SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production

Goal: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Global Context

Global material consumption has more than tripled since 1970, reaching 100 billion tonnes annually. One-third of all food produced is lost or wasted. Electronic waste reached 62 million tonnes in 2022, with only 22% formally recycled. The fashion industry produces 10% of global carbon emissions and is the second-largest consumer of water. Current consumption patterns require 1.75 Earths to sustain.

Key Targets

Key targets include implementing the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production (12.1), achieving sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources (12.2), halving per capita global food waste (12.3), achieving environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes (12.4), substantially reducing waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse (12.5), encouraging companies to adopt sustainable practices and sustainability reporting (12.6), and promoting sustainable public procurement (12.7).

Business Contribution

Businesses contribute through circular economy business models (product-as-a-service, remanufacturing, recycling), sustainable product design (design for durability, repairability, recyclability), responsible sourcing and supply chain management, waste reduction and zero-waste initiatives, sustainable packaging, chemical management, and transparent sustainability reporting.

Measurement & Reporting

GRI 301 (Materials), GRI 306 (Waste), SASB sector-specific resource efficiency metrics, Ellen MacArthur Foundation Circularity Indicators, Cradle to Cradle certification.

Primary Sources

UNEP, Ellen MacArthur Foundation, One Planet Network

From ESG Library

• ESG & GRI Reporting Made Simple — SDG mapping and disclosure guidance
• Practical Guide to ESG Integration — Integrating SDGs into business strategy

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Related Topics

• GRI Standards
• UN Global Compact
• Environmental SDGs
• Social SDGs
• Governance SDGs

References

• UN SDGs — Goal 12 — official targets and indicators for Goal 12
• UN SDGs — the 17 goals and 169 targets (adopted 2015, 2030 Agenda)
• UN — Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda — the founding resolution