Innovation

The company Relevans is of a smaller scale, and with their primary innovations (products) operating online and as a consultant service, the focus of the UN goals is in the socio economic sense. This means that the goals are set within the partners of the firm, and the work environment itself. Relevans focuses primarily on the quality of the workplace, in relation to goal 5, 10, and 4, which illustrates the focus of equality and comfortable work space.

The fifth UN goal, “gender equality” is practiced at Relevans through the principles of the company’s environment and structure. Relevans makes sure that the company does not illustrate or practice a difference of gender in regards to meetings or as a factor in relation to hiring. In the interview they also mention “it is just common respect, we don’t see any particular value in one gender in favor of the other”, which they also illustrate with having an equal wage.

The tenth UN goal “reduced inequalities” is also a part of the core of the business at Relevans. Through different measures, they want to reduce the inequalities when recruiting new potential, and strive against discrimination. This is also illustrated in the equal wages, and the whole hiring process.

The 4th UN goal “quality education” is also prioritized within the company, and is shown through seminars and conferences for the team in order to strengthen their skill sets and competences. This is a great priority, since it also makes sure that their innovation is profitable for the business and enhances the quality of the work.

Since Relevans’ product is a service, instead of a physical product, they focus on having a good sustainable working place for the employees. So in relation to the sustainable everyday, the UN goals 3, 7, 14, and 15, which illustrates green energy, health and the food being brought in.

The third UN goal “good health and well-being” is practiced through the principles of being able to work from home, having flexible working hours, and having the opportunity to have sick days without major consequences.

The seventh UN goal of “affordable and clean energy” is followed through Relevans having mostly wind- and solar power as their main source of energy in the office.

Inspiration

Relevans has had a clear objective from the very beginning: to contribute to global sustainability. Since the 1990s, they have integrated various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their daily operations, long before they became widely recognized. The two partners of Relevans emphasize how the company’s mission aligns with the growing awareness of environmental and social issues. They highlight their position as one of the industry’s first movers in actively implementing the UN’s goals, viewing these efforts not only as a responsibility but as a core aspect of their business model.

The partners also express that their drive is not just inspired by the SDGs, but is motivated by genuine concern—or perhaps more accurately, a sense of urgency—about the current state of the world. This concern drives them to ensure that their contribution is meaningful, focusing on enhancing both quality and equality in all aspects of their operations. For Relevans, sustainability is not just a trend but a long-standing commitment to ethical practices. They are dedicated to continuously integrating the principles of sustainability into their business, striving to make a real impact in a world that increasingly needs these efforts. By embedding these values into their company culture, Relevans ensures that they remain relevant and responsible in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Overall impact

Following gender equality and reducing inequality can be shown through the employees within Relevans as a company. With a completely equal amount of both genders, it has reduced inequality, as everyone in the same fields has a payroll that starts out at the same level, where adjustments are made in relation to your working effords. 

The “who” which are influenced by these efforts and innovations is first and foremost the employees of the company. Since the company is small, the employees are perhaps feeling the influence of these efforts strongly, and the relationship between them is crucial. With these measures of creating equality, it makes the office space a safe and effective environment. As just mentioned, these efforts happen at the physical office, as well as at the service meetings with clients. Relevans makes sure to stay professional and non discriminatory when hiring and working with new clients. 

As Relevans mentions in the interview conducted, the purpose of the efforts are a long term impact, and that it should be practiced more widely amongst businesses. They think that these goals are mostly “common sense”, and that they just try to maintain a great environment in order to also enhance efficiency. They also mention that the efforts related to consumption (cafeteria), is long term, and that they are open to enhancing efforts as such in order to increase the positive impact on the global scale. 

Business benefit

Relevans creates innovation through sustainable business practices and a strong focus on their employees’ everyday in the company, aligning the working atmosphere with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Their commitment to the UN goals like gender equality (Goal 5) and reducing inequalities (Goal 10), they create an inclusive workplace where equal pay and non-discriminatory recruitment are essential in their work. This stimulates a positive work environment, enhancing satisfied employees, which in turn improves business performance.

Furthermore, Relevans prioritizes employee development by focussing on further education amongst their employees (Goal 4), offering seminars, webinars and conferences to build their team’s skills continuously. This ensures their group of employees continues to remain innovative and competitive, benefiting both employees and the company’s product of services..

Relevans also emphasizes workplace flexibility and well-being (Goal 3) by allowing remote work, flexible hours, and sick days without penalties. This forward-thinking approach boosts morale and productivity, essential for sustaining long-term growth.

Their commitment to sustainability extends to using renewable energy (Goal 7), primarily wind and solar, which reduces costs and supports environmental goals. Furthermore, they source organic and local food (Goals 14 and 15) for their employees, promoting both ecological responsibility and health.

By integrating these innovations into their operations, Relevans creates a strong competitive advantage, enhancing their brand’s reputation as an ethically and socially responsible business. Their focus on sustainability, equality, and education not only drives business success but also positions them as a leader in sustainable and innovative workplace practices.

Social and environmental benefit

Relevans’ innovative practices benefit society and the environment by acknowledging sustainability and social equity. By focusing on gender equality and reducing inequalities in the workplace, Relevans creates a safe workspace that shows fairness and respect between employees. This commitment makes non-discriminatory a part of their recruitment processes and equal pay policies, which not only further strengthens employee morale but also set an example for other companies. The company’s efforts to foster a diverse workforce contribute to a more equal society, where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of gender or background.

While Relevans have a main focus within the social UN Goals, they are still aware of the importance of the climate. This however, is not a simple task, and since the company is not very large, it makes sure to enhances efforts to help the climate, by sourcing organic and locally-produced food (Goals 14 and 15), Relevans supports sustainable agriculture and reduces the environmental impact associated with food transportation, as well as supporting local business owners. Since Relevans does not have a physical product, these are the main ways in which they are able to support the global climate. 

Through these goals, Relevans not only enhances its own operations but also joins in on a broader movement moving toward sustainability and social responsibility. By adapting these principles into their business model, Relevans shows how companies can drive positive change, benefiting both society and the environment in the end.

Interviews

Morten Lorentzen, Partner

Lasse Hinke, Partner