Embracing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles is no longer just a trend; it’s a vital strategy for future-proofing your business. Sustainability and social value analysis are important because they help you understand the impact of your actions on the environment, society, and economy.
By integrating ESG into your operations, you not only meet stakeholder expectations but also unlock a wealth of benefits that drive long-term success and positive impact.
An organisation’s focus on the environment and sustainability through emissions, resources, materials, energy and waste and how this is measured.
An organisation’s focus on social value for staff and the wider community. This can include volunteering, working with SMEs, staff wellbeing, learning and development, equality and diversity.
How the organisation focuses on its direction and corporate governance through key factors such as corporate reporting, succession planning, board management practices, and shareholder rights.
At SDG, we believe ESG is the cornerstone of sustainable business growth. Here’s how embracing these principles benefits your business:
Enhanced Brand Reputation
Position your business as a trusted leader in sustainability, earning the loyalty of customers, investors, and partners.
Improved Stakeholder Relationships
Build stronger connections with stakeholders by demonstrating accountability, transparency, and a commitment to ethical practices.
Greater Operational Efficiency
Streamline processes and reduce waste, lowering costs while improving resource efficiency.
Access to New Market Opportunities
Gain a competitive edge by meeting the growing demand for sustainable products and services.
At SDG, we guide businesses through the process of embedding ESG into their strategies. From assessing sustainability risks to creating actionable roadmaps, we ensure your business is equipped to thrive in an evolving market.
The Environment Act
The Act requires the government to set at least one long-term target in each of the four key priority areas: air quality, biodiversity, water and waste. This will be achieved by measures targeted at UK businesses and supply chains.
Race to Zero
The Race to Zero is a United Nations-led campaign focused on working with businesses, cities, regions, investors, and financial and educational institutions to commit to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 at the latest.
The Procurement Act
From February 2025, the Procurement Act mandates contracting authorities to prioritise sustainability and address climate impact in procurement decisions. It also elevates Social Value, requiring buyers and suppliers to publish KPIs, ensuring transparency and accountability in delivering contract commitments.
The Social Value Act
The act calls for all public sector commissioning to factor in economic, social and environmental well-being in connection with public services procurement and contracts.
The Social Value Model (PPN 06/20)
The procurement policy note sets out how to measure, evaluate and take account of social value in the award of central government contracts through 5 themes (tackling workforce inequality, equal opportunity, wellbeing, fighting climate change and COVID-19 recovery).
The UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals
The goals provide a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet to be achieved by 2030.
Sustainability & Social Value Analysis – We assess the effects of your business activities on environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and economic performance, enabling you to pinpoint specific areas for enhancement. Then, we’ll help you implement effective strategies for improvement.
Roadmap to Net Zero – With our expertise, we’ll work with you to create a clear and actionable plan to achieve your net-zero goals. Our step-by-step roadmap outlines measurable actions, ensuring progress is tracked and celebrated.
EcoVadis and SBTi are two leading international standards that help organisations strengthen, measure, and validate their sustainability performance.
EcoVadis is the world’s leading sustainability rating platform, used by major OEMs and global supply chains, to assess your environmental, ethical and social performance.
At SDG, we make the process easier; from gap analysis and policy creation to evidence submission, scoring reviews, and ongoing improvement.
Just think of us as your EcoVadis co-pilot, helping you achieve higher medal levels and strengthen your position as a responsible, competitive supplier.
Ready to improve your EcoVadis score?
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) offers a globally recognised framework for establishing carbon-reduction targets aligned with the latest climate science and a 1.5°C Net Zero pathway. It clearly demonstrates to businesses the extent and speed at which they need to reduce emissions.
We help organisations understand the requirements, set credible targets, and build robust action plans that align with SBTi expectations.
If you want science-aligned Net Zero targets you can stand behind, speak to us about starting your SBTi journey.
