Gender equality as a systemic driver of sustainability: SDG 5 interlinkages in the European Union

The <scp>SDGs</scp>: A change agenda shaping the future of business and humanity at large

Open educational resources (OER) and some of the United Nations sustainable development goals

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa: Call for a Paradigm Shift.

The effectiveness of eco-taxation in driving green innovation and sustainability in the European Union (EU) remains a contested issue, with critics arguing that it may burden businesses and compromise competitiveness. This study examines how eco-taxation and financial development interact to influence green innovation and environmental sustainability across EU member states, while accounting for the moderating effect of economic growth. Panel data spanning 2010 to 2022 is used, and the System Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) estimator is employed to tackle endogeneity and dynamic relationships. The findings reveal that eco-taxation significantly promotes green innovation, especially in financially developed economies. Moreover, economic growth supports sustainability when aligned with robust environmental policies, but may lead to resource stress in their absence. By situating the findings within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the study contributes to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Specifically, it advocates for integrated policy frameworks that align eco-taxation with green finance (SDG 8 &amp; 9), innovation strategies (SDG 9), sustainable production and resource efficiency (SDG 12), and climate resilience (SDG 13). Furthermore, it underscores the role of targeted R&amp;D investments, enhanced financial instruments, and strengthened public–private partnerships (SDG 17) in supporting the EU's green transition while preserving economic resilience.

