’s own programmes will be featured in the weeks ahead, as we examine the work being done to meet those Sustainable Development Goals.
Meanwhile, the Sustainable Business Council’s work is directed at making sustainable business practices within the New Zealand business community mainstream. It is the only global network partner of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.
SBC’s executive director Abbie Reynolds said its 91 members believed business has a leading role to play in addressing climate change, as well as New Zealand’s
CSR is a way of doing business - an ethos. Annamarie Jamieson.
top environmental and social issues.
She said: ‘‘We help businesses create a roadmap for action. Sustainability is a process and we are here to encourage and offer help on the journey, by connecting members so they can work together on projects and share experiences.’’
This column series will feature the work of Sustainable Business Council member businesses and other companies. Goal One Poverty.