In the race to align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), one major player is conspicuously absent from the pack. Vinci, Europe’s largest construction company by revenue, has eschewed the SDG framework entirely in favor of its own tailor-made approach to sustainable development. A recent MBA thesis analysing the sustainability reporting of 12 leading UK and EU construction firms found that while Vinci extensively communicates about sustainable development, it shows no alignment with any of the 17 SDGs. This is a striking departure from industry norms, given Vinci’s size, global presence, and the growing pressure on businesses to demonstrate SDG contributions. So why has this construction giant chosen to go it alone? And what can we learn from their alternative framework? Vinci’s 2022 Universal Registration Document provides some clues.
The company states that for them, “the environmental, social and workforce dimensions are inseparable from the technical and economic performance of its projects and businesses.” Rather than retrofitting the SDGs onto existing practices, Vinci has developed an integrated approach that embeds sustainability into the core of their business model. This all-round performance goal is outlined in the VINCI Manifesto, which sets out shared values and sustainable development commitments to all stakeholders. Published in some 30 languages, the Manifesto aims to coordinate how Vinci’s decentralized network of autonomous subsidiaries acts in all countries of operation. Vinci’s bespoke framework is grounded in their humanist corporate culture and emphasis on listening and dialogue with stakeholders. They position themselves as “a force for good” actively contributing to the environmental transition, social cohesion and inclusion in the communities they serve.
While not explicitly aligned with the SDGs, keyword analysis reveals that Vinci discusses SDG-related themes extensively in their reporting. Their Environmental Impact Reduction Roadmap sets ambitious targets for decarbonization, circular economy, and biodiversity preservation – all key SDG priorities. Social initiatives around diversity, safety and upskilling also resonate with the SDG agenda. Vinci’s independent path raises important questions about the scalability and flexibility of the SDG framework for large, complex organizations. With operations spanning over 120 countries, nearly 300,000 employees and activities ranging from construction to concessions, a one-size-fits-all approach may not be feasible or meaningful.
Developing their own framework allows Vinci to tailor sustainable development to their business realities and materiality issues. It enables a more authentic integration into strategy and decision-making, rather than a bolt-on exercise vulnerable to SDG-washing critiques. Vinci’s approach also highlights the importance of grounding sustainability in corporate culture and values. The VINCI Manifesto provides a shared language and north star for their decentralized structure, fostering ownership and accountability at all levels. Empowering local subsidiaries to set contextual targets within a common framework can drive more impactful, locally-relevant action than a generic SDG checklist.
Naturally, charting an independent course is not without risks. It requires significant investment and expertise to develop a robust, credible framework. Lack of comparability with peers can impede benchmarking and best practice sharing. And as sustainability reporting becomes increasingly regulated, bespoke approaches may struggle to satisfy standardized requirements.
Vinci’s unique position as an industry leader with vast resources enables them to shoulder these challenges. But their experience offers valuable lessons for all companies grappling with how to make the global goals locally relevant and actionable. As the SDG reckoning approaches, with just 7 years left to achieve the 2030 Agenda, we need more bold, business-led innovation to accelerate progress. Vinci’s alternative framework may not be a universal solution, but it challenges us to think beyond checkbox alignment and explore how the SDGs can be truly embedded into the DNA of companies. Further research into Vinci’s approach, its successes and shortcomings, could yield powerful insights for evolving the SDG framework to better fit the needs of the private sector. If we are to achieve the transformative vision of the goals, we need all hands on deck – even those charting their own course.
…charting an independent course is not without risks
References:
- J.C. Wheeler, “What We Talk About When We Talk About SDGs” (MBA Thesis, 2023)
- Vinci, 2022 Universal Registration Document, https://www.vinci.com/publi/vinci/a11y/2022/vinci-urd/article/24/
- Vinci, Environmental Impact Reduction Roadmap, https://www.vincifacilities.com/downloads/environmental-impact-reduction-roadmap.pdf
- Vinci, Extract from the 2018 Annual Report on Sustainable Development, https://www.vinci.com/vinci/presentations-dd.nsf/975582F24B981112C12583EE00465C7B/$file/2018_annual_report_extract.pdf