Purpose Construction stakeholders often prioritise the environmental and economic aspects of sustainability over its social dimensions. There is a limited understanding of how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and occupational health and safety (OHS) intersect and mutually contribute to each other. This study aims to explore the connection between SDGs and OHS in construction. Design/methodology/approach Using a systematised review approach, 46 publications related to the SDGs and OHS from 2015 to 2023 were identified. The data was analysed through thematic analysis, with the SDGs as the main themes. Additionally, examples from Australian Work Health and Safety laws have been used as a case study to illustrate the connection between the SDGs and OHS. Findings Upon in-depth analysis, it was discovered that construction OHS closely relates to ten SDGs: no poverty (SDG 1), good health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), sustainable consumption and production (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13) and peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16). Furthermore, the study revealed that the relationship between the SDGs and OHS is mutual, with each contributing to the attainment of the other. Originality/value The study offers comprehensive insights into the relationship between the SDGs and OHS in the construction industry, thereby contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Citation (2023), "Index", Birdthistle, N. and Hales, R. (Ed.) Attaining the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal of Responsible Consumption and Production (Family Businesses on a Mission), Emerald Publishing Limited, Bingley, pp. 95-99. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80455-840-920231008 Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited Copyright © 2023 Naomi Birdthistle and Rob Hales. Published by Emerald Publishing Limited License These works are published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of these works (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this licence may be seen at http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode. INDEX Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030), 1 Animal By-Products Disposal Act, 46–47 Animal welfare, 60 Atkinson’s approach to SDG#12, 93–94 Atkinsons Coffee Roasters, 8, 77 3Tr’s, 78–80 Atkinsons and SDG#12, 91–94 background to Atkinsons, 80–81 business and greater good, 90 Business model and SDG#2, 88–89 challenges of working with SDG#12, 89–90 new broom sweeps in, 82–84 organisational structure and description, 84 products and/or services offered by Atkinsons, 80 SDG#12, 86–87, 89–90 vision and mission, 78 Atkinsons Impact Report (2022), 90 B-Corp company, 89 B-Corps Certification, 77 B-Corps Impact Assessment (BIA), 77 Bavarian organic cuisine, 42 Bewley’s coffee background to, 68–71 Bewley’s sourced coffee, 70–71 net positive consumption, 73–74 products and/or services offered by, 67–68 reflect and bounce back, 74–76 sustainable consumption, 72–73 sustainable production, 71–72 ‘Biodiversity’, 61 Business, 1, 32, 48–49, 75 model, 8, 29–30 responsible consumption and production, 42–44 values, 69 Chairman of Supervisory Board, 52 China Tea Company, 7–8, 67–68 Circular economy concept, 4–5 Closed Substance Cycle Waste Management Act, 48 Coatinc Company, 18 Code of Conduct, The, 28 Coffee Washing Station, 89 Commercial Waste Ordinance, 41–42 Cosy Eco-Inn in Munich Haidhausen, 37–38 COVID-19, 3, 18 pandemic, 2, 49, 75 Customers, 30–31 ‘Digitalisation’, 61 DIY approach, 92 EBITDA, 55 Eco-driving, 30 Edible oil, 58 eFuels, 30 Eggs, 48 Environment, 54 and climate, 61 Environmental Purchasing Policy (EPP), 89 Epos Biopartner Süd, 45 European Chemical Transport Association (ECTA), 30–32 European Commission, The, 11–13 European Union (EU), 11, 13, 30–31 Executive Board, 28, 63 Fair trade coffee, 70–71 Fair trade programme, 70–71 Family businesses, 5–6, 11, 13, 53 countries represented in book, 15–18 family businesses around world, 15 in twenty-first century, meaning of, 11–15 Family Management Team (FMT), 77–78, 84, 89 Family-owned businesses, 15 Fast-moving-consumer-goods (FMCG), 51 Food industry, 58 Food waste, legal requirements for hygienic handling of, 42 Foundation for Family Business, 18 Frosta AG, 52, 56 challenge procurement markets, 64 corporate background, 51–52 for future, 61 mission, vision and SDG#12, 52–63 politics, 64 strategic challenge, 64 Frosta Group’s business, The, 55 Frosta’s business model, 54 Frosta’s sustainability strategy, 61, 63 Frozen food, 54 Gas to liquid based on biogas (GTL based on biogas), 30 Gemeinwohl-Ökonomie München e. V. (GWÖ), 44, 48–49 German CSR legal guideline, 61 German Federal Animal By-Products Disposal Act, 46–47 ‘German Sustainability Code’, 61 ‘Glasgow Cup Movement’, 73 Global Reporting Initiative, 30–31 ‘Grasshopper Tea Warehouse’, The, 80 Gross value added contribution (GVA contribution), 17 Herrmannsdorfer Landwerkstätten Glonn GmbH & Co. KG, 44 HOYER Group (logistics company), 6, 21 background to, 23–27 business and greater good, 32 business model and SDG#12, 29–30 challenges of working with SDG#12, 31–32 HOYER Group and SDG#12, 32–33 HOYER USA, 23–24 HOYER’s Code of Conduct, 21 SDG#12, 28–31 services offered by, 23 vision and mission, 23 Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), 