Last modified: 2020-09-15
Abstract
In 2015, the United Nations (UN) developed 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. The goals were adopted by all 193 UN members and provided a shared blueprint for present and future peace and prosperity for people and the planet (i.e., triple bottom line), to be achieved by 2030. However, have companies incorporated the SDGs into their sustainability activities and goals? This study analyzes the health care industry.
To examine the extent of adoption of specific SDGs we obtained a dataset from the Governance & Accountability Institute, Inc, a private sector sustainability consulting organization. Mapping was performed by analyzing the sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reports of 61 health care companies. Our study finds that adoption of these goals by the industry players vary and not necessarily dependent on their size. There is also not a relationship between company CSR performance with adoption of the goals. We intent to further analyze the motivation for companies to embrace the SDGs.