Good practice REPORT ON GOOD PRACTICES

The aim of sustainable development is to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In order for the civilization development to guarantee a good quality of life for everyone, the natural environment is considered the basis, whereas the economy is treated as a tool. At present, 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) are distinguished. 17 goals were defined by the UN – these are the goals that the world leaders (governments, international organizations, business) want to achieve by 2030. They refer to the most important global problems related to fundamental issues, i.e. the fight against poverty and hunger, access to drinking water, preservation of biodiversity, etc. Each country will have a different role to play in the implementation of SDGs, and individual companies should choose as their priorities goals that best suit their specificity and are adequate to their business activities. The goals of sustainable development constitute a framework for CSR activities.

“Responsible business in Poland. Good practices” report, which is a cyclical publication of the Responsible Business Forum, every year presents companies who carry out activities in the field of corporate social responsibility while taking into account the goals of sustainable development. Let’s take a look at some examples from our country included in the latest edition of the report.

Last year, Kraków Airport adopted a code of ethics presenting basic norms, values and ideas recognized by employees and management as common goals (goal 8: economic growth and decent work). The airport also has an educational centre that presents principles of airport operation and its organization. The task of the Kraków Airport Aviation Education Center is to disseminate knowledge in the field of aviation (goal 4: good quality of education).

IKEA Retail engages in the fight against climate change and invests in renewable energy as part of the Home Solar project. Furthermore, its stores offer efficient and affordable photovoltaic installations (goal 7: affordable and clean energy, goal 12: responsible consumption and production). The company also supported the installation of 37 photovoltaic panels on the roof of the new home of St. Brother Albert’s Aid Society in Słupsk (goal 11: sustainable cities and communities, goal 13: climate action).

Śnieżka, the factory of paints and varnishes, initiated the “Koloratorium” social program, addressed to public primary schools from towns up to 20 000 residents. Institutions from all over Poland can compete for 11 mini-labs and many other interesting prizes (goal 4: quality education). Another programme by Śnieżka is “Children’s world in colours”. As part of this programme, pediatric wards are renewed by, among others, artists (goal 3: good health and well-being).

Orange Polska carries out the “Maker Woman” training project addressed to women entering or returning to the labour market. During the three-month training, they learn the basics of designing, prepare designs for the 3D printer, laser plotter and CNC milling machine (goal 5: gender equality, goal 10: reduced inequalities). The company also created a free educational application “MegaMission with a Prankster” (“MegaMisja z Psotnikiem”) for children aged 6-9. Thanks to it, users learn how to choose reliable sources of information, what advertising is and how to safely use the Internet (goal 4: quality education).

The international organization called Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) indicates five most important benefits of implementing SDG and non-financial reporting, such as building trust that allows developing dialogue with clients and business partners; improving processes and systems that make it possible to reduce expenditures; making progress in strategy and vision implementation, reducing costs related to compliance with applicable standards; and competitive advantage, i.e. stronger position in negotiations.