30, 32–33 Ian and Sue Steel, 84 Industrial food doctrine, 54 Industrial food production, 53 Indy’ coffee shop, 80–81 Intermodal transportation, 29–30 International Standards, 61 International sustainability standards, 30–31 ISO 26000, 30–31 ISO 26000 Standard principles, 31 J. Atkinson & Co., 77, 80 Klinglwirt , 35, 43, 46–48 philosophy, 48 SDG#12 responsible consumption and production and, 40–42 and SDG#12, 49–50 Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), 6 Loring Smart Eco Roaster, 86–87 Maltodextrin, 58 Management Development Leadership Programme, 75 Market, clients and, 57–58 Munich Haidhausen, Cosy Eco-Inn in, 37–38 Munich’s First Organic Inn background to, 36–38 business and greater good, 48–49 business model and SDG#12 responsible consumption and production, 42–44 challenges of working with SDG#12 responsible consumption and production, 45–48 Cosy Eco-Inn in Munich Haidhausen, 37–38 key activities of business, 42 Klinglwirt and SDG#12, 49–50 networks and awards regarding SDG#12 responsible consumption and production, 44–45 products and/or services offered by, 35–36 SDG#12 responsible consumption and production and Klinglwirt, 40–42 vision and mission, 35 National Standards, 61 Natural additives, 44–45 Net positive consumption, 73–74 Networks and awards regarding SDG#12 responsible consumption and production, 44–45 Non-family management approach, 24 Objective Key Results teams (OKR teams), 28 Organic farm Lenz, 45 Organic herbs, 44–45 Organic spices, 44–45 Oriented Strand Board (OSB), 86–87 Packaging, 57, 73 characteristics, 61 Paper Cup Recovery and Recycle Group, 73 Paris Climate Agreement, 51, 62 ‘Pathway to Paris’ project, 32 People, Profit and Planet (3 P’s), 78 Plan International, 60 Policy, 64 Process definitions, 11 Production process, 7, 55 Products offered by Atkinsons, 80 offered by Bewley’s coffee, 67–68 offered by Munich’s First Organic Inn, 35–36 quality and safety’, 61 Progressmaker software, 29 Purity Law (2003), 53–55, 57, 64 Rain Forest Alliance (RFA), 79 Rapunzel’s organic spelt flour, 45 ‘Refill Culture’, 93 Relationship Coffee model, The, 8, 90–91 Republic of Ireland, The, 17–18 Responsible Consumerism, 78 Retail, 92 organisations, 57 Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), 72 Safety/Security, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ), 21, 27 SHEQ forum and the executive board, 28 SDG number 12 (SDG#12), 3, 5, 28–29, 78 Atkinsons and, 91–94 book series focus, 6–8 bottom line, 63 business and greater good, 59–60 business aspects, 62 business model and, 29–30, 42, 44, 54–55, 88–89 challenges of working with, 31–32, 45, 48, 89–90 clients and market, 57–58 environment, 54 family aspects, 62 HOYER group, and stakeholders, 30–33 initial situation, 52 Klinglwirt and, 49–50 legal requirements for hygienic handling of food waste, 42 lessons learnt ‘SDG#12 Perspective’, 59 measurements, 61, 63 mission, vision and, 52–63 motivation, 52–53 national and international standards, 61 politics and public, 58–59 produce as little waste as possible, 41–42 purity law, 53–54 networks and awards regarding SDG#12 responsible consumption and production, 44–45 responsible consumption and production and Klinglwirt, 40–42 SDG#12. 2, 57 SDG#12. 3, 45, 57, 79 SDG#12. 7, 48 stakeholder relation to, 55 suppliers, 57 waste prevention, 45–46 waste recycling, 46–48 waste separation regulations and systems, 41 Senior Management Team (SMT), 84 Services offered by Atkinsons, 80 offered by Bewley’s coffee, 67–68 offered by Munich’s First Organic Inn, 35–36 Silicon dioxide, 58 Socio-Emotional Wealth (SEW), 53 ‘Sole survivor factor’, 80–81 Speciality Coffee Association (SCA), 79 Stakeholders approach, 2 relation to SDG#12, 55 SDG#12, HOYER Group and, 30–31 Strategic Guiding Principles, 28 Structural definitions, 11 Sugar, 58 Suppliers, 57 Supply chain management, 5 Sustainability, 26–27, 52, 63 mindset, 90 report, 27 strategy, 56 Sustainability Development Officer (SDO), 78 Sustainable business models, 43 Sustainable consumption, 72–73 Sustainable consumption and production (CSP), 67 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), 1, 27, 87–88 methodological approach adopted for book, 8 SDG#12 book series focus, 6–8 Sustainable differentiation, 64 Sustainable production, 71–72 ‘Tafernwirtschaft’, 36 Traceability and Transparency and Trust (3 Tr’s), 78, 80 UK gross domestic product (GDP), 15, 17 UN SDGs, 77 Unique selling point (USP), 92 United Kingdom, 17, 69, 73 United Nations Global Compact, 30–31 Unser Bio-Ei, 45 US GDP, 15 Vitamins, 58 Walmart, 15 Waste prevention, 45–46 recycling, 46–48 separation regulations and systems, 41 Waste Act, 46–47 ‘Wholesale Department’, 92–93 William Prym Holding Ltd., 18 World Wide Fund (WWF), 32 ‘Wylex’ plugs, 81 Book Chapters Prelims Chapter 1 The Sustainable Development Goals – SDG#12 Responsible Consumption and Production Chapter 2 The Meaning of Being a Family Business in the 21st Century Chapter 3 Germany: The HOYER Group and an Early Passion for Safety/Security, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) Chapter 4 Germany: Klinglwirt – Munich’s First Organic Inn: Unconventional, Family-Run and Climate-Friendly Chapter 5 Germany: 20 Years of Corporate Development of Frosta AG – From Thought Leader to SDG#12 and Category Leader Chapter 6 Ireland: Bewley's Coffee Chapter 7 UK: Atkinsons Coffee Roasters Index

