With the recent <a href="https://www.unep.org/resources/report/climate-change-2023-synthesis-report" target="_self">Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report</a> showing that the effects of climate change are escalating, sustainability and the environment are more important than ever.&nbsp;&nbsp;We know many companies recognise the importance of implementing sustainable practices in order to reduce their environmental impact. But sustainability isn't just good for the environment - it's good for business too.&nbsp;&nbsp;At its heart, sustainability refers to the ability of an organisation to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It encompasses a range of interconnected economic, social, and environmental factors that impact a business’s long-term health and success.&nbsp;&nbsp;The United Nations <a href="https://www.feefo.com/uk/business/resources/business-insights/united-nations-sustainable-development-goals" target="_self">Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)</a> aim to address these economic, social, and environmental factors. And these goals form the basis of our <a href="https://www.feefo.com/uk/business/features/sustainability-awareness-solution/ecolabels" target="_self">Feefo Sustainability Awareness Solution</a>, which allows businesses to demonstrate the positive steps they are taking.&nbsp;<h3>How sustainability can benefit a business&nbsp;</h3>Firstly, sustainability can help companies save money. By reducing their energy consumption and waste output, companies can lower operating costs and increase profits. For example, using renewable energy sources like solar or wind power is often cheaper in the long run than relying on non-renewable sources like fossil fuels. Similarly, implementing recycling programs can reduce waste disposal costs and provide companies with valuable raw materials for production.&nbsp;In addition to cost savings, sustainability can now help companies attract and retain customers. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the impact their purchasing decisions have on the environment and are often willing to pay more for products and services that are produced sustainably. By proving their sustainable practices, companies can differentiate themselves from competitors and appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers.&nbsp;Sustainability also benefits companies by improving their brand reputation. Environmentally responsible organisations are often viewed more positively by consumers, which can lead to increased brand loyalty. In addition, many investors are also looking for companies that focus on sustainability, as they see it as a sign of good corporate governance and long-term financial stability. That’s not all. It can help organisations attract and keep the best employees in the market. A survey by IMB showed that 71% of job seekers want to work for companies that take their sustainability obligations seriously. In fact, in a separate study, 75% of millennials said they’d be happy to work for less money at a company that shared their values on things like sustainability.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finally, sustainability can also help companies comply with regulations and avoid legal penalties. As governments worldwide continue to tighten environmental regulations, companies that fail to implement sustainable practices may face fines or legal action. By proactively adopting sustainable practices, companies can avoid these risks and guarantee compliance with environmental regulations.&nbsp;<h3>How to showcase your sustainability achievements&nbsp;</h3>So, if you’re making strides when it comes to sustainability, it makes sense to let others know about it - whether that be customers, clients, investors, or employees. But people are increasingly wary of greenwashing, with a government survey indicating around 40% of consumers do not trust sustainability claims made by companies.&nbsp;One answer to this is to get your sustainability achievements verified. Feefo is known and respected for its verified reviews. Now we offer sustainability verification too, in the form of ecolabels.&nbsp;Following successful accreditation, companies can <a href="https://www.feefo.com/uk/business/features/sustainability-awareness-solution/ecolabels" target="_self">display clear, recognisable, sustainability </a>ecolabels for specific steps they take. There are six categories, and they cover:&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Stable climate</li><li>Clean Planet</li><li>Responsible resource use and production</li><li>Healthy people</li><li>Thriving communities</li><li>Protecting biodiversity and animal welfare</li></ul>Find out more about <a href="https://www.feefo.com/uk/business/features/sustainability-awareness-solution/ecolabels" target="_self">how Feefo’s Sustainability Awareness Solution can benefit your business</a> online, orget in touch with one of our team by email: <a href="mailto:sales@feefo.com">sales@feefo.com</a> or call us on 0203 362 4209.

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Why sustainability matters for business 

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Customers are expecting brands to act more sustainablyA recent study analysing over 40 million verified Feefo reviews showed that consumers are increasingly concerned about sustainability. But many have been left confused. And they’re becoming increasingly cynical about sustainability claims.

The Quest For Authenticity: Verified Reviews and Sustainability

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The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals aimed at tackling the world’s most pressing issues. The United Nations adopted the <a href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals" target="_self">Sustainable Development Goals</a> in 2015 as part of their 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These goals consist of 17 interconnected critical objectives to reach a better and more sustainable future for all.

