Due to the rapid change in our modern society, pollution levels have increased. Stats have proven high levels of carbon-dioxide increasing over the past few years, especially due to major manufacturing facilities.  South Africa is the world’s 14th largest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHGs), as its CO2 emissions are principally due to a heavy reliance on coal. Therefore, it is important for business leaders, big and small, to implement sustainable change.


Sustainable Goals

Many understand sustainability as an economic development that is conducted without the depletion of natural resources. however, the International Institue for Sustainable Development asks us to look further and think of sustainable development as:

"development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."


This ultimate goal has led to the debate on climate change to take action and bring us closer to achieving the change needed.  Businesses are now forced to take action, even those who retain doubts about climate change. Due to our planets state, because of global challenges (poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, peace and justice) the United Nations adopted the Global Goals, in September 2015. These goals have been set out to help safeguard the health and future of the planet.


Sustainable Goals for 2030

The aim to bring about change has led to the United Nations, Sustainable Development Unit creating these goals in the hope that these "targets will stimulate action over the next fifteen years in areas of critical importance for humanity and the planet"


These goals are for the:


People

We are determined to end poverty and hunger, in all their forms and dimensions, and to ensure that all human beings can fulfil their potential in dignity and equality and in a healthy environment.


Planet

We are determined to protect the planet from degradation, including through sustainable consumption and production, sustainably managing its natural resources and taking urgent action on climate change, so that it can support the needs of the present and future generations.


Prosperity

We are determined to ensure that all human beings can enjoy prosperous and fulfilling lives and that economic, social and technological progress occurs in harmony with nature.


Peace

We are determined to foster peaceful, just and inclusive societies which are free from fear and violence. There can be no sustainable development without peace and no peace without sustainable development.


Partnership

We are determined to mobilize the means required to implement this Agenda through a revitalised Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, based on a spirit of strengthened global solidarity, focussed in particular on the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable and with the participation of all countries, all stakeholders and all people.


The interlinkages and integrated nature of the Sustainable Development Goals are of crucial importance in ensuring that the purpose of the new Agenda is realised. If we realize our ambitions across the full extent of the Agenda, the lives of all will be profoundly improved and our world will be transformed for the better.


It is these goals which iTouch fully support and believe in putting into action. 


iTouch Supports Sustainable Development Goals

iTouch has proudly taken further steps by placing their operations in harmony with the environment by moving into the FNB Portside building in  Cape Town. This is a joint venture between Old Mutual and FirstRand Bank and has become South Africa’s first green tall building. This building is at the forefront of innovation and sustainable design in South Africa and embraces the principals of the Sustainable Development Goals.


iTouch and its Foundation encourage other businesses to join on creating a better and healthier planet. To gain more information about these sustainable goals and what you and your business can do to bring about change, see more at SDG Knowledge Hub.


For more information on about iTouch's contribution, click here


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