Sustainable development goals and the CapSEM model

Abstract

This chapter discusses the links between Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the CapSEM Model. It suggests placing these SDGs along the four Levels of the model to serve as a starting point for organizations' engagement with the goals and their objectives. The location of SDGs in the nested system perspective or 'wedding cake model' according to Griggs et al. (Nature 495:305-307, 2013) and later Rockström and Sukhdev (New way of viewing the sustainable development goals and how they are all linked to food. Stockholm Resilience Centre/Stockholm University, 2016) situates the economic system within the societal system, which is situated within the system of the biosphere and helps to conceptualize the interconnections between SDGs and the dimensions of sustainability. Taking a similar systems thinking approach, the CapSEM Model situates sustainability and environmental management methods and tools within the systems of business operation and production. Extending and merging these two perspectives, the SDGs are placed along the CapSEM Model to provide a point of engagement for organizations to align their activities with SDG objectives.