Remote working, research into sustainability and staff training is helping Springer Nature Group become a more sustainable business according to its annual Sustainable Business Report.
The Driven by Discovery report, which includes environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance data, shows the publisher’s increased support for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and action on climate in 2022.
SDG’s refer to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals ratified by all member countries of the UN in 2015, and include poverty, climate change and inequality, and set an agenda for global sustainable development.
The Driven by Discovery report states: “The most significant contribution we can make to achieving the SDGs is through the content that we publish. We disseminate new knowledge on the wide variety of issues represented within the SDGs beyond academic circles, and seek to be the publisher of choice for researchers whose work tackles global challenges. We also take into account the impact of our business operations on the SDGs.”
According to the report, Springer Nature Group has published approximately 800,000 SDG-related research publications since 2015, and approximately one in five articles published by Springer Nature over the past seven years have been SDG-related.
Moreover, of nearly 3,000 individuals, including authors, editors, reviewers, librarians surveyed for the report, 66% had heard of Springer Nature’s SDG initiatives (up 20% from 2021) and 50% agreed that Springer Nature was advancing the SDGs (up from 35% in 2021). In total 69% of employees agreed Springer Nature “makes a positive social and environmental impact”.
Other highlights noted in the report included the tracking for the first time of how Springer Nature research is used in SDG policymaking (1,400 SDG-related policy documents cited Springer Nature research in 2022); the fact business flights remain “well below pre-pandemic levels” and Springer Nature offices report sustained reductions in emissions.” Also cited as contributing to the company’s sustainability progress were offsetting home working and commuting and the fact 95% of employees completed sustainable business training modules. A global SDG festival was held involving hundreds of colleagues who took collective steps to reduce their personal carbon emissions.
Commenting on the report, c.e.o. Frank Vrancken Peeters said: “It is the people at Springer Nature that make this such an inspiring workplace. As colleagues returned to our offices, we were reminded that there is just nothing like the energy that you can get from being in a room of colleagues working with a common purpose. As we work to provide ever better services to researchers, educators and healthcare practitioners, we hope to build on this positive momentum and create a ripple effect for wider society and the planet.”
Director of sustainability and climate action officer, Thea Sherer said: “Driven by Discovery reflects the work and commitment across the organisation in delivering on our vision to accelerate solutions to the world’s urgent challenges. We continue to make good progress as a sustainable business, including a strong focus on developing and delivering our net zero roadmap. We are also seeing colleagues making sustainable choices in the way they work and embedding climate conscious practices across our entire business.”
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