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Halton provides safer and more energy-efficient working spaces in a wide range of industries. With their improving indoor air solutions, Halton improves organizations’ employees well-being while aiming towards more sustainable energy consumption.
Founded in 1991, Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program has provided free oral-health education to 1.8 billion children and families in over 100 countries. Guided by the mission that “every child and their family have a right to a lifetime of healthy smiles,” the program focuses on reaching children who lack access to dental care.
In Venezuela, where oral-health education is scarce, this program plays a transformative role by empowering teachers, schools, and communities to build lasting hygiene habits among children.
El Ordeño’s biggest innovation is the TRÜgether ecosystem and the TRÜ brand, which bring farmers, consumers, and employees together around one shared goal — sustainability. Instead of following the usual dairy model with middlemen taking the profits, El Ordeño connects directly with small and medium producers through collection centers they co-own. This means farmers get fair prices for their milk and a real say in how things run.
Many Canadians will tell you that this problem is especially apparent in major metropolitan areas, such as Vancouver and Toronto, with statistics showing that over half of the population spends more than half of their income on housing. From a sustainable living perspective, this ratio should ideally not exceed 30%. Recognizing the pressure many Canadians face when it comes to housing, Canvergence Investment Solutions connects the world of private financing, real estate investment, and housing. In doing so, they help Canadians secure stable and sustainable housing, work towards owning their own homes, and meet the needs of investors and other parties involved.
Through an interview with the company’s sustainability manager Ms. Raquel Konrad, I explored how their initiatives contribute to cleaner production, responsible consumption, and community empowerment. Raquel founded Bukobaba Essentials with a vision to transform coconut farming into sustainable business empowering both Canada and Philippines.
A nivel global, se han dado pasos valiosos hacia la equidad e igualdad de género, lo que ha permitido que las mujeres conquisten importantes espacios en el ámbito profesional y educativo. Sin embargo, en varios países persisten barreras culturales y sesgos que limitan el desarrollo pleno de niñas, jóvenes y mujeres. En sectores dominados por hombres, como la tecnología, las brechas son evidentes. Las mujeres que deciden desempeñarse en estos campos llegan a sentir que, para ser tomadas en cuenta, deben adaptarse a estilos de liderazgo y comunicación “masculinos”; caso contrario, corren el riesgo de no ser escuchadas ni valoradas. Este fenómeno demuestra la persistencia de estereotipos que minimizan y tienden a deslegitimar las capacidades femeninas en entornos laborales.
En términos estadísticos, la participación femenina en áreas STEM (Ciencia, Tecnología, Ingeniería y Matemáticas) es limitada. De acuerdo con el Informe Global sobre la Brecha de Género del Foro Económico Mundial, las mujeres representan el 28,2% de la fuerza laboral global en estos campos y apenas una décima parte ocupa cargos directivos. En Colombia, datos del Ministerio de Tecnologías de la información y las Comunicaciones muestran que solo tres de cada diez trabajadores del sector tecnológico son mujeres, y su participación en puestos de liderazgo es aún menor. Un estudio presentado por FORBES Colombia con 400 mujeres reveló que el 57% sentía miedo e inseguridad frente a competencias tecnológicas y el 52% afirmaba que la ausencia de referentes femeninos les hacía pensar que las áreas STEM no eran para ellas, al ver que no existe posibilidad de desarrollo profesional. Esto evidencia que los sesgos culturales y los estereotipo llevan a que muchas mujeres subestimen su propio potencial e intelecto.
Frente a este contexto, NTT DATA Colombia comprendió que la transformación digital solo es posible si va acompañada de una transformación social que promueva la inclusión, la equidad y el trabajo digno. Conscientes de las brechas en el sector tecnológico, la compañía decidió actuar e impulsar una iniciativa en la sede Colombia que fortaleciera una cultura más diversa y humana. Algo que, además, se alinea con el propósito social de la corporación a nivel global. En palabras de Ana María Moreno Ramírez, líder de Talento y Cultura en NTT DATA Colombia, “la verdadera innovación ocurre cuando entendemos que la tecnología no transforma por sí sola; son las personas, con sus historias y talentos, quienes hacen posible un cambio sostenible y humano.”
