A quick guide to the UNSDG goals

At the heart of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were created by the United Nations in 2015 to provide common, achievable aspirations which act as a “blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all”.

In 2017, these Sustainable Development Goals were made more “actionable”, with specific targets set for each one in a UN Resolution adopted by the General Assembly. The resolution identifies more detailed targets for each goal – with a general ambition to achieve the desired outcomes by 2030. You can find out how Sweco can help measure UNSDG success here.

It has never been more important that we stand together for a joint climate effort. Sweco’s goal is to be climate neutral by 2040 and to be at the forefront of all the markets in which we operate. That’s why, working closely with our clients as we strive to transform society together, we use our knowledge and skills to develop industries, construction, energy systems, infrastructure and many other parts of society in line with the 17 UNSDGs. As you browse our portfolio of projects, you’ll see which specific UNSDG goals apply to each. Our experts will also be more than happy to talk through our sustainable innovations and solutions in more detail.

The 17 UNSDG goals are:

1. No Poverty

2. Zero Hunger

3. Good Health and Well-being

4. Quality Education

5. Gender Equality

6. Clean Water and Sanitation

7. Affordable and Clean Energy

8. Decent Work and Economic Growth

9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

10. Reducing Inequality

11. Sustainable Cities and Communities

12. Responsible Consumption and Production

13. Climate Action

14. Life Below Water

15. Life On Land

16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

17. Partnerships for the Goals

Sweco’s Sustainability & Social Mobility plan

As the leading engineering, environment, design and regulatory consultancy in Europe, we have a great responsibility and opportunity to influence the development of a more sustainable society in our own business and through our client projects. Sustainability is at the core of our business and forms an integral part of our vision, business and 2023 strategy.

As part of this 2023 strategy, we have outlined our sustainability objectives in our Sustainability and Social Mobility Plan. Aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), the plan provides a detailed overview of our commitment to sustainability across the five strategic themes of Climate Action, CSR and Social Mobility, Delivering Sustainability for Clients, Reducing Environmental Impact and Good Health and Wellbeing. It also outlines our path to net zero emissions by 2030 and our commitment to advance social mobility in the communities in which we live and work.

At Sweco, we aim to be a role model in sustainability, taking responsibility for and being part of the solution to society’s sustainability and carbon reduction challenges. With this plan, we show our commitment to do more to support and challenge our clients in delivering innovative solutions through expert consultancy and high-quality designs, as well as set ambitious internal targets,

Max Joy President, Sweco UK.

This Sustainability and Social Mobility Plan also highlights the work we are currently doing to enhance social mobility and our commitment to further advance it by expanding our STEM programme, developing a CSR framework with a focus on local charity partnerships, ensuring our recruitment and retention activities are focused on equality, diversity and improved opportunities and influence our supply chain to expand their commitment to social mobility.