This research addresses a critical gap in the literature by establishing a direct correlation between particle pollution from fine particulates (PM2.5) and women’s political participation. It offers a nuanced understanding of gender dynamics in governance and their impact on environmental outcomes. Focusing on 27 European Union (EU) countries from 2013 to 2021, econometric techniques unveil common trends, underscoring cross-sectional dependence. This study reveals distinct gender behaviors in combating pollution, with women in parliaments and regional assemblies notably contributing to pollutant reduction. However, the negative impact of women’s engagement in politics on PM2.5 intensifies the lower part of the representation hierarchy. Policymakers are urged to create conditions fostering women’s political participation, advocating for gender quotas to address underrepresentation. The research emphasizes the interconnectedness of gender, politics, and environmental issues, urging heightened awareness among policymakers. Limitations include a confined scope and duration, requiring cross-validation beyond the EU. Future research pathways involve exploring the intricate connections between gender, politics, and environmental initiatives, seeking thresholds for impactful women’s representation. In contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this study aligns with SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), SDG 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions), and SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals).

This bibliometric study analyzes 1433 former reviews on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Sustainability, providing a comprehensive overview of the evolving research landscape in this domain. Notably, we observe a substantial annual growth rate of 74% in publications and a remarkable 171% increase in total citations from 2016 to 2022, reflecting a growing interest in this area. We identify the leading countries and institutions contributing to quantitative reviews on SDGs and Sustainability. SDG 12 (Sustainable Consumption and Production) emerges as the most extensively studied and is highly represented in influential journals like Sustainability and the Journal of Cleaner Production. Across various research fields, SDGs 12 and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) stand out, with SDGs 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), and 15 (Life on Land) showing significance in specific domains. Thematic analysis reveals key topics like environmental protection, circular economy, life cycle assessment, and supply chain management, with strong connections to SDG 12. Further clusters highlight environmental management, renewable energy, and energy policy linked to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), along with a smaller cluster focusing on urbanization driven by SDG 11. Network analysis emphasizes the critical roles of SDGs 12 and 9 (Industry Innovation and Infrastructure) in achieving a sustainable future. However, alternative social network indicators highlight the potential influence of SDGs 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) on other goals. Intriguingly, mainstream SDG research predominantly focuses on SDGs 3 and 7, presenting challenges due to the volume and complexity of related publications. While SDG 7 could find suitable outlets in leading journals, addressing SDG 3’s (Good Health and Well Being) complexity remains a formidable task. Nevertheless, conducting bibliometric studies on SDGs 3, 7, and 13 (Climate Action) offers promising opportunities in future if the associated challenges are addressed effectively.

El Sistema Greece (ESG) is a music education initiative aimed at fostering social inclusion by providing access to music education for all youth, including children from marginalized communities. Inspired by Venezuela’s original El Sistema, ESG was established in Greece in 2016 with the mission of promoting educational and social inclusion through musical engagement. El Sistema Greece Youth Choir, as the program’s primary vocal ensemble, plays a central role in creating a supportive and safe environment for the personal and artistic development of its members. In close collaboration with the El Sistema Greece Youth Orchestra - founded in November 2017 and offering music training to individuals aged 10 to 26 - ESG extends its reach through joint performances and partnerships with other institutions. These collaborations aim to broaden access to structured music education and cultivate creative expression, while simultaneously promoting social equity. This research, conducted between November 2024 and January 2025, adopts a case study approach to examine the intercultural music program of ESG. The primary research questions investigate the program’s impact on participants’ social inclusion, skills development, and self-esteem, and further explore how music can contribute to sustainability and social cohesion in multicultural settings. The study analyzes ESG’s alignment with seven United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs): Good health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4.7), gender equality (SDG 5), reduced inequalities (SDG 10.2), safeguarding of cultural heritage (SDG 11.4), peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16) and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17).

