Aiming for SDGs and reporting on sustainability
Implementing a CSR approach is good. But if it contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through concrete actions, that's even better!
What are SDGs?
In 2015, 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were defined and adopted by the UN. These 17 priorities for economic and social development that is more respectful of people and the planet are to be achieved by 2030.
Integrated into the 2030 Agenda, the SDGs set out the steps to be taken to ensure a more sustainable future, leaving no one behind.
What CSR actions should be taken to achieve the SDGs?
States, citizens, local authorities, businesses, NGOs... The SDGs concern all economic and social bodies. To contribute to them, many companies are integrating sustainable development goals into their CSR approach. The SDGs are becoming benchmarks for defining and structuring strategy.
The company can take action on:
- Transforming internal operations: a company that reviews its policy on equal opportunities for women and men contributes to the achievement of Goal 10, "Reduced inequalities."
- Product or service innovation: by developing new products that consume less energy or focusing on production methods that emit less greenhouse gases, companies contribute to SDG No. 12, "Sustainable consumption and production."
- Relationships with stakeholders: Is your company focused on humanitarian issues? It can contribute to SDG No. 8 on decent work by only collaborating with partners and suppliers who respect human rights and workplace safety.
Beyond long-term strategies aligned with the SDGs, certain events may reveal urgent issues that require a rapid response.
Take the COVID-19 pandemic: this global economic and social crisis must prompt companies to rethink how they contribute to sustainable development goals. CSR practices must adapt: how can we limit current and future impacts on responsible production, sustainable growth, employee health and well-being, etc.?
Aligning your CSR actions with the SDGs is more necessary than ever. Download this document to be convinced once and for all. Our white paper "CSR Commitment Label: how can a CSR approach contribute to the SDGs?" "
Finally, for businesses looking to incorporate the SDGs into their management systems, we encourage you to follow the development of the voluntary ISO 53001 standard. This international standard, scheduled for release in 2026, will be certifiable. You can already start preparing for it train in partnership with AFNOR Compétences. More information here.
How to build CSR reporting that contributes to the SDGs?
Non-financial reporting, or CSR reporting, is a document that structures the CSR approach by presenting the responsible actions taken and the results achieved. Until 2025 and the entry into force of the CSRD directive (see below), the NFRD directive applies in Europe, implemented in France through the DPEF (non-financial performance statement).
From CSR reporting to sustainability reporting
The European directive on sustainability reporting, adopted on December 14, 2022 (known as the CSRD, or Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive), clarifies, systematizes, and standardizes the practice of non-financial reporting. It stipulates that in 2025, companies with more than 250 employees will have to produce an annual report presenting how their activity impacts the ESG (environmental, social, governance) sphere, based on a dual materiality analysis: the impact of the environment on the company (outside in) and the impact of the company on its environment (inside out). This report must be approved by an authorized external body: auditor, certified public accountant, or third-party organization such as AFNOR Certification.
Discover our special page on the CSRD and sustainability auditing!
