UNSDGs and Sustainability Assessment

Before delving into the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), it is essential to have a clear understanding of their historical development, which dates back to the late 18th century. The term industrial revolution provides a context for transformations since the late 18th century. Over the last 250 years, human existence has witnessed and benefitted from numerous breakthroughs. Today’s organisations refer to the 17 UNSDGs. Their sustainability environmental reports emphasise the critical role of strategy in shedding light on the environmental consequences of organisational strategic endeavours. This chapter integrates sustainability with strategic planning. By intertwining sustainability into strategic frameworks, organisations enhance their operational performance and contribute to advancing the UNSDGs. Specific assessments are considered: Life cycle assessment (LCA), environmental impact assessment, social impact assessment, carbon footprint assessment, ecological footprint analysis, biodiversity impact assessment, sustainable development goals alignment assessment, social return on investment analysis, triple bottom line assessment, circularity assessment, and supply chain sustainability assessment. The Mini Case Study of Barbados UNSDG and Strategy Nugget of counting the cost of EU sustainable supply chains provides some rich insights into both practical contexts.