24-hour emergency number regarding sustainability
Corporate sustainability initiatives are coming under increasing public scrutiny, as the spotlight falls on their environmental, social and economic operations. How can a 24-hour emergency number support the UN Sustainable Development Goals? By Simon Führt, Umco
Every company-specific emergency management system places a strong emphasis on preventive measures for emergency preparedness and plans for dealing with emergencies. A 24-hour emergency number is an integral component of this system, playing a vital role in in-house emergency management. For instance, safety data sheets must specify an emergency number that can provide critical medical and environmental protection information during emergencies involving the handling of chemicals. The 24-hour emergency number is also a cornerstone for sustainable corporate development, aligning with the focus on People – Planet – Profit.
By integrating the 24-hour emergency number into their operational sustainability management, companies can bolster their resilience while fulfilling their environmental and social responsibilities. The benefits of boosting corporate resilience extend beyond the companies themselves, creating long-term positive impacts on the environment and the society community. But where exactly do the 24-hour emergency number and sustainability management overlap?
UN Sustainable Development Goals
The UN Sustainable Development Goals are a key component of the global community’s Agenda 2030. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a comprehensive framework of 17 goals and 169 targets, all aimed at safeguarding people and the environment, promoting an ecologically sustainable future and advancing social development. They were defined by the United Nations in 2015 and are intended to be as verifiable and specific as possible. For industry companies, these 17 goals serve as a definitive roadmap for cultivating sustainable business operations. The goals urge companies to adopt sustainable practices that minimise environmental harm, ensure social justice and harmonise economic growth with positive social and environmental outcomes. By achieving these goals, companies can secure long-term success and play a pivotal role in addressing global challenges. In this context, the use of a 24-hour emergency number for incidents involving the transportation of hazardous goods, as well as its inclusion in safety data sheets, can be a vital step towards integrating the SDGs into a company’s operations. Moreover, the throughtful incorporation of a 24-hour emergency number demonstrates a company’s commitment to sustainability to its customers and shareholders. In this context, let’s take a look at SDGs 3, 6, 12 and 14.
Good health and well-being (SDG 3)
SDG 3.9 states: “Substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination by 2030.” The comprehensive implementation of 24-hour emergency numbers can make a contribution, particularly in the event of unexpected leaks or incidents. The faster and more accurate the advice being provided and implemented, the lower is the risk to the health and well-being of individuals at the accident site.
Clean water and sanitation for all (SDG 6) and life below water (SDG 14)
SDG 6.3 states: “By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimising release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally”. SDG 14.1 also adds the target: “By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.”
In order to achieve these objectives during an incident, chemical emergency response experts must possess not only the specific knowledge about individual chemicals, but also understand how these chemicals behave in the environment, such as in bodies of water. The experts who operate a 24-hour emergency number bring this expertise. A network of different specialist disciplines, such as environmental protection authorities, can also be beneficial if a rapid escalation is needed for a more effective response.
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns (SDG 12)
SDG 12.4 includes the target: “[…] achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimise their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.” Furthermore, SDG 12.6 aims to “encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle.” By presenting operational emergency management in conjunction with the 24-hour emergency number, companies can publicise their commitment to sustainable production patterns.
Conclusion
It has long been recognised that a 24-hour emergency number should be an integral part of a company’s chemical safety strategy. Embedding this into the corporate sustainability strategy and categorising it in the sustainability report is a good approach to support the goals for sustainable development and to reinforce the company’s own commitment. Sustainability reports are becoming increasingly important for financial investors, customers and shareholders, particularly in terms of the company’s image.
