We organized special meetings for our employees to present and deepen their understanding of the UN Sustainable Development Goals
The Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted at the 70th United Nations General Assembly in 2015, with the 17 Goals being a commitment to action and implementation by 2030 for all UN member states. In 2017, surveys showed that only 38% of the world's population was aware of the Sustainable Development Goals, a number that rose to 50% in 2023. While the data show progress in raising awareness among our fellow human beings, they also reveal that there are still many steps to be taken.
At Principia, we align each of our activities with the Sustainable Development Goals, within the framework of the Creating Shared Value model. To get to know the Sustainable Development Goals better, we organized a series of meetings with our employees, the SDG Induction Sessions. Through information, discussion and glimpses into global news, we focused on some of the most important SDGs in order to understand how They can create a better, more sustainable tomorrow for all.
Analyzing the Goals
The core of the SDG Induction Sessions was the analytical presentation and deeper understanding of the selected objectives, with emphasis on the challenges, solutions and possibilities of action for each of them. At each meeting, a separate group of employees undertook to summarize and present SDGs 1, 4, 7, 10 and 13 to all their colleagues, initiating a constructive dialogue about the future of our world.
In the first SDG Induction Session, we analyzed Goal 7 – Clean and Affordable Energy, which highlights how critical access to affordable, reliable and clean energy is for sustainability. We looked at fossil fuel dependency and the impacts of climate change, as well as the potential of renewable energy to accelerate the green transition. Also, we discussed the small changes we can all make in our daily lives, for saving energy, adopting green appliances and participating in recycling programs.
Our next meeting focused on Goal 4 - Quality Education and Goal 10 - Reduce Inequalities. As education is the main driver of development and social progress, we examined the challenges in accessing education, such as poverty, discrimination and lack of resources, and analyzed our initiatives, such as supporting schools in remote communities, as well as implementing the Energy On The Go educational program for students of all ages in Greece.
The Session also focused on Goal 4 – Reduce Inequalities , the importance of equal access to opportunities, through the analysis of economic and social inequalities, presentation of data on wage differences, insufficient representation of vulnerable groups and social discrimination. Finally, the company's policies that enhance diversity were discussed, such as equal hiring opportunities, mentoring programs for disadvantaged teams and support for women in leadership positions.
In the last session for 2024, we focused on Goal 1 - No Poverty, by presenting data on global and local poverty, its causes and impacts, as well as the company's initiatives with actions such as collaborating with social actors to support vulnerable groups and donating products or services to local communities. In these actions, A key role is played by the contribution of employees, through voluntary participation in offer programs or the general awareness of our social environment.
Finally, we looked at Goal 13 – Climate Action, as climate change is one of the biggest threats of our time. The scientific data on rising temperatures, sea level rise and extreme weather events highlight the need to reduce our carbon footprint, use sustainable materials, and participate in ecological initiatives. such as tree planting, recycling and saving natural resources at work and home.
From theory to practical engagement
The SDG Induction Sessions series provided employees with the knowledge and tools they need to understand their role in sustainability. Through discussion and action, these goals are transformed from theoretical concepts into practical commitments, enhancing the company's impact on society and the environment.
Our goal is to contribute to the daily needs of the local communities we operate but also to respond with sustainable solutions to problems that arise. It is worth mentioning typical examples of actions of social interest that we recently implemented: the organization of Community Week, a week of contribution to various social groups, he completion with the participation of more than 700 young people of the educational program "Energy On The Go" approved by the Ministry of Education (SDG 4), the construction of a wooden playground for children with disabilities in Kozani (SDG 4,10,11), the reuse of old merchandising materials in the context of our rebranding in collaboration with Fabric Republic (SDGs 1, 13), our cooperation with the Fire (SDG 15, 17) and the voluntary cleaning of areas of Attica (SDG 15, 17).
