O - Public administration and defence; compulsory social security
E1 - Climate change
In the public administration and defence sector, climate change adaptation and mitigation are strategic priorities, as these organizations manage critical infrastructure, emergency response, and social support systems that are directly exposed to climate risks. Their decisions on energy use, urban planning, and policy implementation can generate significant positive or negative impacts on community resilience and national carbon footprints. By integrating robust climate strategies, the sector not only reduces vulnerabilities and operational risks but also leverages opportunities to lead by example and foster sustainable development across society.
E1 - Climate change E2 - Pollution E3 - Water and marine resourcesE4 - Biodiversity and ecosystems E5 - Circular economyG1 - Business conduct S1 - Own workforce S2 - Workers in the value chain S3 - Affected communities S4 - Consumers and end-users
E2 - Pollution
Public administration and defence entities, due to their extensive infrastructure, operational activities, and regulatory influence, play a pivotal role in addressing multiple forms of pollution—ranging from air and water pollution to the management of hazardous substances. Inadequate pollution control can impact public health, environmental quality, and trust in public institutions, while robust prevention and remediation efforts offer opportunities to set standards, improve community well-being, and drive innovation in service delivery. The sector must therefore anticipate and manage both direct and indirect impacts, risks, and opportunities related to pollution across all operations and value chains.
E1 - Climate change E2 - Pollution E3 - Water and marine resources E4 - Biodiversity and ecosystems E5 - Circular economyG1 - Business conduct S1 - Own workforce S2 - Workers in the value chain S3 - Affected communities S4 - Consumers and end-users
E3 - Water and marine resources
Public administration and defence entities, through their management of public infrastructure, emergency services, and regulatory oversight, have a significant influence on water consumption, wastewater treatment, and the protection of marine resources. Insufficient management of water and marine impacts can lead to environmental degradation, increased costs for communities, and loss of public trust, while proactive stewardship and innovation in water efficiency offer opportunities to set benchmarks for sustainable resource use. Addressing these stakes enables the sector to both mitigate risks and drive positive change across society, reinforcing its leadership role in sustainable development.
E1 - Climate change E2 - Pollution E3 - Water and marine resources E4 - Biodiversity and ecosystems E5 - Circular economyG1 - Business conduct S1 - Own workforce S2 - Workers in the value chain S3 - Affected communities S4 - Consumers and end-users
E4 - Biodiversity and ecosystems
Public administration and defence organizations, through their land management, infrastructure projects, and regulatory influence, can directly and indirectly affect biodiversity and the health of ecosystems. Poor consideration of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation may result in negative impacts on public health, ecosystem services, and social well-being, while proactive integration of nature-positive actions offers opportunities to enhance resilience, fulfill regulatory mandates, and lead by example. Addressing these stakes requires careful attention to both direct drivers of biodiversity loss and dependencies on ecosystem services across all activities and value chains.
E1 - Climate change E2 - Pollution E3 - Water and marine resources E4 - Biodiversity and ecosystems E5 - Circular economyG1 - Business conduct S1 - Own workforce S2 - Workers in the value chain S3 - Affected communities S4 - Consumers and end-users
E5 - Circular economy
Public administration and defence organizations, due to their extensive procurement, infrastructure management, and service delivery, have a significant influence on resource inflows, outflows, and waste generation. Inefficient resource use or poor waste management can lead to increased costs, environmental impacts, and reduced public trust, while embracing circular economy principles—such as sustainable procurement, reuse, and recycling—offers the opportunity to set an example, reduce environmental footprints, and optimize public spending. Addressing these stakes allows the sector to drive positive change across society and reinforce its leadership in sustainability.
E1 - Climate change E2 - Pollution E3 - Water and marine resources E4 - Biodiversity and ecosystems E5 - Circular economyG1 - Business conduct S1 - Own workforce S2 - Workers in the value chain S3 - Affected communities S4 - Consumers and end-users
G1 - Business conduct
In the public administration and defence sector, exemplary business conduct is essential to maintain public trust and ensure ethical governance, particularly given the sector’s responsibility for large-scale procurement, regulatory oversight, and allocation of public resources. Issues such as corruption, supplier relationship management, political engagement, and whistle-blower protection require rigorous controls and transparent processes to prevent misuse of power, safeguard public funds, and promote a culture of integrity. By setting high standards in these areas—including animal welfare where relevant—public entities can mitigate reputational and financial risks, foster accountability, and create positive impacts for society as a whole.
E1 - Climate change E2 - Pollution E3 - Water and marine resources E4 - Biodiversity and ecosystems E5 - Circular economyG1 - Business conduct S1 - Own workforce S2 - Workers in the value chain S3 - Affected communities S4 - Consumers and end-users
S1 - Own workforce
Ensuring adequate wages, equal opportunities, and safe working conditions is fundamental in the public administration and defence sector, given its large and diverse workforce and its responsibility as a model employer. The sector faces specific risks related to wage disparities, discrimination, and occupational health, which can affect employee motivation, service quality, and public trust. By proactively addressing these challenges, public entities can generate positive impacts for their staff, reduce operational and reputational risks, and set benchmarks for social responsibility in the wider community.
E1 - Climate change E2 - Pollution E3 - Water and marine resources E4 - Biodiversity and ecosystems E5 - Circular economyG1 - Business conduct S1 - Own workforce S2 - Workers in the value chain S3 - Affected communities S4 - Consumers and end-users
S2 - Workers in the value chain
In the public administration and defence sector, the value chain often includes a wide array of external contractors, service providers, and suppliers who play a critical role in delivering public services. Ensuring fair wages, equal treatment, respect for work-related rights, and safe working conditions throughout this extended value chain is essential to avoid reputational, legal, and operational risks, and to uphold the public sector’s responsibility as a driver of social progress. By actively promoting responsible practices among partners and suppliers, public entities can create positive societal impacts and reinforce trust in public institutions.
E1 - Climate change E2 - Pollution E3 - Water and marine resources E4 - Biodiversity and ecosystems E5 - Circular economyG1 - Business conduct S1 - Own workforce S2 - Workers in the value chain S3 - Affected communities S4 - Consumers and end-users
S3 - Affected communities
Public administration and defence organizations have a direct influence on the civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of communities, including indigenous peoples, through their policies, service delivery, and regulatory actions. Failing to respect these rights can lead to social tensions, legal challenges, and loss of legitimacy, while proactive engagement and inclusive decision-making can create positive impacts, strengthen social cohesion, and foster trust in public institutions. Addressing these stakes requires a constant commitment to respecting community rights and anticipating the diverse needs and expectations of all affected groups.
E1 - Climate change E2 - Pollution E3 - Water and marine resources E4 - Biodiversity and ecosystems E5 - Circular economyG1 - Business conduct S1 - Own workforce S2 - Workers in the value chain S3 - Affected communities S4 - Consumers and end-users
S4 - Consumers and end-users
Educational institutions, through their infrastructure, daily operations, and influence on future generations, play a key role in both adapting to and mitigating climate change. Insufficient attention to energy efficiency, climate resilience, or sustainable practices can lead to increased costs, operational disruptions, and reputational risks, while proactive integration of climate strategies offers opportunities to reduce environmental impacts and inspire broader societal change. By addressing these stakes, the education sector not only safeguards its own continuity but also strengthens its contribution to sustainable development.
E1 - Climate change E2 - Pollution E3 - Water and marine resources E4 - Biodiversity and ecosystems E5 - Circular economyG1 - Business conduct S1 - Own workforce S2 - Workers in the value chain S3 - Affected communities S4 - Consumers and end-users
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