Saunders Construction 2024 Corporate Social Responsibility Report: Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Saunders Construction has issued its 15th annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report, detailing the company’s performance and initiatives in relation to key sustainability metrics. The 2024 report outlines achievements across economic, environmental, and social domains, demonstrating a strong alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Economic Performance and Innovation

The company’s economic achievements underscore its commitment to resilient and innovative industry practices.

• Recognition as the 2024 ENR Mountain States Contractor of the Year highlights the company’s dedication to quality and operational resilience.
  • This accomplishment supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by promoting sustained economic growth and high-value employment.
  • It also aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by fostering innovation and building resilient infrastructure.

Environmental Stewardship and Climate Action

Saunders has advanced its commitment to environmental sustainability through targeted construction practices.

• The development of the net-zero energy Wecker Hall for the U.S. Air Force Academy Foundation serves as a key example of sustainable building.
  • This project directly contributes to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by utilizing renewable and efficient energy systems.
  • It supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through the construction of inclusive, safe, and sustainable infrastructure.
  • The initiative addresses SDG 13 (Climate Action) by reducing the carbon footprint of new construction.

Social Impact and Community Well-being

The report emphasizes a dual focus on community investment and employee welfare, reflecting core social responsibility values.

1. Community Investment: The employee-led Building Confidence in Kids (BCiK) program marked its 15th anniversary, continuing its mission to support youth in Colorado.
   • This program aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by providing developmental opportunities for children.
2. Workforce Safety: The company achieved one of the best safety years in its history, reinforcing its commitment to employee health and security.
   • This achievement promotes SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by ensuring safe working conditions.
   • It also contributes to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by protecting the labor force and promoting a safe work environment.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 4: Quality Education – The article mentions the “Building Confidence in Kids (BCiK) program,” which invests in Colorado’s youth, aligning with the goal’s focus on inclusive and equitable education and lifelong learning opportunities.
• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – The construction of the “net-zero energy Wecker Hall” directly supports the transition to sustainable energy systems by focusing on energy efficiency and clean energy principles.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – This is addressed through two points: the company’s recognition as “Contractor of the Year,” which signifies economic contribution and quality, and the achievement of “one of the best safety years in its history,” which relates to promoting safe work environments.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – As a construction company, Saunders’ core business is building infrastructure. The article highlights innovation through the “Contractor of the Year” award and sustainable infrastructure through the “net-zero energy” building project.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The company’s commitment to “building with the environment in mind” and constructing energy-efficient buildings contributes to making communities more sustainable and resilient.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The statement about improving their “approach to building with the environment in mind” points towards adopting more sustainable production patterns in the construction industry.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – Building a “net-zero energy” facility is a direct action to combat climate change by reducing energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency. The “net-zero energy Wecker Hall” is a direct contribution to this target.
2. Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation. Being named “Contractor of the Year” reflects a high level of quality and innovation in their industry.
3. Target 8.8: Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers. The mention of having “one of the best safety years in its history” directly aligns with this target.
4. Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes. The net-zero energy building is a prime example of this target in action.
5. Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. Sustainable building practices, like those mentioned, help reduce the environmental footprint of urban development.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for Target 8.8: The statement “one of the best safety years in its history” implies the use of a metric like the frequency rate of occupational injuries (related to Indicator 8.8.1), showing positive performance in workplace safety.
• Indicator for Targets 7.3, 9.4, and 11.6: The completion of a “net-zero energy” building serves as a tangible, qualitative indicator of progress. The number of such projects undertaken would be a quantitative measure of adopting clean and environmentally sound technologies.
• Indicator for Target 8.2: The “2024 ENR Mountain States Contractor of the Year” award is a qualitative indicator of industry leadership, quality, and innovation.
• Indicator for SDG 4 (Community Investment): The “15th anniversary” of the Building Confidence in Kids (BCiK) program is a quantitative indicator of the longevity and sustained commitment of the company’s investment in youth and community.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: milehighcre.com