Assessing SDG Impact: A Spotlight on Swiss Businesses

Insight: Switzerland ranks among the top 25 countries in the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN)’s SDG Index, a testament to its national sustainability efforts.1 However, a deeper dive reveals a significant opportunity for Swiss companies to further embed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into business strategies. As the integration of SDGs continues to evolve, understanding the comprehensive impact of corporate operations becomes paramount.

Inrate’s proprietary data on Swiss Performance Index (SPI) companies paints a nuanced picture: while these companies demonstrate strengths in contributing to certain SDGs, other areas show considerable room for improvement. This analysis highlights the complex landscape of corporate SDG performance within Switzerland.

While, Switzerland performs well on global sustainability indicators, major challenges persist at the national level across several SDGs. This includes SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). These national-level challenges underscore the broader context in which Swiss businesses operate and the areas where collective action is most needed.

Figure 1 Switzerland’s performance on the SDGs.  

Our analysis of SPI companies reveals varied contributions across the spectrum of SDGs. Figure 2 provides an overview of the weighted sum of all positively and negatively contributing business activities of SPI companies, based on Inrate’s assessment. For instance, the data shows that, on average, 38% of SPI companies’ business activities contribute very positively to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Conversely, 11% of their revenue streams contribute negatively to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

Figure 2 SDG contributions of SPI companies. Source: Inrate data

Figure 2 illustrates where Swiss companies exhibit their strongest positive impact, notably in SDG 3, followed by SDGs 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). It also highlights critical areas for improvement, with SDGs 6, 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land) showing the largest negative contributions, suggesting a need for strategic shifts.

The SDGs offer a robust framework for companies to embed their sustainability efforts, fostering innovation, strengthen their reputation, and ultimately create long-term value. By contributing to the SDGs, companies demonstrate their commitment to sustainable development and align their business activities with broader societal goals.

Understanding the dual impact – both positive and negative – of business operations on the SDGs is also crucial for investors and other stakeholders. This information empowers investors to make informed decisions that align with their values and sustainability objectives. It also fosters greater transparency and accountability in corporate sustainability reporting, pushing companies towards more responsible and impactful practices

Read more: How Financial Institutions Can Leverage SDG Impact Data for Smarter Investments

Inrate assesses SDG contributions using a proprietary methodology that meticulously analyzes both the positive and negative impacts of companies’ business activities. This evaluation considers how each activity affects individual SDGs, accounts for potential substitution effects, and encompasses the entire value chain of the activity. For each SDG, this analysis is further complemented by an assessment of the company’s CSR performance (management & operations) and any associated controversies.

For more information on our methodology and detailed insights, please reach out to ishrita.gupta@inrate.com.