How to set sustainable development goals for your business

A guide to how entrepreneurs can contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, for the benefit of both the planet and their business

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 goals adopted by UN member states in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It’s described as ‘a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future’. 

Businesses have a role to play in achieving the SDGs. In its advice for businesses, the UN says:  

‘No matter how large or small, and regardless of their industry, all companies can contribute to the SDGs. While the scale and scope of the global goals is unprecedented, the fundamental ways that business can contribute remain unchanged. The UN Global Compact asks companies to first do business responsibly and then pursue opportunities to solve societal challenges through business innovation and collaboration.’ 

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 

The 17 SDGs are: 

1. No poverty: end poverty in all its forms everywhere. 
2. Zero hunger: end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. 
3. Good health and wellbeing: ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages. 
4. Quality education: ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. 
5. Gender equality: achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. 
6. Clean water and sanitation: ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. 
7. Affordable and clean energy: ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. 
8. Decent work and economic growth: promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. 
9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure: build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, and foster innovation. 
10. Reduced inequalities: reduce inequality within and among countries. 
11. Sustainable cities and communities: make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. 
12. Responsible consumption and production: ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. 
13. Climate action: take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. 
14. Life below water: conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development. 
15. Life on land: protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss. 
16. Peace, justice, and strong institutions: promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. 
17. Partnerships for the goals: strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development. 

Business benefits of adopting SDGs 

As well as the moral duty of helping the world achieving the SDGs, there are various business benefits: 

Access to capital and investors 

Investors are increasingly using environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues to assess risk when backing businesses and there are several funds and schemes for sustainable ventures.  

Efficiency and cost savings 

Actions such as reducing energy consumption, cutting waste, increasing recycling, and lowering water usage can reduce business costs.  

Brand differentiation and consumer trust 

Many modern consumers, particularly Gen Z and millennials, are drawn to businesses that commit to goals such as responsible consumption and climate action. Studies show many shoppers are willing to pay more for ethically sourced and environmentally friendly products. 

Attracting and training talent 

Purpose-driven companies stand out in the battle for talent. Employees who feel their work is helping to make the world a better place are more likely to be productive and less likely to quit.   

Pick the goals for your business 

You can’t reach all 17 goals, so pick those that are most relevant to your business operations, core strategy, and where you have the greatest leverage. For example, a tech startup could focus on goal 9 on covering innovation, a food brand could focus on goal 12 and responsible consumption, while a farming business could tackle sustainable use of land, listed in goal 15.  

When deciding on targets to set, consider where your business currently stands on the relevant issues, such as your carbon footprint, waste management, and employment practices.  

You should also talk to customers, employees, suppliers, partners, investors, and other stakeholders to get their feedback.  

Define your targets 

Once you’ve defined your priorities, translate them into targets that are SMART: 

• Specific 
• Measurable 
• Achievable 
• Relevant 
• Time-bound 

For example, instead of having a general target for ‘reducing waste’, set a goal to ‘cut packaging waste by 30% by 2029’.  

Targets should be linked to your business’ overall key performance indicators (KPIs) and be focused on activities that truly move the needle.  

Measure your progress 

Setting sustainable development goals is only meaningful if you track whether you are actually delivering against them. Monitoring progress regularly helps you stay accountable, spot gaps early and adapt before small issues become strategic risks. 

Digital ESG platforms such as Workiva, Sweep, Persefoni and Position Green allow you to track performance in real time. If you are earlier in your journey, practical tools from the SME Climate Hub can help you begin measuring and reducing emissions in a structured way. 

Alongside technology, recognised reporting frameworks bring credibility and consistency to your efforts. The Global Reporting Initiative and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board provide guidance on how to transparently report your environmental, social and economic impact. Using established frameworks not only improves internal clarity but also allows you to benchmark your performance against peers. 

Accreditation schemes can further strengthen accountability. Certification through B Lab, for example, demonstrates that your business meets recognised environmental and social standards, while giving you a structured framework for continuous improvement. 

Internally, sustainability targets should not sit in isolation. Integrate them into management KPIs and performance reviews, with quarterly (or more frequent) check-ins to assess progress and adjust course where necessary. Embedding accountability at leadership level ensures sustainability is treated as a strategic priority, not a side project. 

Finally, transparency is critical. Avoid greenwashing by overstating achievements or glossing over setbacks. Publishing clear targets and progress updates, whether through an annual ESG report or your website, builds trust with customers, employees and investors. Honest reporting strengthens your brand far more than polished but vague claims. 

Turning sustainable development goals into business advantage 

Setting sustainable development goals for your business is not about chasing trends or producing glossy reports. Done properly, it sharpens decision-making, strengthens resilience, and opens up new commercial opportunities. 

By aligning goals with your core strategy, measuring what matters, and embedding accountability at leadership level, sustainability becomes a driver of long-term value rather than a compliance exercise. The most successful businesses treat sustainable development not as a separate initiative, but as part of how they operate, innovate, and grow. 

In a marketplace shaped by rising regulation, investor scrutiny, and changing customer expectations, those who set clear goals — and rigorously track progress against them — will be better positioned to compete, adapt, and lead. 

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