Industry

Industry holds an indispensable relationship with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) formulated by the United Nations, illuminating the fact that sustainable industrial development plays a vital role in achieving these global objectives. Industry, particularly manufacturing, serves as a critical driver for economic growth, employment, and technological advancement. SDG 9, specifically, underlines the importance of industry, innovation, and infrastructure, underscoring the need for resilient infrastructure, inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation. However, the intricate interlinkages between industry and other SDGs must not be overlooked.

For instance, clean and sustainable industrial processes contribute significantly to SDG 13, aiming at climate action, by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, and adopting clean and environmentally sound technologies. Similarly, SDG 12, responsible consumption and production, demands the industries to promote resource and energy efficiency, sustainable infrastructure, and provide access to basic services, green and decent jobs, and a better quality of life for all. It motivates industries to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle.

The role of industries extends to SDG 8 (Decent work and Economic Growth) as industries stimulate economic activities that lead to job creation and thus, improve living standards. Also, in respect to SDG 5 (Gender Equality), industrial sectors have the potential to provide opportunities for women in the workforce and help bridge the gender wage gap.

Nevertheless, the transformation to a more sustainable industry is not without challenges. The demands of rapid technological changes, the need for significant capital investments in green technologies, and the transition to a circular economy are some of the hurdles industry faces. Further, this transformation requires a multilevel and multi-stakeholder approach, calling for cooperation among governments, private sectors, academia, and civil society to pave the path to achieving SDGs.

LexisNexis Legal & Professional,

LexisNexis France, Lexis360, Collectivités Territoriales, 13 February 2017

In France, the law on the development of wind farms has undergone major reform over the last few years aimed at easing regulation to remove existing barriers to the transition to a low carbon economy and to simplify financing. This practice note provides detailed guidance on the current regulations, as they apply to existing wind farms and to the development of new wind farms. Wind power is critical to SDG 7.2 to increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

Texte en français.
The Business and Sustainable Development Commission’s Executive Summary sets out the challenges faced by business in today’s world, and the opportunities that the SDGs offer for a sustainable and successful business environment. Partnerships forged by business are integral to the success of all SDGs and in particular SDG 17.
The Business and Sustainable Development Commission’s Report identifies the major market opportunities opened up by delivering the SDGs, and the importance of sustainable finance and renewing the social contract. It sets out the key actions for government, business and civil society. Partnerships forged by business are integral to the success of all SDGs and in particular SDG 17.
The Business and Sustainable Development Commission’s Africa Focus Report identifies the major market opportunities Africa, where sustainable business models could open up an economic prize of at least US$1.1 trillion and create over 85 million new jobs by 2030. Partnerships forged by business are integral to the success of all SDGs and in particular SDG 17.
The Business and Sustainable Development Commission’s Asia Focus Report identifies the major market opportunities for sustainable businesses in Asian markets, estimated to be worth US $5 trillion. Key markets are food and agriculture, energy, cities and health – delivering not only benefit to business but to the communities they serve. Partnerships forged by business are integral to the success of all SDGs and in particular SDG 17.
The Business and Sustainable Development Commission’s India Focus Report identifies the major market opportunities India, where sustainable business models could open up an economic prize of at least US$1 trillion in new market value. The report recommends expanded use of blended finance instruments, merging public and private funding which could be the single most important factor in delivering the SDGs. Partnerships forged by business are integral to the success of all SDGs and in particular SDG 17.
Elsevier,

Procedia Manufacturing, Volume 8, 2017

Sustainable manufacturing extends beyond the manufacturing process and the product, to include the supply chain, across multiple product life-cycles as well as end-of-life considerations. Companies can gain a competitive advantage by applying sustainability manufacturing for environmental friendlier products and operations. Industry 4.0 sets new requirements for becoming a sustainable manufacturer where data management, the Internet of Things and extended product service systems are tightly linked with traditional manufacturing processes.

ICIS,

Chemical Business, 5 January 2017

Carbon dioxide is becoming a valuable raw material for chemical industry
It is a sign of the maturity of the green and biobased chemicals sector that major producers and technology providers are making moves to join the entrepreneurs and start-ups that have been driving the technology forward. This positive trend supports the advancing of SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy.
This report takes stock of the contribution of UN Global Compact business participants towards sustainable development. The report assesses progress in terms of how companies are taking action on the Ten Principles and the Sustainable Development Goals, and features ten interviews with disruptive business leaders. It also highlights ten focus areas for the future where further business engagement is needed.
The Global Opportunity Explorer is a UN Global Compact platform which showcases the most innovative solutions, market opportunities and cities. Rooted in over five years of research involving 18,000 business leaders and 17 expert panels, the Explorer guides you through hundreds of sustainable solutions and market opportunities which address the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).

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