Sustainability ABC

Every actor who cares about the treatment of people, the carrying capacity of the earth and the functioning of society should be interested in sustainability and responsibility issues. Every individual also has a role in sustainability issues, but companies, organisations and public sector actors (state, municipalities, etc.) are key actors. 

We spar with different actors on the content and benefits of sustainability and responsibility, as well as the roles and different responsibilities of different actors in securing sustainable development.

 


 

Kuvituskuva shakkinappulat

Tailored corporate responsibility coaching

Corporate sustainability and the regulation that defines it apply to companies of all sizes and types. 

We spar with companies of all sizes at different stages of sustainability work - both those starting out the work and those already in it - on the content, benefits, and requirements and expectations of corporate sustainability. The issues that are relevant to a company and the priorities of sustainability work are significantly influenced by the company's industry, products, and operating contexts. The expectations and requirements (including the implementation of due diligence) directed at a company are also influenced by the size and ownership of the company.

Sparring can be carried out on the following topics, for example:

  • Why is corporate sustainability worthwhile?
  • What does corporate sustainability mean in general and specifically for the company in question?
  • How is corporate sustainability implemented in practice?

 

Sustainability requirements for public sector actors (state responsibility)

Public sector actors (in Finland, for example, state, municipalities, joint municipal authorities, and welfare regions) have a central responsibility for implementing sustainability requirements. This responsibility is determined through so-called state responsibility. Regarding human rights responsibility, the requirements related to state responsibility have been summarised in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (parts I and III of the principles). 

State responsibility differs from corporate responsibility, for example, in that state responsibility also includes the responsibility to promote the realisation of sustainability and responsibility, including human rights, through positive actions. The requirements of state responsibility must be taken into account, for example, in the implementation of public procurement. 

We spar and train public sector actors to understand how they must take state responsibility into account in their operations and what concrete actions state responsibility requires from public sector actors in the area of sustainability.