In 2015, all 193 United Nation Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (‘Transforming our World’). These are a collection of globally agreed goals to end poverty, protect the planet and its resources, and secure peace and prosperity for all nations.
The 2030 Agenda is made up of 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). These include items such as zero hunger, gender equality, access to clean water and sanitation, etc. Ireland has committed to achieving its own targets by 2030, with business grants and support options emerging to assist with certain SDGs.
For example, the goal of sustainable cities and communities is unlikely to be achieved using traditional sources of energy. This is one of the reasons why the latest update to TAMS 3 encourages the use of solar PV panels to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and reduce our collective carbon footprint.
A PDF breakdown of these Sustainable Development Goals and Targets can be found here.
How it Affects Businesses
The world is moving toward a greener, cleaner and more sustainable future. Businesses will need to become more comfortable with using renewable energy, such as solar. This could either be to replace or complement existing energy infrastructure. The technology which underpins this bright new future is already being rolled out and adopted beyond our own borders in Ireland.
As countries move in lock-step toward 2030, it is now no longer a question of helping to preserve the planet’s natural resources, it is also becoming a very real, day-to-day and practical way for businesses to reduce their operating costs.
In these difficult economic times, it is understandable to undertake a cost-benefit analysis and assess the impact that solar energy in particular will have on your business.
Not Just Lip Service
It has become common in recent years for companies to add a footnote or a brief but vague outline of their sustainability goals without giving it any actual consideration. Green washing is the process of conveying a false impression of an organisation’s products or policies that is at odds with their actual mission and objectives.
Every company will soon need to shore up their environmental policies to ensure they are aligned with the overarching sustainability and development targets set forth by Governments around the world.
Failure to do so can have a negative impact on your brand, your customer/supplier relations, and ultimately, bottom line revenue, as better optimised energy sources outpace traditional channels.
Paint Your Future with Solgrid
At Solgrid, we can help future proof your business ahead of 2030. We stay abreast of new trends, anticipating how it can impact your day-to-day and the steps that need to be taken to ensure your business maximises the efficiencies that solar energy offers.
More businesses are embracing this brighter, sustainable future. The choice is yours. Start the process today or wait a few years, at the risk that your competitors will have already made a head start.
Contact a member of our team today to discuss what’s possible.
