Eco & Sustainability
42
GECA - sustainable development goals Article by Karina Schlieper, Project Officer, GECA The 17 Sustainable Development Goals are an internationally agreed framework for urgent action to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by all United Nations (UN) member states in 2015, including Australia. The goals address global challenges, including global inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. The SDG framework can be addressed globally, nationally, regionally, by industry, company, individual, or linked to a specific product.
to consumers, specifiers, and procurement about how they are actively contributing to these targets. SDG integration into our standards demonstrates measurable impacts across the SDGs, providing clarity to consumers, specifiers, and procurement about how they are actively contributing to these targets.
Manufacturing products that meet the strict requirements of a lifecycle ecolabel, such as GECA’s, is one clear way to support the SDGs. At GECA, to make this even easier, we have recently integrated relevant SDGs into all our standards. Each of GECA’s lifecycle ecolabel standards links to specific SDG targets, with criteria relating to SDG 12 in particular found across all standards. SDG integration into our standards demonstrates measurable impacts across the SDGs, providing clarity
• SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being • SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation • SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth • SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production • SDG 15 – Life on Land
When it comes to GECA certified floor coverings and carpets, the major SDGs they are contributing to are: SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being The aim of SDG 3 is to “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages”. Target 3.9 states, “by 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination”.
Let's explore how these particular goals relate to flooring products.
Adhesives, fillers and sealants are typically used for flooring products and installation. Yet, they can also be one of the most overlooked materials for human health issues. Adhesives can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that trigger respiratory irritation, allergies, headaches, and asthma. The foam used for carpet
Flooring October/November 2021
www.flooringmagazine.com.au