Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDGs are global objectives targeting environmental, social and economic sustainability.

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What is it?

A collection of 17 global goals set by the United Nations to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030.

Who is it for?

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are curated for a diverse range of stakeholders, aiming to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice. Established by the United Nations in 2015, these 17 goals target completion by 2030, resonating with:

  • Governments: They guide national and local policies and practices promoting sustainable development.
  • Businesses: They foster responsible business practices contributing to sustainability, mitigation of environmental impact, and endorsement of social responsibility.
  • Civil Society Organizations: They aid in advocating for social justice, equality, and sustainability within communities and ensure accountability of governments and businesses.
  • Academia and Researchers: They facilitate the study, analysis, and promotion of effective strategies for achieving the SDGs.
  • Individuals: They inspire personal actions and lifestyle choices contributing to sustainable development at global and local levels.
  • International Organizations: They coordinate efforts, share knowledge, provide funding, and offer support for initiatives targeting the accomplishment of the SDGs.

When was it introduced?

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were introduced in September 2015 during the United Nations General Assembly. They are part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which aims to address various global challenges.

These global challenges include poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice. The SDGs consist of 17 goals and 169 targets that are intended to be achieved by 2030.

While the goals themselves were adopted in 2015, they are regularly monitored, and progress updates are provided by the United Nations. There are periodic reviews and discussions on the goals, but the foundational framework established in 2015 remains in effect.

As such, the SDGs continue to guide international development efforts.

Why is it important?

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a collection of 17 global objectives established by the United Nations in 2015. These are aimed at addressing various global challenges, such as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice. Each goal is interconnected and intended to be achieved by 2030.

Importances of the SDGs:

  1. Global Framework: The SDGs provide a shared framework for countries to work towards sustainable development, thereby fostering collaboration among nations and stakeholders.
  2. Eradicating Poverty: Goal 1 aims to end poverty in all its forms everywhere. It highlights the urgent need for social and economic support.
  3. Equality and Inclusion: Multiple goals focus on reducing inequalities and ensuring no one gets left behind. They also promote gender equality as depicted by Goal 5.
  4. Environmental Sustainability: Goals 13 through 15 stress the necessity for climate action and protection of life, both underwater and on land. The emphasis here lies majorly on the conservation of natural resources.
  5. Health and Well-being: Goal 3 targets the assurance of healthy lives and promotion of well-being for everyone, emphasizing the importance of readily accessible healthcare.
  6. Quality Education: Goal 4 advocates for inclusive and equitable quality education, with a recognition of education as a crucial driver of social and economic development.
  7. Partnerships for the Goals: Goal 17 underscores the importance of partnerships and collaboration among governments, the private sector, and civil society to achieve these goals.
  8. Long-term Vision: The SDGs encourage a long-term perspective on development, promoting sustainable practices and policies that account for future generations.

In conclusion, the SDGs play a crucial role in directing global efforts towards a future that is more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous.

What do organisations need to do?

To help organizations comply with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it's essential to adopt a structured approach that aligns with the 17 goals established by the United Nations. Here are several steps organizations can take:

  1. Understand the SDGs: Familiarize yourself with all 17 SDGs and their targets. This understanding can help identify which goals are most relevant to your organization's mission and operations.
  2. Assess Current Practices: Conduct an internal assessment to evaluate current policies, practices, and impacts related to sustainability. This assessment should identify strengths and areas for improvement.
  3. Set Specific Goals: Based on your assessment, set specific, measurable goals that align with the SDGs you prioritize. It�s crucial to make these goals realistic and time-bound.
  4. Engage Stakeholders: Involve employees, customers, suppliers, and the community in discussions about sustainability. Their input can help shape the organization's approach to achieving the SDGs and foster broader buy-in.
  5. Develop a Strategy: Create a comprehensive sustainability strategy that outlines how the organization will work towards achieving selected SDGs. This strategy should include action plans, timelines, and assigned responsibilities.
  6. Integrate SDGs into Business Operations: Incorporate the SDGs into business models, decision-making processes, and core operations. This integration can involve sourcing sustainable materials, reducing carbon footprints, or ensuring fair labor practices.
  7. Monitor and Evaluate Progress: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor progress towards the goals. Regularly evaluate and report on progress, adjusting strategies and actions as necessary.
  8. Communicate Efforts: Transparently communicate the organization�s efforts towards sustainability, including successes and challenges. This can build credibility and enhance stakeholder engagement.
  9. Collaborate with Others: Partner with other organizations, NGOs, and government entities to share best practices, resources, and learnings. Collaboration can enhance impact and drive faster progress.
  10. Invest in Capacity Building: Provide training and resources for employees to help them understand sustainability and how they can contribute to achieving the SDGs.
  11. Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with developments in sustainability and SDG-related policies. Staying informed about emerging trends and regulations can help organizations remain compliant and proactive.