<h2>The 17 Sustainable Development Goals are:</h2><ol><li>No poverty</li><li>Zero hunger</li><li>Good health and well-being</li><li>Quality education</li><li>Gender equality</li><li>Clean water and sanitation</li><li>Affordable and clean energy</li><li>Decent work and economic growth</li><li>Industry, innovation and infrastructure</li><li>Reduced inequalities</li><li>Sustainable cities and communities</li><li>Responsible consumption and production</li><li>Climate action</li><li>Life below water</li><li>Life on land</li><li>Peace, justice and strong institutions</li><li>Partnerships for the goals</li></ol>The SDGs are universal, meaning that they apply to all countries, regardless of their level of economic development.Each goal has specific targets and indicators to measure progress towards achieving it.They require collaboration between governments, civil society, the private sector, and individuals. The UN believes everyone has a role to play in achieving these goals. Governments need to make policies and investments that align with the SDGs, while businesses must adopt sustainable practices that promote growth and reduce their environmental impact. Individuals can also do theirpart by reducing their carbon footprint, consuming responsibly, and being socially responsible.The UN agenda recognises that economic growth must take social and environmental impacts into account. Investing in sustainable development will produce widespread benefits and reduce the risks associated with climate change, poverty, and inequality. The UN target is ambitious and achieving the SDGs by 2030 will require the cooperation and effort of all countries, businesses, and individuals.<h3>A framework for action</h3>The UN Sustainable Development Goals provide a framework for thepositive actions needed to move towards a more sustainable world. And all the research shows that people are increasingly concerned about sustainability when it comes to their everyday lives, including the products and services they buy.In fact, four in ten consumers now say they choose sustainable goods often or whenever possible <a href="https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/consulting/articles/consumer-products-and-sustainability-innovation.html">(Deloitte)</a>.&nbsp;But many people are wary of sustainability claims that brands make, and with good reason. AUK Government survey indicatedthat as many as 40% of green claims made online could be misleading.&nbsp;<h3>A solution to greenwashing</h3>At Feefo, we offer a <a href="https://www.feefo.com/uk/business/features/sustainability-awareness-solution" target="_self">Sustainability Awareness Solution</a> developed alongside our sustainability partner, ethy, to help businesses and consumers make the right decisions. It's based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals and offers a series of ecolabels, which allow brands to showcase their sustainability activities.To achieve the ecolabels, brands need to submit documentary evidence of the sustainabilitysteps that they have taken across a range of issues, such as reducing plastic, improving recycling, operating in an equitableway and supporting communities, to name just a few. There are <a href="https://www.feefo.com/uk/business/features/sustainability-awareness-solution/ecolabels" target="_self">over 40 ecolabels in all</a>, which cover the following six areas:1. <a href="https://www.feefo.com/uk/business/features/sustainability-awareness-solution/ecolabels/stable-climate" target="_self">Stable climate</a>2. <a href="https://www.feefo.com/uk/business/features/sustainability-awareness-solution/ecolabels/clean-planet" target="_self">Clean planet</a>3. <a href="https://www.feefo.com/uk/business/features/sustainability-awareness-solution/ecolabels/responsible-resource-use-and-production" target="_self">Responsible resource use and production</a>4. <a href="https://www.feefo.com/uk/business/features/sustainability-awareness-solution/ecolabels/healthy-people" target="_self">Healthy people</a>5. <a href="https://www.feefo.com/uk/business/features/sustainability-awareness-solution/ecolabels/thriving-communities" target="_self">Thriving communities</a>6. <a href="https://www.feefo.com/uk/business/features/sustainability-awareness-solution/ecolabels/protecting-biodiversity-and-animal-welfare" target="_self">Protecting biodiversity and animal welfare</a>The ecolabels help generate brand awareness, allowing businesses to showcase their positive impact and give customers more reasons to choose them.Based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the ecolabels share the same foundation as other ethical standards organisations such as B Corp. So both businesses and consumers can feel confident they provide true verification of brands' actions on sustainability.If you’re interested in learning more about Feefo’s Sustainability Awareness Solution, <a href="https://www.feefo.com/uk/business/enquiry/sustainability-awareness-solution-get-in-touch" target="_self">get in touch</a> with one of our team who can tell you more about how it works. Or call us on 0203 362 4209.