ChemScore and the SDGs
ChemScore ranks companies in the chemical industry and scores them in four different categories. Three of these categories are easily linked to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By understanding how the categories connect with the SDGs you can track the progress of companies towards achieving the SDGs.
ChemScore Category 1: Hazardous product portfolio
In this category we take a look at each company’s production of hazardous chemicals (defined here as so-called SIN List substances) in the EU and the US. Reducing or eliminating these hazardous substances is the best and most effective way to contribute to SDG 3 and SDG 6.
SDG Goal No. 3 — Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
SDG Goal No. 6 — Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
- Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimising the release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
ChemScore Category 2: Safer alternatives
In this category we explore the knowledge and willingness of a company to screen all their products and processes to identify and understand their use of hazardous chemicals. We also search for eco-friendly, less-toxic products that enable more sustainable consumption.
SDG Goal No. 12 — Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
- Target 12.4: By 2030, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all waste streams throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release into the air, water and soil in order to minimise their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
ChemScore Category 3: Management and transparency
What strategy does the company have in place? Will it lead to less hazardous chemicals? SDG 9 is easily linked to this category, and also to category 2 as innovation in the chemical sector means more sustainable, less-toxic products.
SDG Goal No. 9 – Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation
- Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities.