How sustainability standards contribute to SDG 12: Business as usual is not an option anymore, neither in the medium or long-term, to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

• Author: Batalhone, Ana Patricia
• Position: SPECIAL REPORT

As economic growth accelerates, unsustainable consumption and production patterns exacerbate inequality and natural resource depletion. Business as usual is not an option anymore, neither in the medium or long-term, to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The time has come to urgently transition to an inclusive green economy, an economic model that focuses on resource efficiency and the sustainable management of ecosystems as a building block.

Environment degradation undermines long-term economic growth and human development. SDG 12 on responsible consumption and production, the cornerstone of the green economy concept, aims at doing more and better with less by suggesting breaking the vicious cycle of resource use and waste generation. It is relevant for all countries, both developed and developing.

The transition to an inclusive green economy entails joint efforts in stimulating sustainable lifestyles, scaling up sustainable consumption and production (SCP) and encouraging environmental entrepreneurship. Through the advancement of eco-innovations, the facilitation of resource efficiency, and the mainstreaming of conscious consumer behaviour, new jobs are expected to be created in the renewable energy and recycling sectors, among others, without compromising existing employment. A significant reduction of carbon emissions, waste and other forms of pollution can also be achieved.

Businesses, governments and consumers are central players in driving these changes. Demand for improved information and communication on product sustainability, sustainable public procurement practices and new products and services with lower environmental impact are some examples of how consumers, governments and companies are acting in this area.

CHALLENGES RELATED TO SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION

Businesses play a pivotal role in society's shift towards SCP. On one hand they are consumers of products, commodities or natural resources overall, while on the other they set rules, standards and practices at market level. Voluntary sustainability standards can be effective tools for achieving environmental objectives and strengthening demand for sustainable products. These can also be supplemented by eco-labelling and certification schemes. This means that in addition to the standard, information is provided to the buyer indicating the product's environmental impact.

However, businesses are often confounded by the complexity of the sustainability landscape...