Sustainability at SAP in Honor of Earth Month

Earth Month History

On April 22, 1970 millions of Americans protested the negative environmental impact of industrial development and highlighted the need to take action to save the planet. Greater awareness and advocacy around the high cost of pollution, the loss of wilderness and wildlife, and the frequency of oil spills gave rise to the modern environmental movement.

Following the protests, the general population became more aware of the need to conserve natural resources, and politically, both sides of the aisle aligned to address environmental protection. This led to Earth Day, the development of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and approval of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts. Worldwide, people observe Earth Day on April 22nd, and the entire month provides a platform to improve understanding and mobilize citizens around environmental issues

Today, many of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) bring these same environmental issues to light including SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 14: Life Below Water, and SDG 15: Life on Land.

The UN SDGs and SAP

As the world’s business software market leader, the purpose of SAP is to help the world run better and improve people’s lives. SAP has championed sustainability for 10 years and continues to enable its customers to leverage SAP solutions to create positive economic, social, and environmental impact.

SAP Next-Gen supports this mission by inspiring diverse industries to commit to “Innovation with Purpose” linked to the UN SDGs. From a sustainable fashion agenda to partnerships that advance solutions for zero hunger and responsible consumption and production, SAP Next-Gen demonstrates its commitment to sustainability.

SAP Next-Gen connects companies and citizens around the world to academic thought leaders and researchers, students, startups, accelerators, tech community partners, purpose driven partners, venture firms, futurists, social activists, government leaders, impact investors, and SAP experts to reimagine the future of industries, the intelligent enterprise and the experience economy; seed in disruptive innovation with startups; build skills for digital futures; and use new mindsets such as science fiction thinking to accelerate “Innovation with Purpose” linked to the UN SDGs.

Local Environmental Initiatives in NYC

In New York City, citizens rally around environmental initiatives to make a difference locally and globally. On April 17, a film screening of “Racing Extinction” followed by a panel at the SoHo House, exposed the risk of endangered species and mass extinction. These difficult conversations encourage citizens to rally around critical environmental issues and work towards protecting the planet.

At Davos earlier this year, SAP Next-Gen launched a citizens agendafor the UN SDGs. It aims to empower citizens to employ meaningful lifestyle changes and take action towards the creation of a more sustainable future.

How can you, as a citizen, take action to create a better world and preserve Earth’s resources?

· Ride your bike to work

· Use public transportation

· Bring reusable bags to the store

· Pack food in reusable containers rather than plastic

· Purchase sustainable clothing

· Turn off the lights when you leave the room

· Drink water out of a refillable bottle rather than a plastic bottle

· Plant a tree

Join SAP Next-Gen in building a better world by playing your part in accelerating solutions to the UN SDGs. Make everyday choices that promote sustainability and celebrate Earth Day every day.