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At a global level, valuable progress has been made toward equity and gender equality, allowing women to conquer important spaces in the professional and educational spheres. However, in several countries, cultural barriers and biases persist that limit the full development of girls, young women, and women in general. In male-dominated sectors such as technology, the gaps are evident. Women who choose to work in these fields often feel that, in order to be taken seriously, they must adapt to “masculine” leadership and communication styles; otherwise, they risk not being heard or valued. This phenomenon demonstrates the persistence of stereotypes that minimize and tend to delegitimize women’s capabilities in professional environments.
From a statistical standpoint, female participation in STEM areas (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) remains limited. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, women represent 28.2% of the global workforce in these fields, and only about one-tenth hold managerial positions. In Colombia, data from the Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies show that only three out of every ten workers in the technology sector are women, and their representation in leadership roles is even lower. A study presented by FORBES Colombia involving 400 women revealed that 57% felt fear and insecurity regarding technological skills, and 52% stated that the lack of female role models made them believe that STEM areas were not for them, as they saw no possibility for professional growth. This highlights how cultural biases and stereotypes lead many women to underestimate their own potential and intellect.
In this context, NTT DATA Colombia understood that digital transformation is only possible when accompanied by a social transformation that promotes inclusion, equity, and decent work. Aware of the gaps in the technology sector, the company decided to take action and launch an initiative at its Colombia headquarters to strengthen a more diverse and human-centered culture—something that also aligns with the corporation’s global social purpose. In the words of Ana María Moreno Ramírez, Head of Talent and Culture at NTT DATA Colombia, “True innovation happens when we understand that technology does not transform by itself; it is people, with their stories and talents, who make sustainable and human change possible.”
Salvaje Granel, nace como un proyecto que se articula directamente con varios Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS), demostrando que la economía circular puede generar impacto positivo y transformar comunidades.
De acuerdo con WWF en Colombia se producen 700.500 toneladas de envases plásticos de los cuales solo el 30% es reciclado en la elaboración de nuevos empaques. Esto es importante mencionarlo, ya que los plásticos de un solo uso contribuyen de forma significativa a la crisis de contaminación por plásticos y de estos, varios son evitables en su utilización.
Al respecto, el emprendimiento de Salvaje Granel ha implementado una sólida estrategia de responsabilidad social, una propuesta de valor que se basa en un impacto dual. No solo se enfoca en el bienestar del consumidor (productos saludables), sino que también tiene un alto compromiso ético con el impacto ambiental de su comunidad. Su carácter diferenciador reside en elevar la conciencia del cliente, promoviendo acciones de mitigación del cambio climático desde el consumo cotidiano.
Por otro lado, con relación a los residuos orgánicos, es importante considerar que su incremento plantea desafíos socioambientales cada vez más urgentes, derivados del acelerado desarrollo social, el crecimiento demográfico continuo y la creciente demanda de recursos naturales. Las proyecciones indican que, de no implementarse medidas correctivas, la producción mundial de residuos podría incrementarse en un 70 % para el año 2050, alcanzando aproximadamente 3.400 millones de toneladas anuales (Kaza et al., 2018, en Bayona Rodríguez & Bayona González, 2023). Esta situación, sumada a una gestión inadecuada de este tipo de residuos, contribuye al deterioro de la calidad ambiental y afecta la salud pública, al intensificar la contaminación de cuerpos de agua, suelos y aire.
El valor diferenciador y la contribución de Salvaje Granel a esta problemática se materializa a través de la elaboración de pacas digestoras junto a su comunidad. Esta técnica es una estrategia de compostaje anaeróbico que permite la obtención de abono mediante un proceso de fermentación de los residuos orgánicos a través su pensado manual. Caroll y Edwin destacan que la implementación exitosa de esta técnica está intrínsicamente relacionada al trabajo comunitario, ya que fomenta la participación y fortalece el vínculo de su comunidad.
A su vez, la Organización de Naciones Unidas nos recuerda que “el consumo y la producción responsables deben formar parte integral de la recuperación tras la pandemia y de los planes de aceleración de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible. Es crucial implementar políticas que apoyen un cambio hacia prácticas sostenibles y desvinculen el crecimiento económico del uso de los recursos” Informe de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible, 2023.
