The UN’s 17 Sustainability Goals
… and what they got to do with C + P
How time flies! It has long been clear that we need to take action against climate change, and in the meantime we are approaching a year of major milestones: 2030.
In 2015, the United Nations developed a roadmap to address important global issues by 2030 – known as Agenda 2030.
The Agenda 2030 – what is behind it?
Have you heard about SDGs? No? Yet it is precisely these SDGs that lie behind the 2030 Agenda.
They were created on September 25, 2015. Back then, the 193 member states of the UN agreed on 17 goals to be addressed by the specified year. These goals relate to the areas ecology, economy, and social issues and are referred to as “Sustainable Development Goals” (SDGs).
Sustainability concerns us all
Of course, the member states of the UN are primarily responsible for implementing the SDGs. But there are a lot more institutions belonging to a state, the economy, their companies, and especially the people.
That is why it is up to each and every one of us to pursue the Sustainable Development Goals within the scope of our own capabilities. But companies in particular have a great responsibility towards the environment and people. Because of that they should harmonize their strategies and goals with the SDGs too.
We at CHRISTMANN + PFEIFER recognize our responsibility in this regard and have defined a lot of parallels between the SDGs and our goals and strategies.
By doing so, we differentiate between those SDGs that are relevant within the company’s boarders, and those that go beyond our company. But let’s start with the goals that we live by directly at C + P.
Sustainability goals we live at CHRISTMANN + PFEIFER
Without them C + P would not be C + P: our employees! They, in particular, shape our company and have made it what it is today. That is why our employees are our greatest asset. And we want to demonstrate this by pursuing these goals:
Good Health and Well-being
The third goal of the SDGs may already be covered by our healthcare system for many Germans. But we want to go the extra mile for our employees. With additional check-ups, first aid courses and adequate occupational safety as well as further individual services our staff get the safety and health care that they deserve.
Quality Education
Every employee at C + P can follow their own individual path. Both career starters and experienced professionals have the opportunity to develop and further their education according to their own ideas.
At C + P, young people in particular have the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship, a dual study program, or a trainee program to start their career. In this way, we help young professionals find their feet in everyday working life and get off to a great start in their careers.
But all other employees also have the opportunity to continue their education at any time. Because learning on the job never stops.
Gender Equality
Unfortunately, women are still very much in the minority in the construction industry – and we are no exception. Currently, women make up 21 percent of our workforce. This figure clearly shows us that there is still room for improvement.
That is why diversity and gender equality are key concerns in our company. We want to create a working environment in which all those who are underrepresented in our industry are given real opportunities to develop, take on responsibility, and contribute based on the to their strengths.
Because diversity is a real advantage for us. Different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives enrich our daily collaboration, promote new ideas, and help us see challenges from different points of view. Not only our employees but our projects and ultimately the whole company benefit from that.
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Decent work is our base for a successful company. We go to great length to ensure that our employees work under fair, safe, and respectful conditions and feel comfortable at C + P. Because only those who enjoy coming to work can perform well and develop further in the long term.
At the same time sustainable economic growth is an important goal for us. It enables us to secure jobs, to invest in modern technologies, and to stay future-proof. For us, economic success and responsible action belong together inseparable.
Our responsibility beyond C + P
As a construction company we have a special responsibility for the environment and climate. Our projects not only shape buildings but also cities, infrastructure and habitats – mostly over many decades.
That is exactly why it is important to be aware of our influence and to make it more sustainable step by step. In doing so, we are guided by selected United Nations sustainability goals.
Sustainability goals beyond C + P
Sustainability: from the beginnings to the modern construction industry
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
The focus of our building projects lies in the industrial area. Through our daily work, we support other companies in their development and in creating sustainable structures. We offer customized construction solutions for all areas. At the same time, some of our buildings shape the infrastructure of cities, residential areas, and business parks.
Innovation is a central component of our activities. Using modern construction methods, customized solutions, and technical expertise, we develop projects that are functional, economical, and sustainable.
Responsible Consumption and Production
With our own steel construction facilities, we control part of the supply chain ourselves – and thus also have the opportunity to actively influence it. We are constantly working to make our production more climate-friendly step by step.
In addition, we take various sustainability criteria into account when purchasing materials in order to use resources responsibly.
Climate Action
The protection of our climate is a key challenge of our time. We as well take this responsibility very seriously. Through the use of steel as a material we focus specifically on the principles of circular economy: durable, reuseable und ressource efficient. This is how we would like to make a contribution, reduce emissions and drive forward sustainable building.
What happens next?
The 17 UN goals provide us with guidance – but it is up to us as a company to bring them to life in a way that is tailored to our individual needs. Step by step we work on that. We see sustainability as an ongoing process that we are pursuing together with our employees and want to embed ever more firmly in our corporate culture.