Sustainability with The Stafford

Sustainability at The Stafford Building Society

At The Stafford Building Society, we’re committed to helping our community – this not only extends to those who reside in it, but also to the environment we all live in too. For this reason, to honour this commitment, we’ll be following a set Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out by the United Nations.

But what are the UNs Sustainable Development Goals?

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals established in 2015 to address the world’s most pressing challenges by 2030. Each goal has specific targets (169 in total) aimed at ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring prosperity for all. Some key SDGs related to environmental sustainability include:

  • SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: Promotes energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy.
  • SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Encourages sustainable industrialisation and infrastructure development.
  • SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: Focuses on reducing waste, improving resource efficiency, and promoting sustainable practices.
  • SDG 13 – Climate Action: Calls for urgent action to combat climate change by reducing emissions and enhancing resilience to environmental impacts.
  • SDG 14 – Life Below Water and SDG 15 – Life on Land: Protect and restore ecosystems, oceans, forests, and biodiversity.

Not all goals will align with every business, that’s why most businesses only sign-up to three different goal categories. For a full list of the Sustainability Goals, you can find out more on the official web page here: www.sdgs.un.org/goals 

How These SDGs Help Businesses Become Environmentally Friendly?

    Enhancing Efficiency

    By adopting cleaner technologies and optimizing resource use, businesses can reduce energy and material waste, lowering costs and their environmental impact.

    Innovation Opportunities

    The SDGs encourage businesses to innovate by developing new products and services that meet the growing demand for sustainability-focused solutions.

    Regulatory Alignment

    Many governments are aligning policies with the SDGs, so businesses focusing on sustainable practices can more easily meet regulations and avoid potential penalties.

    Risk Mitigation

    Businesses that adopt SDG practices are better prepared to handle environmental risks like resource scarcity and climate-related disruptions.

SDG 3 – Good health and wellbeing

Commitment: We commit to promoting and enabling physical & mental health and well-being for all within the Society

How:

  • We commit to providing all colleagues with regular mental health awareness training.
  • We will allocate funding to support 20% of colleagues being qualified Mental Health First Aiders.
  • We will offer discounted gym membership through our Employee Assistance Programme.
  • We will partner with a local charity to offer well-being support to both members and colleagues.

SDG 4 – Quality Education

Commitment: Ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning.

How:

  • We will engage with local charities and commit to providing 35 hours of financial education each year.
  • We will obtain the ‘Dementia Friendly accreditation’, providing colleagues with the training and education to support our members and the community who may benefit from this learning.
  • We will commit to a training budget allocation of £500 for every colleague in the Society to support their own learning & development.

SDG 8 – Decent work and economic growth

Commitment: We commit to safe working conditions and fair pay without our business and supply chain.

How:

  • The Stafford is a ‘Real Living Wage Employer’ and will continue to meet the necessary requirements to retain this accreditation.
  • We will develop a partnership with local schools and colleges offering Work Experience opportunities each year and apprenticeship placements.
  • We commit that all colleagues can take up to 5 paid volunteer days each year.
  • We will demonstrate our support for the Armed Forces community and help to break down employment barriers by joining the Armed Forces Covenant.