Working Together: Human Rights, the Sustainable Development Goals and Gender Equality

Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels is the German publishers and booksellers association. Sustainability and working towards achieving the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are top priorities for the organization. This includes the aim of reducing carbon emissions. Börsenverein is a member of the International Publishers Association, the Federation of European Publishers and the European and International Booksellers Federation as well as a corresponding member of STM and collaborates with all these associations in its work on sustainability. At the domestic level, Börsenverein has established a Sustainability Working Group with three task forces to lead its efforts, focusing on promoting the book sector’s achievement of selected SDGs, such as SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). At the same time, the book sector has an outstanding role and opportunity in promoting other SDGs through the works it publishes, distributes, and makes accessible to readers. Börsenverein strives to foster the positive impacts of this “carbon handprint” on SDGs such as SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). Concrete first steps include an external sustainability audit, member-facing events, and a conference.

To Achieve a Sustainable Blue Future, Progress Assessments Must Include Interdependencies between the Sustainable Development Goals

The analysis of interlinkages between the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the assessment of countries' progress towards the goals are two prominent research areas in the debate around the 2030 Agenda. The central questions are whether countries are progressing towards the goals at sufficient speed, and whether the SDGs can be achieved in their entirety. While it is evident that trade‐offs between the 2030 Agenda's objectives might prevent countries from achieving all 17 SDGs simultaneously, the extent to which interactions (synergies and trade‐offs) between the goals facilitate or hinder countries' progress towards achieving the 2030 Agenda has so far received little attention. The present study combines the two topics by linking the analysis of synergies and trade‐offs between the SDGs in the European Union (EU) member states with a longitudinal assessment of these countries' progress towards the goals. SDG interlinkages are assessed through Spearman's rank order correlation, while progress is calculated according to Eurostat's progress measure. Using regression analysis, we find a significant negative relationship between countries' progress and the shares of trade‐offs among SDG indicators and a moderate positive relationship between progress and synergies, suggesting that trade‐offs have a bigger influence on the pace of countries' progress towards the goals than synergies. In order to achieve the SDGs by 2030, it is thus crucial to not only exploit synergies between the goals but also to overcome trade‐offs.

The paper reviews a specific approach built on a transdisciplinary methodology basis, which includes a public participation method for building a model of sustainable campus at Thiruvalluvar University. The purpose of this case study was to explore Postgraduate and research student's experiences of competitive and trans-disciplinary learning methods and its role to achieve the sustainable developments goals (SDG). A focus group was conducted with 200 students (male=70, female=130).Their main points indicated that competitive and trans disciplinary learning was a key to reach the SDG: no poverty (SDG 1), good health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) and peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16). The goals were achieved through the design of organic farm with mushroom cultivation and herbal garden thereby we attained all the set objectives with the positive outcome in the sustainable manner which helps in the outcome based attainment of gainful employment opportunity.

The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are not specific to one industry; they help every industry achieve a sustainable future. This study aims to investigate the contribution of Sri Lankan tea plantation companies towards the SDGs and how tea plantation companies enhance a sustainable future for their organizations. The qualitative research approach is employed under an exploratory research design. A purposive sampling technique was used to collect data from ten factory managers using a semi-structured interview protocol. And thematic analysis is employed to analyze the data. The findings revealed that SDGs provide a universal and visionary framework for contributing to economic, social, and environmental factors and lead to achieving a sustainable future for tea plantation companies. The SDGs are relevant to tea plantation companies because those SDGs assign different weights to business practices. Goals such as no poverty, good health and wellbeing, zero hunger, gender equality, sustainable cities and communities, quality education, peace and justice, and strong institutions are important in the social dimensions. And also, affordable and clean energy, climate action, responsible consumption and production, life below water, life on land, clean water and sanitation are important SDGs in the environmental model. And decent work and economic growth, industry/innovation and infrastructure, reduced inequality, and partnerships are the SDGs for the economy. Further, the majority of the SDGs contribute to enhancing society and the environment. Intriguingly, it was revealed that the willingness of the shareholders to implement socially-oriented projects is a major problem in the tea plantation sector. There is a scarcity of literature grades in SDGs in tea plantation companies in the agriculture sector. As a result, this research has delved deeper into tea plantation companies in the agricultural industry.