Championing the SDGs

In 2016, we were one of the first Australian companies to embrace the UN Sustainable Development Goals, by using them to underpin our corporate responsibility strategy. These 17 goals provide a blueprint to put the world on a sustainable path to 2030 and address massive economic, social and environmental challenges.

Poster with heading "Sustainable Development Goals" and 3 rows below the heading. Each row has 6 different coloured squares with decorative illustration representing the corresponding goal.↵Row 1:↵1. No poverty (illustration of group of diverse people) - shaded to show that we indirectly impact this goal↵2. Zero hunger (illustration of a bowl of soup) - shaded to show that we indirectly impact this goal↵3. Good health and well-being (illustration of heart rate)↵4. Quality education (illustration of book and pen) - shaded to show that we indirectly impact this goal↵5. Gender equality (illustration of male and female symbol as one with an equal sign)↵6. Clean water and sanitation (illustration of glass of water) - shaded to show that we indirectly impact this goal↵Row 2:↵7. Affordable and clean energy (illustration of power symbol)↵8. Decent work and economic growth (illustration of growth chart going up)↵9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure (illustration of building blocks)↵10. Reduced inequalities (illustration of equal sign within square pointing in 4 directions)↵11. Sustainable cities and communities (illustration of cityscape)↵12. Responsible consumption and production (illustration of figure 8 loop)↵Row 3:↵13. Climate action (illustration of globe)↵14. Life below water (illustration of fish) - shaded to show that we indirectly impact this goal↵15. Life on land (illustration of tree and birds) - shaded to show that we indirectly impact this goal↵16. Peace, justice and strong institutions (illustration of dove with olive branch in its beak perched on a gavel) - shaded to show that we indirectly impact this goal↵17. Partnerships for the goals (illustration of 5 rings joined together in a circle)

Aligning our goals to the world's

We’ve identified a number of key aspirations that align to the goals we directly impact, which are connected to our value chain and draw on our core assets and capabilities. We’ll also continue exploring how we can contribute to the goals that we indirectly impact.

Corporate Responsibility research & white papers

We've conducted a series of initiatives to help advance the SDGs. For findings and recommendations, download our white papers and resources below.

The digital mentor’s handbook: Eight principles of effective digital mentoring

In response to the critical role digital mentors play in enabling others to access the benefits of getting online, we are proud to present the digital mentor’s handbook - eight principles of effective digital mentoring. This handbook has been developed by Queensland University, based on their research into digital mentoring in Australian communities. It aims to support digital mentors with knowledge and resources to support them on their digital mentoring journey and was developed in close consultation with digital mentors working in community organisations and libraries in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

Download the handbook (PDF 3.2MB)

Digital mentoring in Australian communities

Following six years of learnings taken from a number of digital inclusion programs and partnerships, Australia Post identified a critical gap in valuing and understanding the role digital mentors play in helping learners to develop their digital skills and confidence. At the same time, many of Australia Post’s community partners were also exploring how their digital mentors could better support learners in various environments, including group-based courses, peer-to-peer learning, and one-on-one sessions. Australia Post consequently partnered with Queensland University of Technology’s Digital Media Research Centre (DMRC) in July 2018 to investigate digital mentorship, in a variety of formats and community contexts.

This research is the first of its kind in Australia to focus on the role of the digital mentor in a digital learning interaction.

Download the report (PDF 637kB)

Unlocking the value of social procurement: Leading practice insights

Social procurement leverages an organisation’s buying power to deliver social value, above and beyond the value of the goods or services being procured. This White Paper summarises the state of social procurement in Australia by exploring the key drivers of this agenda, ongoing challenges, and opportunities for the future. These insights are informed by interviews conducted with subject matter experts.

The paper forms part of our commitment to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and in particular Goal 12 – responsible consumption and production.

Download the white paper (PDF 2.2MB) Watch the video: Unlocking the value of social procurement – A day in the life of Lucas

Transitioning to a Circular Economy: Insights from the frontline

This White Paper is informed by widespread literature reviews and interviews with circular economy experts, corporate, government and non-for-profit sectors as well as industry associations, resource recovery and online shopping companies. It explores the concept of the circular economy, key ingredients in transitioning to a circular economy, and six areas of change and ongoing debate. The paper forms part of Australia Post’s commitment to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and in particular Goal 12 – responsible consumption and production.

Download the white paper (PDF 1.6MB) Watch the video: Transitioning to a Circular Economy

Digital participation: A view of Australia’s online behaviours

As Australia progresses into the digital age, most Australians take for granted their access to the Internet and their ability to engage online.

Yet research suggests that one in seven (around three million Australians) are not Internet users. Whether by choice or due to lack of access or low skills, they face a real risk of being left behind as digitisation reshapes our country and economy.

The Digital Participation white paper and broader Digital Inclusion report, produced in partnership with BehaviourWorks Australia, explores this ‘digital exclusion’ and its characteristics, causes and possible solutions.
 

Download the white paper (PDF 5.5MB) Read the full report (PDF 1.4MB)

Small Business: Making sustainability part of every day

This white paper has been produced in partnership with the Banksia Foundation. The research uncovers the reasons why small businesses sometimes hold back from integrating sustainability into their everyday business.

It highlights the barriers and drivers to sustainability, along with the key characteristics of small businesses that are leaders in sustainability and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

It also provides business and government insights into opportunities to help small business transition towards a sustainable future.

More on small business sustainability Download the white paper (PDF 1.2MB) What is Sustainability (Part 1) (video) Sustainability and small business (Part 2) (video) Implementing sustainability (Part 3) (video)

More resources

Read about all the goals in detail Educational resources for teachers and students