Como contribución a esto, el emprendimiento Salvaje Granel ofrece a sus clientes la certeza de compra al validar que sus proveedores (principalmente locales de la Región de Santander) operan bajo prácticas agrícolas de producción sostenibles. Esto asegura a la comunidad que los productos además de ser beneficiosos para su salud también respetan al medio ambiente, consolidando la confianza del cliente en toda la cadena de suministro. Así mismo, la gestión de proveedores se rige por principios de comercio justo, garantizando que los agricultores y productores locales reciban una compensación equitativa y transparente por su trabajo.
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Salvaje Granel was born as a project directly aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), demonstrating that the circular economy can generate positive impact and transform communities.
According to WWF, Colombia produces 700,500 tons of plastic packaging, of which only 30% is recycled into new packaging. This is important to mention because single-use plastics significantly contribute to the plastic pollution crisis, and many of them can be avoided.
In this regard, the Salvaje Granel venture has implemented a solid social responsibility strategy, a value proposition based on dual impact. It not only focuses on consumer well-being (healthy products), but also demonstrates a strong ethical commitment to the environmental impact on its community. Its differentiating factor lies in raising customer awareness, promoting climate change mitigation actions through everyday consumption.
On the other hand, regarding organic waste, it is essential to recognize that its increasing volume presents increasingly urgent socio-environmental challenges. These challenges stem from rapid social development, continuous population growth, and the rising demand for natural resources. Projections suggest that, without corrective measures, global waste production could rise by 70% by 2050, reaching approximately 3.4 billion tons annually (Kaza et al., 2018, as cited in Bayona Rodríguez & Bayona González, 2023). This scenario, coupled with inadequate management of organic waste, contributes to the deterioration of environmental quality and negatively impacts public health by intensifying pollution in water bodies, soil, and air.
Salvaje Granel’s differentiating value and contribution to this issue is embodied in the creation of digesting bundles together with its community. This technique is an anaerobic composting strategy that enables the production of fertilizer through a fermentation process of organic waste, carried out manually. Caroll and Edwin emphasize that the successful implementation of this technique is intrinsically linked to community work, as it encourages participation and strengthens the community bond
Following the United Nations, “Responsible consumption and production must be integral to recovery from the pandemic and to acceleration plans of the Sustainable Development Goals.” It is crucial to implement policies that support a shift toward sustainable practices and decouple economic growth from resource use.” (Sustainable Development Goals Report, 2023).
As a contribution to this effort, the Salvaje Granel venture offers its customers purchase assurance by verifying that its suppliers—mainly local producers from the Santander region—operate under sustainable agricultural practices. This ensures that the community receives products that are not only beneficial to their health but also respectful of the environment, thereby strengthening customer trust throughout the supply chain. Additionally, supplier management is guided by fair trade principles, guaranteeing that local farmers and producers receive fair and transparent compensation for their work.
Viotá renace: Turismo que reconstruye
Durante cincuenta años consecutivos, Colombia estuvo marcada por el conflicto armado, un período en el que el reclutamiento forzado, la pérdida de innumerables vidas y el doloroso flagelo de la guerra dejaron huellas profundas en la sociedad. Sin embargo, de esas heridas también surgieron iniciativas que buscan resignificar la memoria y transformar el sufrimiento en oportunidades de reconciliación.
La Asociación de Turismo Hechos de Paz (ASOTOURHEPAZ) es una organización comunitaria conformada por personas en proceso de reincorporación (excombatientes de las FARC), víctimas del conflicto armado y habitantes del municipio de Viotá, ubicado en el departamento de Cundinamarca, Colombia. Su objetivo principal es reconstruir el tejido social a través del turismo.
Fundada en el año 2021, surge como una iniciativa de reincorporación económica y social tras la firma del Acuerdo de Paz entre el Gobierno colombiano y las FARC-EP. Actualmente, la organización cuenta con 67 personas activas (34 mujeres y 33 hombres).
