SDG 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Modern society depends on reliable and affordable energy services to function smoothly and to develop equitably. A well-established energy system supports all sectors from medicine and education to agriculture, infrastructure, communications and high-technology. Intensive development patterns have historically relied on inexpensive and energy-dense fossil fuels, which also happen to be the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change. However, new, clean technologies are available that can reorient development along a more sustainable trajectory.
Business can accelerate the transition to an affordable, reliable and sustainable energy system by investing in renewable energy resources, prioritizing energy efficient practices, and adopting clean energy technologies and infrastructure. Also, with investment in R&D, businesses can innovate and pioneer new technologies that change the status quo of the global energy system, becoming the center of climate change solutions.
- Electricity access
- Electricity availability and reliability
- Renewable energy
- Energy efficiency
- Infrastructure investments
- Environmental investments
The below examples are non-exhaustive and some may be more relevant to certain industries than to others.
- Ensure that all employees and their families have access to a reliable and affordable source of energy by investing in local infrastructure to establish accessible energy services.
- Commit to sourcing 100% of operational electricity needs from renewable sources.
- Reduce the internal demand for transport by prioritizing telecommunications and incentivize less energy intensive modes such as train travel over auto and air travel.
- Invest in R&D related to sustainable energy services, bringing new technologies to the market quickly.
- Integrate renewable energy into employee benefits packages, subsidizing the capital expenditures associated with residential solar or electric vehicle investments.
- As women typically drive much of the energy consumption at the household level, companies have an opportunity to invest and train women to become renewable energy entrepreneurs.
- Prioritize energy efficiency across operations through tools such as the use of an internal carbon price and science-based target setting to reduce overall demand for energy.
- GRI G4 Electric Utilities Sector Disclosures, EU10: Planned capacity against project electricity demand over the long term, broken down by energy source and regulatory regime
- GRI G4 Electric Utilities Sector Disclosures, EU26: Percentage of population unserved in licensed distribution or service areas
- CDP’s Climate Change Information Request, CC11.2: How much fuel, electricity, heat, steam and cooling in MWh your organization has purchased and consumed during the reporting year
- GRI G4 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines, G4-EN3: Energy consumption within the organization
- GRI G4 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines, G4-EN4: Energy consumption outside of the organization
The complete overview of business indicators can be found at Business Indicators
- Impact Reporting & Investment Standards (IRIS)
- ISO14000 Series
The complete overview of business tools can be found at Business Tools
7.1 By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services
7.2 Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix by 2030
7.3 double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency by 2030
7.a By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technologies, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, and advanced and cleaner fossil fuel technologies, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technologies
7.b By 2030, expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all in developing countries, particularly LDCs and SIDS