By following these steps, organizations can effectively contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and embed sustainability into their core operations.

What are the benefits?

1. Global Framework

The SDGs provide a shared framework for countries, organizations, and individuals to work towards a common set of goals, fostering international cooperation and partnerships.

2. Holistic Approach

The 17 goals cover a broad spectrum of social, economic, and environmental issues, encouraging a holistic approach to sustainable development that recognizes interconnections between different challenges.

3. Targeted Action

Each SDG includes specific targets and indicators, allowing for measurable progress and accountability. This encourages governments and organizations to set strategic priorities and allocate resources effectively.

4. Inclusivity

The SDGs emphasize leaving no one behind, aiming to improve the lives of the most marginalized and vulnerable populations. This focus on inclusivity promotes social equity and justice.

5. Local Empowerment

The goals encourage local governments, communities, and organizations to adopt and adapt the SDGs to their contexts, fostering local solutions and empowerment.

6. Economic Growth

By promoting sustainable economic growth, the SDGs can help create jobs, drive innovation, and stimulate investment in sustainable industries.

7. Environmental Protection

The SDGs highlight the importance of environmental sustainability, encouraging practices that protect ecosystems and biodiversity, thus ensuring a healthy planet for future generations.

8. Enhanced Resilience

By addressing issues like climate change and disaster risk reduction, the SDGs help communities become more resilient to environmental shocks and stresses.

9. Strengthened Partnerships

Achieving the SDGs requires collaboration across sectors and borders, fostering partnerships between governments, civil society, businesses, and academia.

10. Long-Term Vision

The SDGs promote a long-term vision for sustainable development, encouraging strategic planning and investment that looks beyond short-term gains.

In summary, the SDGs serve as a roadmap for creating a more sustainable and equitable world, guiding efforts to improve the quality of life for people everywhere while protecting the planet.

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Our results

Using independent sustainability consultants with Leafr just makes sense

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More cost effective

Clients report significant savings compared to alternative hiring approaches

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Here’s what our customers say

Hear how our vetted sustainability consultants have driven meaningful change for our clients

Good communication, flexible schedule and delivered exactly what was agreed and on time. Would work with her again!

Alexander Pfeiffer
CEO
at
Terralytiq

Tom helped us with calculating our carbon footprint outputs from 2019 to 2023. He managed everything end to end with minimal client direction. It was seamless and effortless. He's an excellent professional.

Bolu
COO
at
Miai

The support's been great from when we first started speaking, you wrote the brief for me and did all the sourcing. So that was fantastic. Communication has been great. The level of engagement has been brilliant.

Nick Anderdon
CFO
at
Freddies Flowers

‍Working with Leafr has been a pleasure from the beginning. Leafr has a wide network of talented individuals, and they have been able to seamlessly connect us with strong candidates for our various projects.

Lara
Partner
at
Xynteo

Leafr's marketplace boasts an extensive network of highly talented individuals. They have effortlessly connected us with great candidates. Leafr has become our go-to for skilled sustainability professionals.

Brenan Hodkinson
CRO
at
Apiday

Whenever you hire consultants you worry whether they'll be as motivated or skilled as your team. Every Leafr consultant has been so impressive. We spoke to several sustainability agencies and this has been far better value.

Guadalupe Oliver
CEO
at
Candoe

Our expert immediately became a seamless addition to our team. Her work showed a mastery of ESG and a strong understanding of the financial sector. We'd love the opportunity to work with her again.

Jess Katz
Director
at
TRIPTIK

What you get by working with us

When you work with Leafr, we make sure to deliver - every time.

Flexibility

Flexibility

We adapt to your needs, offering tailored solutions that evolve as your sustainability goals and challenges change.

Quality

Quality

We don’t compromise. We connect you with specialists who deliver exceptional work, ensuring every project meets the highest standards.

Value

Value

We maximise impact while keeping costs low, ensuring you get exceptional results within your budget, with a clear focus on return on investment.

Commitment - Workplace X Webflow Template

Commitment

Your mission becomes ours. We’re dedicated to supporting you from start to finish, no matter the complexity or duration.

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Ownership

We take responsibility for our work, proactively managing projects and driving outcomes that align with your vision.

The values that drive everything we do

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Flexibility

Flexibility

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Quality

Quality

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Value

Value

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Commitment - Workplace X Webflow Template

Commitment

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Ownership - Workplace X Webflow Template

Ownership

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Our vetting process

Each applicant must pass our stringent vetting process before working with clients. Only those meeting our high standards are accepted. We test for behavioural competency, technical skills,  sustainability experience, and culture fit.