ASOTOURHEPAZ se dedica principalmente al turismo rural y comunitario, al ecoturismo y a la producción de café artesanal, un cultivo tradicional de la región que han convertido en símbolo de reconciliación. Su modelo combina rutas históricas, experiencias culturales, degustaciones de café orgánico y actividades agrícolas sostenibles, promoviendo la convivencia y la memoria colectiva.
En la actualidad, la asociación agrupa a más de 30 familias, siendo un ejemplo de transformación social mediante la sostenibilidad y la inclusión. Su principal diferenciador radica en ofrecer experiencias turísticas integradas con la producción de café de origen, bajo un enfoque de paz, convivencia y sostenibilidad económica.
“Para nosotros, el turismo y el café son nuestras nuevas herramientas para construir paz. Pasamos de portar armas a cultivar y compartir esperanza”, afirmó uno de los integrantes de la asociación (ASOTOURHEPAZ, comunicación personal, 2025).
La organización pertenece al sector turístico, ya que este constituye su principal atractivo. Todas las personas vinculadas desarrollan actividades relacionadas con el turismo, la agricultura u otras fuentes de ingreso gestionadas colectivamente. La empresa fue fundada en Viotá, Cundinamarca por víctimas de conflicto armado (FARC), actualmente cuenta con 67 personas activas y todas desarrollan actividades dentro de esta, ya sean turísticas, de cultivos u otras fuentes de ingreso que ellos manejan, pertenece al sector del turismo ya que este es su atractivo principal. **************************************************************
Viotá reborn: Tourism that rebuilds
For fifty consecutive years, Colombia was marked by armed conflict — a period defined by forced recruitment, the loss of countless lives, and the painful scourge of war that left deep scars on society. However, from those wounds also emerged initiatives aimed at redefining memory and transforming suffering into opportunities for reconciliation.
The Peace-Building Tourism Association (ASOTOURHEPAZ) is a community-based organization made up of individuals in the process of reintegration (former FARC combatants), victims of the armed conflict, and residents of the municipality of Viotá, located in the department of Cundinamarca, Colombia. Its main objective is to rebuild the social fabric through tourism.
Founded in 2021, it emerged as an economic and social reintegration initiative following the signing of the Peace Agreement between the Colombian government and the FARC-EP. The organization currently has 67 active members (34 women and 33 men).
ASOTOURHEPAZ is primarily dedicated to rural and community-based tourism, ecotourism, and the production of artisanal coffee—a traditional crop of the region that has been transformed into a symbol of reconciliation. Its model combines historical routes, cultural experiences, organic coffee tastings, and sustainable agricultural activities, all aimed at promoting coexistence and collective memory.
Currently, the association brings together more than 30 families, serving as an example of social transformation through sustainability and inclusion. Its main differentiator lies in offering tourism experiences integrated with single-origin coffee production, under an approach centered on peace, coexistence, and economic sustainability.
“For us, tourism and coffee are our new tools to build peace. We have gone from carrying weapons to cultivating and sharing hope,” said one of the members of the association (ASOTOURHEPAZ, personal communication, 2025).
The organization belongs to the tourism sector, as this represents its main focus and attraction. All members are engaged in activities related to tourism, agriculture, or other collectively managed sources of income. The association was founded in Viotá, Cundinamarca, by victims of the armed conflict (FARC) and currently has 67 active members, all of whom participate in various activities within the organization—whether in tourism, farming, or other income-generating initiatives—with tourism serving as its core area of interest and development.
101ideas nació en Colombia como una apuesta para transformar la manera en que la sociedad y las empresas entienden la edad. No es solo una consultora, sino un movimiento que convierte la longevidad en un activo estratégico y vital para las organizaciones. Fue co-fundada por Catalina Santana y Nicolás Serna, la empresa trabaja con un equipo interdisciplinario comprometido a demostrar que el talento no tiene fecha de vencimiento, un principio que constituye el núcleo de su misión. A través de una red de aliados, como el Age-Friendly Institute (sello CAFE®), Percomputo, la Fundación Arturo Sesana, universidades y empresas de sectores financieros, energéticos, aseguradoras y retail, 101ideas ha contribuido al desarrollo de un ecosistema que impulsa la inclusión laboral de personas mayores de 50 años y fortalece la gestión intergeneracional en entornos empresariales.
