When the Centre for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE) began its research into Sustainability Reporting in North America, we knew we’d get important insights on how companies approach reporting, what they include, perhaps most importantly, what they omit.
Of the North America companies under review in the 2015-2016 sustainability reporting period, only 6.2% integrated SDGs (UN Sustainable Development Goals) in their reporting, and only 6% integrated all 17 SDGs. Most incorporated some, and 21% just mentioned them, stating they were under review.
Fast forward a year, and we are finding that in many sectors, the use of UN Sustainable Development Goals in reporting and strategy has increased dramatically. Over 13% of companies which provide sustainability reports in telecommunications include the SDGs; 12.2% in the chemicals sector; 10.4% in retail.
WHY are companies ramping up use of the UN Sustainable Development Goals?
Some argue is it purely greenwashing. How could key multinational corporations have addressed ALL the SDGs mere months after they were presented to the world? Maybe those companies merely took existing programs and imposed them on the SDG framework.
How could reporting of SDGs double in some sectors in just over a year? Again, might they be cherry picking SDGs to match what they are already doing?
And, what of the arguments that the SDGs are too focused on development, an excuse for and justification of continued unsustainable corporate growth? Need a company only claim to follow a few SDGs to otherwise operate unfettered? If a beverage company adheres closely to clean water targets (#6), does it get a pass on good health and well-being (#3)?
There is no perfect corporation, no perfect solution to poverty (#1), peace and justice (#16) or any of the other SDGs. Yes, there may be some contradictions in the targets – how does one simultaneously “develop” and “protect”?
Yet, the SDGs offer GOALS, targets, and ambitions. They refine complex concerns to easily understandable concepts. They demonstrate interrelationships, emphasize the need for collaboration and unite nations in common action for the greater good.
As for greenwashing, SDGs provide a framework within which corporations can state efforts, measure progress and strive for more. Once a company claims progress on an SDG, it opens itself to scrutiny. If a company says it is committed to protecting life on land (#15), its actions are then viewed through this lens. SDG language, perhaps started as greenwashing, becomes a promise by which stakeholders can judge a company’s actions.
Have SDGs never been and never will be used for greenwashing? Of course not. Whether on purpose, poor planning, or oversight, the less vigilant can fail to meet their promises.
That is why CSE holds trainings in strategic locations. The Energy sector accounts for 13% of sustainability reporting in the US, followed by Financial Services – both critical to the regional economy. These sectors will be expected to report at minimum on progress toward clean energy (#7), decent work and economic growth (#8), industry, innovation, and infrastructure (#9), and climate change (#13).
What the SDGs provide is a checklist by which companies can be held accountable. The sooner companies can manifest them throughout their corporate culture, the better for all of us.
By Nikos Avlonas
Originally posted to CSRWire
How Sustainability Academy Supports SDG Integration
At Sustainability Academy, we equip professionals and leaders with the tools to understand, apply, and report on SDGs through online courses and corporate programs.
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🎓 Over 25,000 professionals trained across 90+ countries in ESG, CSR, climate risk, and SDG engagement
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Program aligned with GRI Standards, UN Sustainable Development Goals, and recognized by CPD UK
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Backed by the Centre for Sustainability & Excellence (CSE)
Our SDG-Focused Offerings
We help your organization:
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Raise SDG Awareness
Build foundational understanding of each Goal, its targets, and its relevance to business and policy. -
Align Strategy & Reporting
Translate SDG targets into corporate strategies, sustainability goals, and measurable reporting aligned with GRI and global frameworks. -
Deliver Targeted Training
Teach sector-specific SDG integration, from climate finance (Goal 13) to sustainable consumption (Goal 12). -
Embed SDGs Internally
Use tailored case studies and training modules to create internal momentum and organizational buy-in.
Sample Module Topics
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Introduction to SDGs: History, structure, 17 Goals, and 169 Targets
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Corporate Strategy & SDGs: Integrating SDGs into sustainability and business risk frameworks
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Reporting with SDGs & GRI: Mapping disclosures to SDGs
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Climate Action (Goal 13): Aligning decarbonization strategies with UN commitments SDG Academy+15Wikipedia+15Sustainability Academy+15Sustainability Academy+1Sustainability Academy+1Sustainability AcademySDG Academy
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Sustainable Consumption & Production (Goal 12): Circular economy principles and responsible operations Wikipedia+1La Cucina Italiana+1
Why Train With Us?
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Proven Impact: Learners gain practical skills to integrate UN Sustainable Development Goals into strategy and reporting
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Measurable Change: Raise corporate SDG awareness and alignment across teams
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Trusted Guidance: Backed by CSE and global accreditation
Ready to Integrate SDGs?
Customize Your Course to include SDG modules aligned to your industry and leadership level—boost internal understanding, stakeholder credibility, and strategy alignment.