Implementing Sustainable Development Goals in projects - Podcast #40 with Anna Hohenadel

TL;DR

Anna Hoonato, the Prime coordinator at Conestoga College, discusses the implementation of Prime (Principles for Responsible Management Education) and the integration of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into projects and operations. Challenges include getting management's attention and avoiding greenwashing.

Transcript

foreign welcome to the understanding projects podcast my discussion today is with Anna hoonato who is the Prime coordinator at Conestoga College Anna is currently spearheading an initiative to implement Prime at the college with prime standing for principles for responsible management education related to Prime we talked about the United Nations su... Read More

Key Insights

• 🫥 Prime aims to create future leaders who understand sustainability and the triple bottom line.
• ❓ Conestoga College is actively participating in Prime and developing a report to showcase their sustainability initiatives.
• 🛟 The SDGs serve as targets for a more sustainable future and can be integrated into projects and operations.
• 🆘 Sustainability consultants can help organizations improve operational sustainability, enhance their brand, and align with the SDGs.
• 💨 Greenwashing is a concern, particularly in industries like fast fashion, and organizations should prioritize genuine sustainability efforts.
• 🚱 Collaboration between governments, corporations, non-profits, and individuals is essential for achieving the SDGs.
• 🥺 Operational sustainability improvements can lead to cost savings and employee well-being.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is Prime and how does it relate to responsible management education?

Prime stands for Principles for Responsible Management Education and was started by the United Nations to address the need for sustainability practices in business. It aims to create future leaders who understand sustainability and the triple bottom line (people, planet, profit).

Q: How is Conestoga College involved in Prime?

Conestoga College's School of Business signed on to be a signatory to Prime in 2020. As a signatory, the college submits a report every two years to showcase their sustainability efforts. This report will be publicly available and outline goals for further integrating Prime into the institution.

Q: What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how do they relate to Prime?

The SDGs were created by the United Nations as ambitious targets for a more sustainable future. Prime works in collaboration with these goals to help them come to fruition. The SDGs cover various topics such as poverty eradication, gender equality, climate action, and more.

Q: How does a sustainability consultant benefit organizations?

A sustainability consultant can help organizations improve operational sustainability, which in turn can lead to cost savings, improved employee morale, brand enhancement, and being better prepared for future uncertainties. They can also ensure organizations align with the SDGs and avoid greenwashing.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Prime is an initiative started by the United Nations Global Compact in 2007 to promote responsible management education and create future leaders who understand sustainability and the triple bottom line.

• Conestoga College is a member of Prime and is working on a report to showcase their sustainability initiatives. This report will be publicly available and outline future goals for integrating Prime into the School of Business.

• The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were created by the United Nations in 2015 and serve as targets for a more sustainable future. Prime aims to help these goals come to fruition through collaboration between various stakeholders.