Uno de los hitos más significativos en su trayectoria, su highest point, ha sido el proceso de certificación del Grupo GELSA, el grupo empresarial dueño de los famosos Baloto, BetPlay y Paga Todo; como la primera empresa Colombiana en recibir el sello CAFE® (Certified Age-Friendly Employer). Este logro marcó un antes y un después en el país, no fue simplemente una placa o reconocimiento conmemorativo, sino una transformación cultural profunda. Este proceso activó conversaciones difíciles que tenemos en nuestro país, donde preferimos no hablar sobre sesgos de edad, fomentó la mentoría intergeneracional y generó una nueva apuesta por la incorporación del talento senior remoto, flexible y dignificante. Como expresa Catalina, “Ver a líderes y equipos reconocer el valor productivo de las personas de más de 50 años me confirmó que la longevidad bien gestionada es innovación con retorno”. Esta vivencia, traducida en datos y en rostros, reafirmó que el propósito de 101ideas sí influencia y marca decisiones corporativas y que su trabajo tiene impacto tangible tanto en el negocio como en la comunidad.
Esa visión resume el espíritu de la organización: demostrar que la experiencia acumulada no es un lastre al pasado, sino un motor que nos impulsa al futuro, capaz de transformar la manera en que Colombia percibe el trabajo, la edad y la productividad.
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101ideas was founded in Colombia as an initiative to transform how society and companies perceive age. It is not just a consultancy, but a movement that turns longevity into a strategic and vital asset for organizations. Co-founded by Catalina Santana and Nicolás Serna, the company works with an interdisciplinary team committed to proving that talent has no expiration date, an idea that lies at the very core of its mission.
Through a network of partners such as the Age-Friendly Institute (CAFE® seal), Percomputo, the Arturo Sesana Foundation, universities, and corporations in the financial, energy, insurance, and retail sectors, 101ideas has contributed to building an ecosystem that promotes labor inclusion for people over 50 and strengthens intergenerational management in corporate environments.
One of the company’s major milestones was the certification of Grupo GELSA, the business group behind Baloto, BetPlay, and Paga Todo, as the first Colombian company to receive the CAFE® (Certified Age-Friendly Employer) seal. This achievement marked a turning point in the country: more than a commemorative recognition, it represented a profound cultural transformation. The process sparked difficult yet necessary conversations about age bias in Colombia, fostered intergenerational mentoring, and led to new opportunities for senior talent through flexible and dignified remote work.
As Catalina Santana explains, “Seeing leaders and teams recognize the productive value of people over 50 confirmed for me that well-managed longevity is innovation with tangible return.” This experience reflected in both data and faces reaffirmed that 101ideas’ purpose genuinely influences corporate decisions and creates measurable impact across businesses and communities.
That vision captures the organization’s spirit: proving that accumulated experience is not a burden of the past, but a driving force for the future capable of reshaping how Colombia perceives work, age, and productivity.
La principal innovación surge como respuesta a los problemas estructurales del sistema educativo y jurídico colombiano, especialmente en lo relacionado con la convalidación de títulos extranjeros. Para 2023 se recibieron más de 15.000 solicitudes de convalidaciones en donde aproximadamente el 73% de solicitudes fueron aprobadas.
Uno de los principales desafíos de no aprobación es la falta de claridad por parte del Ministerio de Educación Nacional (MEN) en sus procesos y procedimientos, lo que genera incertidumbre entre los profesionales que buscan validar sus estudios. Además, el MEN exige documentación que incluso supera los requisitos de otros países, dificultando el proceso, ya que, en muchos casos no existe un documento oficial que indique los criterios que se necesitan. A esto se suma la ausencia de equivalencias claras entre títulos y las diferencias en la asignación de créditos académicos frente a sistemas educativos internacionales, lo que agrava aún más la complejidad del trámite (Ochoa Guevara, Poveda Peña Amaya Becerra, 2023).
Estos obstáculos no solo afectan la vida laboral de miles de personas, sino que también genera pérdida de talento y desmotivación profesional. Diana Alexandra afirma que cuando regresó de estudiar en Europa vio cómo se negaban cientos de convalidaciones, incluso de personas con títulos reales y se dio cuenta de que se estaban vulnerando derechos importantes.
