plant growing in forest
change for better
You may have heard of the United Nation’s (UN) SDGs. But what are they? What do they mean, and how is Ricoh Canada embracing them?
The 17 SDGs1 are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and to ensure that everyone enjoys peace and prosperity. The SDGs are an urgent call for action by all countries (developed and developing) – in a global partnership.
In 1946, Ricoh Founder, Kiyoshi Ichimura, advocated three Principles: The Spirit of Three Loves.
“Love your neighbor”, “Love your country” and “Love your work”.   As Ricoh’s founding Principles, they inspire Ricoh’s business activities and represent the values that empowers our employees. More specifically, “Act for the good of others, contribute to the community and find meaning in your work”.  It came as no surprise in 2017 when Ricoh announced its support for the UN’s SDGs as they continue to embody our founding principles.
Ricoh’s President and CEO, Jake Yamashita strongly supports the initiative, “SDGs are increasingly important. I believe that businesses that are not contributing to these goals will be ignored by the market. Therefore, we need to pursue not only business profitability, but also contribute to social issues”.
Ricoh has established five material issues to focus on throughout the business, based on 8 specific SDGs:
• #3 Good Health and Well Being
• #4 Quality Education
• #7 Affordable & Clean Energy
• #8: Decent work and economic growth
• #9 Industry, innovation and infrastructure
• #11 Sustainable Cities & Communities
• #12 Responsible Production and Consumption
• #13 Climate Action
At Ricoh Canada, we are working hard to do our part.  Our corporate head office and warehouse in Ontario has been powered by BullFrog Power since 2007.  Bullfrog Power ensures that renewable electricity is put into the grid to match the amount of conventional electricity used at those locations.
By combining numerous technologies with our experience and expertise in video, document management, networking and office construction, Ricoh introduced a new form of business communication that overcomes the limitations of time and place. This New World of Work (NWOW) office design also fulfils many SDGs. The reduction in storage and filing has significantly reduced paper usage; while a reduction of environmental footprint has been achieved through decreased office space and commuting through video conferencing. NWOW also contributes to SDG#3 by fostering an improved work/life balance by offering employees the option to work from home when required.  During the summer months, Ricoh Canada also offers its employees a Summer Flex Hours program which permits flexibility in working hours.
Ricoh continually looks for ways in which it can contribute towards the SDGs. June has been designated as SDG Action Month across the global Ricoh community.  During this month, employees and their families are encouraged to participate in activities that address any of the SDGs listed above.
What are you doing to support the Sustainable Development Goals?
Learn more about Ricoh’s efforts towards achieving Environmental Sustainability.

 

Angela Tinto-Hamood
Environment & Sustainability Manager
Ricoh Canada Inc

 

1 https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/sustainable-development-goals.html