ready. You are currently on: The SDGs and The Agency for Facility Operations Sustainability at The Agency for Facility Operations
The SDGs and The Agency for Facility Operations
The SDGs or Sustainable Development Goals, formulated by the United Nations, are the most ambitious global sustainability targets ever adopted.
A growth path
The SDGs provide direction and call for action. Today, the Agency for Facility Operations uses the SDG’s as a framework to shape its sustainability policy.
The Agency collaborates with CIFAL Flanders (in Dutch)(opens in new window) to exchange experiences and knowledge, strategically embed the SDGs and raise its level of ambition. The PCA2030 training program is a learning path with increasing levels of maturity. From SDG-Pioneer, to SDG-Champion ans ultimately SDG-Ambassador.
We are SDG champions!
The Agency for Facility Operations may call itself an SDG champion. But what does this mean? And how did we get this far?
Sustainability is embedded in the operations and services of The Agency for Facility Operations as one of its four added values.
What do the SDGs generate for us now and in the future?
The journey towards being an SDG Ambassador has given the Agency a framework for structuring its sustainability policy from the perspective of broader societal needs (outside-in). Whereas sustainability was previously focused only on environmental themes, by using the SDGs:
more themes are brought into scope, so that sustainability now has a broader support base within the organisation, and
more emphasis is placed on the interaction between the various themes (holistic approach).
Working with the SDGs has provided insights into launching consultations on sustainability with new stakeholders who are not immediately part of the Flemish authorities or solicit the services of the Agency.
Working with the SDGs also encourages us to monitor progress and communicate about it, not only within the Flemish authorities but also beyond. On this front, the SDGs provide a common language that helps with communication and makes it easier to collaborate.
The Agenda2030 is a policy text at the level of national governments. Working with the SDGs requires an ongoing focus to translate it into business opportunities and make it relevant in the day-to-day work environment of all staff members.
An overview of our journey
- Stap 1
2016 - Leverage for sustainability
In 2016, the Agency started a strategy exercise on sustainability. At the time, the strategy was worked out on the basis of the existing strengths of the organisation (inside-out approach).
- Stap 2
2017 - Sustainability strategically embedded
In 2017, sustainability was strategically embedded in the vision and mission of the Agency, and was defined as added value. Sustainability-related governance was elaborated (sustainability programme, sustainability core team, etc.)
- Stap 3
2018 - Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's)
The SDGs came onto the radar in 2018 and expertise was developed regarding the goals and ambitions of Agenda2030. It was decided to start using this as a compass to build on the sustainability story. This led to an SDG commitment statement and a 2030 sustainability roadmap
- Stap 4
2019 - Translating the SDGs
In 2019, sustainability was integrated into the goals cascade of the business plan (no longer a separate programme). Sustainable management and no longer managing sustainability. Circular business was put forward as a sustainable business model.
- Stap 5
2020 - Systematic
2020 saw more systematic monitoring of sustainability & the SDGs and a communication with more focus on external communication.
- Stap 6
2022 - International partnerships
After 2022, there was more focus on building international cooperation and further strengthening the approach to preventing human rights violations. There was also a focus on dialogue with social stakeholders.