SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Sustainable Development Goal 12 seeks to ensure that consumption and production patterns are responsible, promoting the efficient use of resources and reducing waste generation. This goal aims to create a balance between human development and the Earth's natural capacity, urging all sectors to adopt sustainable practices.

Key Parameters

• Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production

These programs help promote awareness and actions that encourage sustainable habits at the individual, community, and corporate levels. They often involve policy frameworks and educational campaigns that aim to reduce environmental footprints.

• Sustainable Use of Natural Resources

Ensuring that natural resources are used efficiently, and replenished in a way that meets current and future demands, is a key challenge. This involves reducing the overuse of resources and minimizing environmental degradation through sustainable practices in agriculture, forestry, and industry.

• Food Waste and Losses

Reducing food waste at every stage of the food supply chain is essential. From production to consumption, efficient management practices can minimize waste, improve food security, and reduce the environmental impact associated with waste disposal.

• Managing Chemicals and Wastes

Proper management of hazardous chemicals and waste materials is vital for the health of ecosystems and communities. Policies and technologies that safely dispose of or recycle these materials play a critical role in reducing pollution.

• Reduction in Waste Generation

The concept of a circular economy is key to this parameter, focusing on reducing waste generation, reusing materials, and recycling. Industries and consumers are encouraged to rethink how they use resources and dispose of waste.

• Corporate Sustainable Practices

Businesses can significantly impact sustainability by adopting environmentally friendly processes, from energy-efficient manufacturing to ethical sourcing of materials. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives are increasingly being used to promote these practices.

• Public Procurement Practices

Governments play a key role in ensuring that public procurement policies prioritize sustainability. By selecting suppliers and products that align with sustainable production standards, governments can drive demand for environmentally responsible goods and services.

• Sustainable Development Awareness

Raising awareness about sustainable development is necessary for fostering broader behavioral changes in individuals and organizations. Public campaigns and educational programs can help change consumption patterns and promote sustainable living.

• Support for R&D Capacity for Sustainable Development

Increased investments in research and development for sustainable technologies and practices are needed to drive innovation. This includes the development of alternative energy solutions, sustainable materials, and waste management systems.

• Sustainable Tourism Monitoring

Sustainable tourism seeks to balance economic growth with environmental conservation. It focuses on reducing the environmental footprint of tourism activities while promoting the conservation of natural and cultural heritage.

• Fossil Fuel Subsidies

Reducing or eliminating subsidies for fossil fuels is key to promoting a shift towards renewable energy sources. This can lower carbon emissions and encourage more sustainable energy practices.

Good Examples

Germany has been a leader in promoting sustainable production through initiatives like the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program, which holds manufacturers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products. This program encourages recycling, reuse, and proper disposal of products, reducing environmental waste. Germany's Energiewende, an ambitious energy transition program, focuses on reducing reliance on fossil fuels by heavily investing in renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. These efforts help minimize emissions and contribute to a more sustainable energy system.

Sweden stands out for its strong focus on sustainability, particularly in food production and waste management. The country has implemented circular economy practices that not only recycle waste but also convert it into renewable energy, like biogas. Sweden also encourages sustainable food consumption by educating citizens on reducing food waste and promoting sustainable agriculture. The country’s waste-to-energy systems are among the most advanced in the world, providing energy from recycled materials and significantly reducing landfill use.

Japan has been at the forefront of zero-waste initiatives, especially in the city of Kamikatsu, which is working towards a goal of zero waste by focusing on efficient waste management and recycling. Japan's recycling infrastructure is highly advanced, and the country uses cutting-edge technology to recycle materials into usable products, reducing the need for new resources. Japan is also a leader in sustainable construction with a focus on energy-efficient buildings and sustainable urban design.

The Netherlands is another global leader in sustainable consumption and production, particularly in the area of the circular economy. Dutch businesses are pioneering methods of waste reduction, such as using recycled materials in manufacturing and designing products that are easy to disassemble and recycle. The country is also committed to sustainable urban planning, with an emphasis on low-carbon construction and sustainable transportation systems. The Dutch government supports these efforts through policies that promote responsible production and sustainable resource management.

Costa Rica, renowned for its sustainable tourism, emphasizes the conservation of its rich biodiversity while promoting eco-friendly tourism practices. The country has set ambitious goals for carbon neutrality by 2050 and has implemented measures such as protecting forests and investing in renewable energy. Costa Rica’s dedication to eco-tourism has led to the preservation of natural resources, and it has become a model for balancing tourism with environmental sustainability.

South Korea has introduced several innovative policies to promote sustainable practices, including an extensive waste recycling program and energy-efficient buildings. The country has achieved impressive recycling rates and promotes the use of recycled materials in construction. Additionally, South Korea is investing in sustainable urban infrastructure, such as eco-friendly transportation systems and green buildings, aligning with SDG 12’s goals.

India is making strides toward sustainability through initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission), which focuses on sanitation and waste management. The country is also leading efforts to promote solar energy, with a significant push towards expanding its renewable energy capacity. India has implemented policies aimed at reducing pollution and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Suggestions for Improvement

Our planet has provided us with an abundance of natural resources, yet humanity continues to consume beyond sustainable limits. To reverse the damage and create a balanced future, it is essential that we adopt responsible consumption and production practices.

Figures 1 and 2 show data released by UNEP indicating emissions of air pollution, including emissions embodied from the production of goods and services. Air pollutants are converted into disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) to aggregate across types of pollution. The long-term objective for this indicator is a value of 0. While some countries, such as Australia, are showing good efforts, others, such as Saudi Arabia and China, have demonstrated poorer data from 2000 to 2024. This indicates that while progress has been made, there is still significant room for improvement, especially in countries with high industrial activity and rapid urbanization.

Despite some countries making strides towards reducing air pollution, many nations must take more comprehensive actions. This includes enforcing stricter emission standards, investing in cleaner technologies, and implementing policies that prioritize public health and sustainability. Countries must not only focus on controlling emissions but also on promoting green innovation and fostering international cooperation to tackle the global nature of air pollution. Only through collaborative efforts and enhanced commitment can we achieve the long-term goal of reducing air pollution to zero.

The construction industry can play a pivotal role in this transformation by adopting responsible material sourcing, which involves choosing eco-friendly materials that minimize environmental impact. This practice can be combined with life-cycle assessments (LCA), which evaluate the environmental footprint of materials and design choices, ensuring that sustainability is prioritized throughout a building's life.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) further supports this by improving project efficiency, minimizing material waste, and optimizing construction processes, aligning with SDG 12’s goals for sustainable production and consumption.

Waste reduction should be a key priority, with construction projects focusing on reusing materials and recycling wherever possible. The circular economy model can be extended to the construction industry, reducing reliance on virgin materials and ensuring a more sustainable approach to building. Governments can also phase out fossil fuel subsidies, shifting support toward renewable energy solutions and reducing carbon emissions.

To tackle food waste, governments and businesses need to improve food storage systems and encourage consumer education on sustainable food consumption. At the same time, sustainable tourism practices should continue to be promoted, ensuring that economic benefits are balanced with environmental conservation.

Lastly, businesses across all industries should be encouraged to adopt corporate sustainable practices, including adopting energy-efficient manufacturing processes, reducing waste, and sourcing materials responsibly. This collective action will help ensure a more sustainable future for all.