20% pass rate

In-depth skill review

Each consultant submits a written application along with case studies of their work. This ensures they have the specialised technical skills to tackle your sustainability challenges.

12% pass rate

Live screening

We interview each candidate for behavioural and technical skills, and test against our detailed  sustainability skillset matrix. We also ask for references and testimonials.

3% pass rate

Test projects & peer review

With the help of our experts, we review past projects to verify the consultant’s ability to deliver impactful sustainability outcomes.

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How it works

Go from search to hire in as little as 48 hrs.

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1. Create project

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2. See the best profiles

No more sifting through 100s of CVs. See a shortlist of the best 3-5 consultants within hours.

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3. Interview & start project

Hire your favourite candidate and start working. There is a risk-free trial period on each project.

Frequently asked questions

Hiring a sustainability consultant can be a daunting process. Here we answer some of the common concerns we hear.

Will the consultant be available when I need them?

Leafr consultants are committed to your project�s success. We ensure they have the availability you need, and our support team is on hand to address any urgent requirements. Our consultants are trusted by top organisations because of their reliability and commitment.

How will you handle our sensitive or confidential information?

Confidentiality is a top priority at Leafr. All consultants sign strict non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and are trained to handle sensitive information with the utmost care, ensuring your business data remains secure. This is part of why organisations worldwide trust our consultants.

What if the consultant pushes solutions that are too expensive to implement?

Leafr consultants focus on providing cost-effective, practical solutions. They work within your budget constraints and prioritise recommendations that offer the most value without unnecessary expenditure. We offer a risk-free period so you can evaluate their proposals without financial risk.

Will working with a consultant disrupt our current operations?

Our consultants are skilled at integrating smoothly into existing operations. They work with minimal disruption, focusing on enhancing your processes rather than interrupting them. Their experience with top organisations ensures a seamless fit into your team.

I'm worried the consultant might leave the project halfway through.

Continuity is ensured through our rigorous project management oversight. Leafr consultants are committed professionals, and we have contingency plans in place to guarantee that your project will be completed even if unforeseen circumstances arise. Our 100% project satisfaction rating is a testament to our reliability.

I'm worried about committing long-term just to see results.

Leafr offers flexible engagement options. Whether you need short-term assistance or long-term support, we tailor our services to match your desired commitment level. Our risk-free period allows you to explore these options without long-term obligations.

What happens if the consultant becomes unavailable or the project gets delayed?

We have a robust network of consultants, so if any unexpected issues arise, we can quickly provide an equally qualified replacement to keep your project on track. Leafr�s support team is always available to manage and mitigate any potential delays. We also offer a risk-free period to give you peace of mind.

Is the cost-benefit ratio of hiring a consultant really worth it?

Leafr consultants are chosen for their ability to deliver clear ROI. We ensure that the value they bring far outweighs the investment, with tailored solutions that directly impact your bottom line. Plus, our risk-free period allows you to assess the value without commitment.

Will the consultant communicate effectively with our team?

Effective communication is a cornerstone of our consultants� approach. We ensure clear, consistent communication throughout the project, fostering collaboration and alignment with your team. This commitment to communication is a key factor in our 100% project satisfaction rating.

Will my team need retraining after the consultant leaves?

Our consultants focus on knowledge transfer, equipping your team with the skills and understanding they need to sustain progress after the project concludes. This ensures that the improvements are lasting and your team remains confident moving forward.

Will the consultant stay updated with the latest sustainability trends and regulations?

Leafr consultants are experts in their fields, continuously updating their knowledge of the latest trends and regulations. We ensure they bring the most current insights to your project, supported by ongoing training and development opportunities.

I'm concerned about how to assess the consultant's performance effectively.

Leafr provides clear metrics and regular updates, allowing you to track the consultant�s progress and assess the impact of their work. We also encourage feedback to ensure expectations are met. Our 100% project satisfaction rating reflects our dedication to transparency and performance.

How soon will we see results from the consultant's work?

While sustainability initiatives often have long-term goals, our consultants focus on delivering quick wins and measurable progress early in the engagement, ensuring you see value from the outset. Our risk-free period allows you to experience these early results firsthand.

I'm worried the consultant might not fully commit if they have multiple clients.

Our consultants are dedicated to delivering results. Leafr carefully manages consultant workloads to ensure your project receives the attention and commitment it deserves. Our 100% project satisfaction rating is a testament to our consultants� focus and dedication.

What if the consultant doesn't understand my specific industry or business model?

At Leafr, we thoroughly vet our consultants to ensure they have deep expertise in various industries. We match you with specialists who have proven experience in your sector, ensuring they understand your unique challenges and goals. Our consultants have been trained and trusted by the best organisations worldwide.

Not sure where to start?

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