Frente a esta realidad, la empresa identificó una oportunidad de innovación social y tecnológica, creando Convalitics, una plataforma digital que permite orientar, acompañar y optimizar el proceso de convalidación de títulos en Colombia. A través de datos y asesorías, la herramienta brinda información sobre las universidades, institutos y programas académicos que si están avalados para convalidar en Colombia y los pasos a seguir para tramitar ante el Ministerio de Educación Nacional y legalizar el título en el país. Diana Alexandra cuenta que “Crearon una plataforma en la que las personas pueden entender qué títulos son convalidables, qué universidades se recomiendan y cuáles no. Así se previenen errores y se protegen derechos”.
Esta innovación está directamente relacionada con tres Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS):
• ODS 4 – Educación de calidad, A través de su servicio de convalidación de títulos, se contribuye activamente a promover la equidad y la igualdad en el acceso al conocimiento, reconociendo de manera justa la formación académica recibida por los estudiantes en el exterior. Este proceso garantiza que los aprendizajes adquiridos fuera del país sean valorados y homologados adecuadamente en Colombia, fortaleciendo así una educación inclusiva y de calidad para todos, en donde al presentar su servicio de convalidación de títulos ayudan a impulsar la equidad e igualdad en el conocimiento de la formación recibida por los estudiantes en el exterior
• ODS 5 – Igualdad de género, al promover espacios de liderazgo femenino y diversidad profesional.
• ODS 9 – Industria, innovación e infraestructura, al incorporar tecnología en procesos legales y educativos.
Con Convalitics y las demás iniciativas, el Grupo SCL se posiciona como un referente en innovación jurídica y educativa, generando soluciones que vinculan rentabilidad económica con desarrollo social sostenible.
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The main innovation arises in response to structural problems in the Colombian education and legal systems, especially regarding the validation of foreign degrees. By 2023, more than 15,000 applications for validation had been received, with approximately 73% of applications approved.
One of the main challenges to approval is the lack of clarity in the Ministry of National Education (MEN) 's processes and procedures, which creates uncertainty among professionals seeking to validate their studies. In addition, the MEN require documentation beyond that of other countries, making the process difficult, since in many cases, there is no official document outlining the required criteria. Added to this is the absence of clear equivalencies between degrees and differences in the allocation of academic credits compared to international education systems, which further complicates the process (Ochoa Guevara, Poveda Peña Amaya Becerra, 2023).
These obstacles not only affect the working lives of thousands of people but also lead to a loss of talent and professional demotivation. Diana Alexandra states that when she returned from studying in Europe, she saw how hundreds of validations were denied, even for people with real degrees, and realized that important rights were being violated.
Faced with this reality, the company identified an opportunity for social and technological innovation, creating Convalitics, a digital platform that guides, supports, and optimizes the process of validating degrees in Colombia. Through data and guidance, the tool provides information on universities, institutes, and academic programs approved for validation in Colombia, along with the steps to follow to apply to the Ministry of National Education and legalize the degree in the country. Diana Alexandra says, "They created a platform where people can understand which degrees are validatable, which universities are recommended, and which are not. This prevents errors and protects rights."
This innovation is directly related to three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
• SDG 4 – Quality education. Through its degree validation service, it actively promotes equity and equality in access to knowledge, fairly recognizing the academic training students receive abroad. This process ensures that learning acquired outside the country is properly valued and recognized in Colombia, thus strengthening inclusive, quality education for all, where, by offering its degree validation service, it helps to promote equity and equality in the knowledge of the education received by students abroad
• SDG 5 – Gender equality, by promoting spaces for female leadership and professional diversity.
• SDG 9 – Industry, innovation, and infrastructure, by incorporating technology into legal and educational processes.
With Convalitics and other initiatives, the SCL Group has positioned itself as a leader in legal and educational innovation, generating solutions that link economic profitability with sustainable social development.
