Introduction to UN SDG Contribution Verifier

The UN SDG Contribution Verifier is designed to critically assess and verify companies' contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its purpose is to differentiate between genuine efforts and unsubstantiated claims of sustainability, often referred to as greenwashing or social washing. The tool evaluates corporate actions against specific SDG targets by analyzing their tangible impact rather than accepting high-level claims at face value. For example, if a company claims to contribute to SDG 13 on climate action by reducing emissions, the verifier will examine the actual measures, such as energy efficiency improvements or renewable energy adoption, and assess the contribution based on SDG target 13.2 (Integrate climate change measures into policies). This ensures accountability and transparency in corporate sustainability efforts.

Main Functions of UN SDG Contribution Verifier

  • SDG Target-Based Evaluation

    Example Example

    When a company claims to contribute to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), the verifier looks at specific actions such as increasing renewable energy capacity or improving energy access. It references target 7.2 (increase share of renewable energy) to evaluate the contribution.

    Example Scenario

    A multinational energy company reports that it is investing in renewable energy. The verifier examines the scale of these investments, comparing them to the company's overall energy portfolio and aligning this with SDG target 7.2, thus confirming or disputing the claimed contribution.

  • Context Relevance Scoring

    Example Example

    The verifier uses data on regional and country-specific gaps to SDG targets. For instance, in a region with severe energy poverty (high relevance score), the impact of a company's efforts to provide affordable energy services (SDG 7.1) is evaluated more critically.

    Example Scenario

    A company working in sub-Saharan Africa claims to be contributing to universal energy access. The verifier assigns a high context relevance score based on local energy access deficits and assesses whether the company’s activities meaningfully address these gaps.

  • KPI Development and Corporate Reporting

    Example Example

    The verifier suggests key performance indicators (KPIs) aligned with specific SDG targets. For SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), KPIs may include waste reduction percentages or recycling rates.

    Example Scenario

    A global packaging firm reports efforts to reduce plastic waste. The verifier proposes KPIs such as the percentage of materials recycled or reductions in single-use plastics, ensuring the company’s reporting aligns with SDG 12.5 (substantially reduce waste generation).

Ideal Users of UN SDG Contribution Verifier

  • Sustainability Officers and Corporate Executives

    These professionals are responsible for aligning their company’s strategies with SDG targets and reporting on progress. They benefit from the verifier by ensuring their sustainability reports are credible, well-targeted, and free from SDG-washing, which builds trust with stakeholders and investors.

  • Investors and ESG Analysts

    These users need to assess the sustainability of their portfolios accurately. By using the verifier, they can distinguish between companies that genuinely contribute to the SDGs and those that make superficial claims, ensuring their investments align with sustainable and socially responsible practices.

Guidelines for Using UN SDG Contribution Verifier

  • Visit aichatonline.org

    Start by visiting aichatonline.org for a free trial, no login or ChatGPT Plus subscription required.

  • Prepare Data Sources

    Ensure you have access to key documents, including sustainability reports, SDG indicators, and data relevant to the company's geographic impact. This information is essential for accurate assessments.

  • Upload Relevant Files

    Upload corporate sustainability reports or other relevant documentation that details the company's actions related to SDG contributions. These documents will be analyzed against specific SDG targets.

  • Evaluate SDG Contributions

    The tool will assess the company's claims, focusing on concrete actions and KPIs related to specific SDG targets. Follow the evaluation process, which includes scoring context relevancy and identifying direct vs. indirect contributions.

  • Review Insights

    Once the assessment is complete, review the findings to understand the credibility of the company's SDG claims. Use these insights to refine corporate reporting or identify potential areas for improvement.

  • Risk Assessment
  • Corporate Reporting
  • ESG Analysis
  • Sustainability Audits
  • Investment Reviews

Q&A About UN SDG Contribution Verifier

  • What is the primary function of the UN SDG Contribution Verifier?

    The UN SDG Contribution Verifier evaluates companies' claims of contributing to the UN SDGs by analyzing concrete actions, geographic relevance, and specific SDG targets. It helps distinguish genuine contributions from potential greenwashing.

  • How does the tool assess SDG relevancy for multinational companies?

    The tool analyzes the geographic exposure of a company and assigns a context relevancy score based on the SDG targets in the regions where the company operates. This helps determine whether the company's actions address the most pressing SDG gaps.

  • Can the tool handle both direct and indirect contributions?

    Yes, the tool evaluates both direct and indirect contributions to specific SDG targets, ensuring that both types of impact are recognized and assessed in terms of their relevance and effectiveness.

  • How does the verifier identify greenwashing or SDG-washing?

    The tool scrutinizes the claims of SDG contributions by focusing on measurable actions and outcomes. It flags inconsistencies where companies might claim contributions without substantial evidence of impact, highlighting potential greenwashing.

  • What kind of KPIs does the tool suggest?

    The tool recommends at least four specific KPIs tailored to the SDG targets relevant to the company's operations. These KPIs ensure that contributions are measurable and aligned with recognized global standards.