17 Sustainable Development Goals
Our sustainability initiatives actively contribute to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. In this way, we help to build a society where nobody is left behind.
A world where nobody is left behind
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 goals set by the United Nations to address global challenges by 2030. They form a common sustainability agenda with specific goals, both for society, the economy and the environment, as well as for human rights and world peace. The different themes are equally valid and at the same time interrelated. The most important principle: ‘Leave no one behind’.
At Colruyt Group, this common sustainability agenda is high on our list of priorities, because it offers us:
- an external view of what sustainability entails and can entail
- a common language to use with external stakeholders
- a common platform for numerous social challenges.
How does Colruyt Group use the SDGs?
Colruyt Group fully supports the SDG agenda. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals act as a compass for our sustainability ambitions and strategy. We link the ambitious goals of the UN to specific challenges within the European retail context and are focused in what we do, together with our partners.
In our annual report, we report about the impact we achieve based on the SDGs. In terms of materiality we focus on the Sustainable Development Goals we believe our organisation can have the biggest impact on. Our seven material SDGs:
- SDG 2 Zero hunger
- SDG 3 Good health and well-being
- SDG 6 Clean water and sanitation
- SDG 7 Affordable and clean energy
- SDG 8 Decent work and economic growth
- SDG 12 Responsible consumption and production
- SDG 13 Climate action
Of course, we also continue to work on the other SDGs. For example, we consider Peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16) and Partnerships for the goals (SDG 17) as levers to achieve all other SDGs. For example we work closely with partners and suppliers, always with mutual respect and based on dialogue and trust.
Proud SDG ambassador
As one of the first ‘Voices’ or ambassadors of the SDGs, we undertake to promote Sustainable Development Goals. In this way, we hope to inspire others to also actively work towards a more sustainable future. For this reason, we have also been a member of the CIFAL Flanders Board of Directors since January 2020.
17 sustainable development goals
1. No poverty
End poverty in all its forms everywhere
2. Zero hunger
Food security, improved nutrition and sustainable agriculture
3. Good health and well-being
Good health and wellbeing for all ages
4. Quality education
Quality education and lifelong learning for all
5. Gender equality
Gender equality and empowerment for all women and girls
6. Clean water and sanitation
Access to, and sustainable management of, water and sanitation
7. Affordable and clean energy
Access to affordable, sustainable and modern energy
8. Decent work and economic growth
Inclusive, sustainable and decent work
9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Stimulus for sustainable industrialisation and innovation
10. Reduced inequalities
Reduce inequality within and among countries
11. Sustainable cities and communities
Inclusive, safe, and sustainable communities
12. Responsible consumption and production
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
13. Climate action
Combat climate change and its impact
14. Life below water
Sustainable management of oceans, seas and marine resources
15. Life on land
Sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems
16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
Peaceful, inclusive societies and sustainable societies
17. Partnerships for the goals
Global partnership for sustainable development
Annual report with sustainability reporting
Every year we report on the ecological and social added value our group creates. We do that based on the SDGs. Our annual report provides a good picture of where we stand now stand. Because corporate sustainability is never finished.