UN Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs)
In 2015, the United Nations agreed on 17 SDGs as part of a 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to end poverty, promote prosperity and wellbeing for all, and protect the planet. Downer is a supporter of the SDGs and we recognise that, as the leading integrated services provider in Australia and New Zealand, we are in a strong position to contribute towards achieving these goals and their related targets.
Downer contributes to most of the SDGs in four important ways: through our services and products; by responsibly operating our business; through our capability and thought leadership; and through our social responsibility activities and community involvement.
In this year’s Sustainability Report we have aligned our material issues and case studies to the SDGs, using icons to show which ones we are contributing to each time.
Ensuring women are treated equally and afforded opportunities for empowerment and leadership
At Downer, we employ approximately 52,000 people across several sectors requiring a diverse range of skills and expertise. Therefore, we recognise the importance and the role we can play to increase female participation in industry sectors where female participation is traditionally low (e.g. construction). We ensure that women are treated equally and afforded opportunities for empowerment and leadership roles within the organisation.
Provide access to affordable and reliable sustainable energy for all
Energy is essential to sustain the modern world and as the world moves towards a low carbon economy, demand for clean fuel and technology and integrating renewable energy into end-use applications in buildings, transport and industry will continue to grow. Downer is one of Australia’s most experienced providers in the energy market, delivering services to customers requiring both utility and commercial scale sustainable energy solutions. Downer is also continually looking to substitute fossil fuel-derived energy sources with renewables.
Provide opportunities for productive and decent work
As a large employer, Downer prides itself on providing productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and people with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. Downer also has influence over its large supply chain and understands the need for effective measures to eradicate forced labour and put a stop to modern slavery and human trafficking.
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation
Downer makes the greatest contribution to SDG#9. Downer designs, builds and sustains assets, infrastructure and facilities and we are the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand.
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Downer provides sustainable solutions and essential infrastructure and transport services (e.g. communication networks, road and rail networks) to our customers that enable cities and human settlements to be better connected, more efficient, safe and resilient.
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Downer is committed to responsibly using resources and embraces the opportunities of the circular economy, believing it is highly beneficial for business, environment and society. This is evident in Downer’s continued investment in its Reconomy business.
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Downer accepts the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessment of the science related to climate change. Downer considers climate change to be one of its material issues and has responded to the recommendations of the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Downer is actively taking action to decarbonise its GHG emissions.