Michelle and Java created Java’s Compost to make at-home composting easy for anyone looking to reduce the impact of their food waste. Their tagline, “Don’t Waste Your Waste,” underscores their belief that compost is an amazing natural resource that should be more accessible. They contribute meaningfully to several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including SDGs 11 and 12 by contributing to a closed-loop production cycle to benefit the local community and reduce consumption, and SDG 13 by preventing waste from reaching landfills, which contribute to methane emissions.
Rangsutra Crafts India Ltd. introduced a community-owned business model that raised craftsmen from laborers to shareholders and co-owners of the company. Each artisan owns a share, giving them a voice in business decisions and a stake in the company's success.The enterprise ensures profit-sharing and decision-making rights for artists, allowing them to participate in company governance and directly benefit from growth.
Moduplus is a product line developed by Dutch furniture manufacturer ROFA. It is transforming how offices are furnished and refurbished. ROFA designs and produces modular sofas, acoustic rooms, and tables that can be endlessly reconfigured and reupholstered without tools, and can eventually be taken back to be used as new products.
All Moduplus products are made in ROFA’s energy-neutral factory in Tilburg, the Netherlands, equipped with solar panels and mainly supplied by local partners within a roughly 30 km radius, using sustainable and recyclable materials. Moduplus also provides CO₂ passports and product circularity reports so clients can see the precise environmental impact of their interior choices.
By designing “shapeshifting” workspaces that grow and change with organizations instead of being ripped out and replaced, Moduplus advances several UN Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
Spark Design & Innovation is a Rotterdam-based design agency that developed the Kalfire E-One, a fully emission-free holographic fireplace. This innovation recreates the emotional qualities of fire without smoke, gas, or particulates, helping address SDG 7 (Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). By eliminating combustion entirely, Spark offers a safe and sustainable alternative that is accessible in homes, hotels, and buildings where traditional fireplaces are no longer permitted.
Spark is a Dutch company that provides modular, off-grid solar energy systems to communities that struggle with reliable electricity access. Their flagship product, the Spark Solar Kit, brings together solar panels, batteries, and energy-efficient appliances into a flexible ecosystem that can expand as households' and villages' needs grow. They’re collaborating with partners across various countries in Africa and Asia, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, and Bangladesh.
With their integrated pay-as-you-go (PAYGo) model linked to the user-friendly Spark Portal, customers can ease into ownership by paying for their systems in manageable installments. Plus, Spark provides support to local distributors through financing, training, and ongoing technical assistance, ensuring the sustainable deployment and maintenance of these systems. Having tens of thousands of installations under its belt, Spark is making a significant social and environmental impact.
Moduplus is a product line developed by Dutch furniture manufacturer ROFA. It is transforming how offices are furnished and refurbished. Moduplus' modular sofas, acoustic rooms and tables can be endlessly reconfigured and reupholstered without any tools and eventually taken back to be used as new products.
All Moduplus products are made in ROFA’s energy-neutral factory in Tilburg, Netherlands, equipped with solar panels and supplied largely by local partners within roughly a 30-km radius using sustainable and recyclable materials. Moduplus also provides CO₂ passports and product circularity reports so clients can see the precise environmental impact of their interior choices.
By designing “shapeshifting” workspaces that grow and change with organizations instead of being ripped out and replaced, Moduplus advances several UN Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
Louisiana Flag Football introduced an official cheerleading program in Fall 2024 to give young girls a meaningful role in a sports environment that had been centered around boys. This innovation supports UN SDG 5 by creating real opportunities for girls to participate and feel included, and it supports UN SDG 3 by helping them stay active, build confidence, and connect socially. The program has grown quickly and now serves as a key part of the league’s mission to give every child a place to belong.
In the following article, you will read about Too Good To Go. Too Good To Go is an inspiring company that connects consumers with businesses to promote responsible consumption. The company identified its strengths and decided to build on them to support responsible consumption. This led to incredible and life-changing results across multiple SDGs, such as SDGs 12 and 13. In this interview, you can find questions regarding their goals, impact, and motivation.
This essay was written by group 4 with Semmy Mullenberg, Suus Weetink and Berend Kramer
PlaSTiEK closes local material loops by transforming discarded plastics into durable outdoor furniture, all within the Breda region. Their innovation lies in making circular production local, visible, and transparent—turning waste into a valuable resource. This approach directly supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).