What are the SDGs?

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 global goals created by the United Nations in 2015. They focus on issues such as climate action, fair economic growth, innovation, and sustainable consumption. The aim is to tackle poverty, inequality and climate problems by 2030.

The SDGs are designed for governments, businesses and citizens. You can contribute to sustainable business practices and social impact as a business.

Why are the SDGs relevant to SMEs?

For many entrepreneurs, sustainability feels like a 'big challenge'. The SDGs make it concrete and manageable. Here are some reasons why SMEs can benefit from the SDGs:

1. Rising demand from customers & investors

Consumers and companies are looking for sustainable suppliers and products. Investors and grants are also increasingly focusing on sustainable businesses. The SDGs provide a clear framework for you as a business to show how you contribute to sustainability. This will help you communicate transparently about your impact and be attractive to conscious consumers, businesses and investors.

2. Opportunities for cost savings & innovation

Sustainable choices, such as energy efficiency and circular production, save costs, and innovation leads to new market opportunities and sustainable revenue models. The SDGs encourage more efficient use of raw materials, energy and circular processes, which can directly lead to lower costs. They also inspire companies to develop innovative solutions that are not only sustainable, but also create new market opportunities.

3. Legislation & future-proofing

The SDGs are aligned with increasingly stringent sustainability legislation, meaning that companies that focus on them now will be better prepared for future obligations. By being proactive about sustainability, you can avoid risks such as fines and remain competitive in a rapidly changing market.

4. Employer branding: attracting and retaining talent

Companies that actively engage with the SDGs demonstrate that they value social impact, which is increasingly valued by employees. This increases employee engagement and makes your company more attractive to new talent who value sustainability and a positive corporate culture.

How can you get started with the SDGs?

Do you feel lost in sustainability, don’t worry, you’re not alone. To make things easier, we’ve put together a practical guide to help you take the first steps with confidence.

1. Identify which SDGs are relevant to your business

Choose 2-5 SDGs that fit your sector and impact.

2. Measure your impact and set targets

Look at your current sustainability performance: CO2 emissions, energy use, diversity. Set concrete targets and KPIs, e.g. 20% less waste in 3 years.

3. Implement improvements in your operations

For example, work with sustainable suppliers. Save energy, reduce waste or choose recycled materials.

4. Communicate and make your impact visible

Share your SDG efforts on your website, social media and in conversations with customers. Transparency builds customer trust and loyalty.

For more tips on how to use the SDGs to make a positive impact, click here.

The SDGs and Eevery: how we help you become more sustainable

At Eevery, we help SMEs make sustainable business tangible and easy. Our platform is based on internationally recognized sustainability standards such as the SDGs, GRI, and CSRD, ensuring a structured and credible approach. Through an intelligent questionnaire, we identify the most relevant goals for your business, providing valuable insights into your sustainability performance. Next, you will receive practical improvement steps that can be implemented immediately. Our ESG tool and CO₂ calculator help you measure your impact, while our reporting capabilities make it easy to share your progress with customers and investors. With Eevery, you can take targeted steps in your sustainability strategy and ensure your business is future-proof.

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Sustainable business is not only important, but also a great opportunity for SMEs. The SDGs provide a practical framework for integrating sustainability step by step. With the right tools, such as Eevery, it's easy to measure, improve and communicate your impact. Want to make your business more sustainable? Start today and make a difference with Eevery!