The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were created by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all.
They were created through a collaborative process involving governments, civil society, and other stakeholders. The SDGs consist of 17 goals and 169 targets, and provide a framework for countries to work towards a sustainable future by 2030. Achieving the SDGs requires a collective effort from all sectors and levels of society, and involves addressing complex and interconnected challenges such as climate change, inequality, and access to basic human rights.
The SDGs are particularly important because they provide a framework for action and a roadmap for sustainable development that can be applied at all levels, from national governments to local communities and individuals. They also serve as a basis for measuring progress and tracking achievements towards a more sustainable and equitable world.
It sounds obvious, but speaking the same language when it comes to sustainability is a great achievement. All 193 member states of the United Nations signed onto the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in September 2015.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the fashion industry are connected in various ways. The fashion industry has a significant impact on the environment, society, and the economy, and the SDGs aim to create a more sustainable world by addressing these issues. Several of the SDGs are relevant to the fashion industry, including:
These goals are interconnected and addressing one goal can positively impact others. For example, reducing waste and increasing resource efficiency in the fashion industry (Goal 12) can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions (Goal 13) and improve working conditions for employees (Goal 8). Overall, achieving the SDGs is essential for creating a more sustainable and equitable fashion industry.
SDGs are crucial in our ongoing projects like Big Bio or Small but Perfect and The Great Fashion Decarbonising Fashion Opportunity.
Since its founding in 2009, the CSR Guide has become an important reference work for those who care about corporate responsibility. With over 200 pages, it provides an annually updated comprehensive overview of the social, environmental, and employee-related commitments of domestic companies. The CSR Guide aims to systematically capture and clearly illustrate all CSR-relevant activities in Austria. In 2021 Vienna Textile Lab was featured in a case study and ever since is a permanent part of the CSR Guide. It has a comprehensive overview of relevant SDGs for each company covered.
