Global Goals Week (September 20 to 29, 2024) is an annual global event dedicated to raising awareness and accelerating action towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These 17 goals, introduced in 2015, are designed to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, and the pursuit of peace and justice. Held each September, Global Goals Week brings together governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals to focus on driving progress towards achieving these goals by 2030. The week serves as a platform for organisations to showcase their efforts in promoting sustainable development and demonstrate their commitment to building a brighter, more equitable future. There is transformative power in collective action, here is what we at Sutcliffe are doing to contribute to global goals as a structural and civil engineering SME:
Promoting sustainability
At Sutcliffe, social impact goes beyond construction – it’s about creating sustainable cities and thriving communities. Our work begins well before construction starts, with a strong plan of action that ensures each project is designed to benefit both people and the environment. A great example of this is our involvement in the Maes Gwern development in Mold, Flintshire, as part of the SHARP programme with Flintshire County Council. Appointed by Wates Residential, we conducted detailed engineering appraisals and design work to optimise construction costs and support the planning application process. By using preliminary layouts and topographical surveys, we refined the development to minimise energy and abnormal costs – both above and below ground – while fully complying with planning conditions. Our strategic planning ensures that the 197 new homes will be affordable and sustainable in accordance with SHARP standards, while the properties will be deeply integrated into the community both socially and structurally.
Our award-winning developments consistently address and overcome challenges of unsustainability – evident in projects like the Longshaw Drive development in Salford. This groundbreaking, council-led initiative features homes built to Passivhaus standards, minimising energy consumption and reducing bills for residents, while also addressing the housing shortage in Salford. These standards significantly reduce each household’s carbon footprint and represent the future of all new homes.
Tackling inequality
While driving industry progress, we remain focused on creating equal opportunities for the next generation of engineers. In 2023, we achieved record success, with a record turnover with 12% growth. As key contributors to some of the nation’s most significant frameworks, collectively valued at over £2.5bn, we are then able to dedicate 10% of our resources to social value initiatives.
We understand that investing in future talent is vital to reducing inequality. That’s why in 2022, we provided 140 weeks of work placements and 51 hours of career guidance to 17 aspiring structural and civil engineers at the University of Liverpool. These opportunities open doors to life-long careers and personal development, helping students thrive. In doing so, we’re contributing to global goals for a fairer, more just society.
Another key aspect of investing in future talent is promoting gender equality. We actively encourage more women and girls to pursue careers in engineering and the built environment by offering flexible working arrangements and highlighting inspiring female role models within the industry. Workforces should be diverse and inclusive, representing local communities fairly.
We also believe that communities should always benefit from structural development. That’s why we advise developing brownfield and contaminated sites over greenbelt areas. This approach not only protects natural ecosystems but also revitalises underserved regions. It benefits everyone equally and in a positive development strategy.
Why is Global Goals Week so important?
Through awareness, education, and engagement, Global Goals Week helps to build momentum for transformative actions that can drive progress on a global scale. Focusing on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals helps outline where improvement is needed and motivates to bring about crucial decisions in industry and as individuals.
To stay updated on our progress towards achieving global goals and our work in creating social value, follow us on social media on: LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.