Social benefits of the research
Research relating to sustainability issues is driving a positive change in society. Here at IVL, we make science a reality and include the global goals in all our operations. I V L WOR K I NG ON T H E U N ’S GL OBA L SUSTA I NA BL E DE V E L OPM EN T G OA L S
Agenda 2030 and the UN’s global goals constitute the world’s common sustainability agenda. IVL works locally, nationally and internationally to contribute to sustainable development. Our starting point is the belief that research and the dissemination of knowledge are key when it comes to solving environmental and sustainability problems.
In 2015, the UN’s Member States adopted Agenda 2030, a universal plan for sustainable development. It incorporates 17 Sustainable Development Goals (or Global Goals) divided into 169 targets, which must be achieved by the 2030. Agenda 2030 and the Global Goals represent the most ambitious agreement for sustainable development arrived at between the countries of the world. The concept of sustainable development includes the three sustainability dimensions – social, economic and environmental.
SUSTA I NA BL E R E SE A RCH A N D I N NOVAT ION
In order for the world to succeed in achieving the Global Goals, research, knowledge and innovation are required. We have to find new solutions locally, nationally and globally. These solutions require collaboration, both domestically as well as internationally. Sweden is at the forefront as regards sustainability work and can play a leading role globally when it comes to research and innovation contributing to the Global Goals.
IVL works with all the sustainability dimensions, and has projects and tools that contribute to greater social, economic and environmental sustainability. Together with our clients and partners, we are building knowledge and developing solutions to achieve sustainable development. IVL’s work is characterised by a holistic approach and a life cycle perspective. Our ambition is to identify synergies and conflicting aims, and to propose measures and solutions that will contribute to Agenda 2030 as a whole.
Climate expert participating in the Environmental Objectives Committee’s working group on consumption IVL’s employee Lars Zetterberg is participating in the Environmental Objectives Committee’s new working group, which will be developing goals and strategies for how Sweden can reduce the climate impact from consumption. For example, the Committee will propose interim targets regarding the climate effects from aviation, as well as ascertaining how the climate policy framework can make an impact in public procurement. “These are important issues, so it’s great to be involved in influencing the proposals that are being produced. We have reduced emissions in Sweden, but if we include what is beyond the country’s borders, we haven’t improved that much,” said Lars Zetterberg,
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whose duties includes leading the Mistra Carbon Exit interdisciplinary research programme at IVL. The Environmental Objectives Committee helps the Government with the national environmental goals and provides a basis for how to develop them strategically and how to achieve the goals. In October 2020, the Environmental Objectives Committee was given a supplementary assignment to propose a comprehensive strategy for reducing the climate impact from consumption. For example, the Committee will review how the climate policy framework can make an impact in public procurement.
