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Turn the SDGs into tangible results for your business

In 2015, world leaders made a significant promise: to build a fairer and more sustainable world by 2030. That promise was shaped into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): 17 goals that point the way to real change. But halfway through the timeline, that promise is starting to wobble. Only a third of the global goals are on track. According to the latest SDG report, we’re far from reaching targets around climate, biodiversity, resource use, and inequality. But perhaps the biggest problem isn’t the numbers. It’s how we use the SDGs.

From SDG logos to real impact

As Hans Stegeman (Triodos) rightly points out: the SDGs have become a colourful marketing cake. You see the icons on websites, posters, and LinkedIn posts. We highlight the goals that work in our favour, such as SDG 8 on economic growth, and overlook the more challenging ones, including climate action (SDG 13) and sustainable consumption (SDG 12).

The SDGs often end up being used to show what we’re already doing, instead of asking the more challenging question: what are we still avoiding? Meanwhile, we stay stuck in the same old system, where growth comes first and sustainability only counts if it doesn’t take too much time or effort.

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What does this mean for entrepreneurs

This mindset also trickles down to small businesses. You’re pulled into a system where sustainability mainly has to look good. Customers expect a green story. Larger clients ask for sustainability data. Investors want reports.

The result? Many businesses share what they’re doing, including LED lights, bike schemes, and an SDG logo in their annual reports. And that’s understandable. But the real work (measuring, improving, making a real impact) often gets pushed aside. Not out of unwillingness, but because it seems complex, or because no one shows you where to begin.

That’s a missed opportunity. Because SMEs have the power to drive real change.

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The power of SMEs

You might think, “Sustainability? Isn’t that for governments or big corporations?” But that’s not true. SMEs are responsible for around 70% of Europe’s emissions and 70% of its jobs. When this group starts moving, things shift.

You don’t need a grand plan or a complete business overhaul. Practical, achievable steps are what make the difference.

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Time for a new approach

It’s time to take the SDGs seriously again, not as a label or a box to tick, but as a tool to guide your daily decisions.

That starts with:

  • Measuring. You can only improve what you understand. Think: CO₂ emissions, energy use, waste streams, labour conditions.
  • Choosing what truly matters. Which goals are relevant to your business? And are you willing to face the tougher ones too?
  • Improving for the long term. Not a one-off action for a report, but steady progress as part of your day-to-day operations.
  • Communicating honestly. No polished stories. Be transparent about both your progress and the areas that still require improvement.

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Eevery helps you get started

At Eevery, we believe sustainability shouldn’t just be an external message, it should be a core part of your business strategy. Our platform enables you to take a structured and reliable approach, based on international standards such as the SDGs, GRI, and CSRD. We identify which SDGs your business can influence most, show you how to take action, and help you communicate your impact. Concrete, practical, and achievable.

This way, sustainability becomes more than a nice-to-have. It becomes a smart, forward-thinking business move.

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So the question isn’t: “How sustainable do we look?”

It’s: “What are we doing to contribute to a fair, liveable future?”

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Want to know where your business stands, how to improve right away, and how to communicate it? Book a free demo, we’d love to show you.

other resources
News
GRI officially recognised by the UN as the global standard for sustainability reporting
Sustainability isn’t just for big companies anymore. SMEs are being asked to show what they’re doing for the environment, their people, and the wider world. A good story is no longer enough; it means transparent, reliable reporting. That’s why more businesses are choosing the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The most widely used ESG reporting framework in the world. In July 2025, the United Nations officially recognised GRI as the global standard for sustainability reporting. Using Eevery? Then you’re on the right track. Our ESG tool is officially GRI-certified. In this blog, you’ll learn what that means, what’s changed recently, and how you can take action today.
Measure
Eevery x DGB: insight into your complete CO₂ footprint, including Scope 3
Sustainable business starts with measurement. You can only improve what you understand. Many companies limit themselves to tracking their direct emissions, which include Scope 1 (direct emissions such as gas consumption and company vehicles) and Scope 2 (indirect emissions from purchased electricity or heating). But that’s often just the tip of the iceberg.
Why sustainability
Lead the Change: How Effecty puts people first to drive sustainable growth
At Effecty, everything revolves around trust, responsibility, and freedom. The digital marketing agency based in Horst was founded twelve years ago by Geert Buskes and has grown into a company where autonomy and transparency are the norm. Geert wanted to build a company where he’d enjoy working himself. And he succeeded. With a team of twenty people, a unique company culture, and a strong focus on the human side of doing business, Effecty demonstrates that sustainable impact starts with how you treat people.
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