Systemair and the UN Global Compact: A Dual Push for Sustainability
April 15, 2025, 10:43 pm

Location: United States, New York
Employees: 201-500
Founded date: 2000
In a world grappling with climate change, two entities are stepping up: Systemair and the UN Global Compact. Each is charting a course toward sustainability, but their paths are distinct yet interconnected. Systemair, a leading ventilation company, has recently received approval for its emission targets from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Meanwhile, the UN Global Compact is rallying the private sector in Africa to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Together, they represent a growing movement towards a greener future.
Systemair's recent achievement is a beacon of hope. The company has set ambitious emission reduction targets, aiming for a 42% decrease in its direct emissions (scopes 1 and 2) by 2030. This is no small feat. It reflects a commitment to sustainability that resonates across the industry. The company’s long-term goal is even more ambitious: a 90% reduction in all emissions by 2050. This is a clarion call for others in the sector to follow suit.
The approval from SBTi is not just a badge of honor. It signifies that Systemair's targets are grounded in science. They align with the global imperative to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The urgency is palpable. Buildings account for nearly 40% of global energy consumption. Systemair’s products play a crucial role in this equation. By enhancing energy efficiency, they not only reduce emissions but also pave the way for a sustainable future.
The company’s focus on scope 3 emissions is particularly noteworthy. A staggering 96% of Systemair's emissions stem from the use of its products. This highlights the importance of energy efficiency in the operational phase. It’s a reminder that sustainability is not just about production; it’s about the entire lifecycle of a product. The push for energy-efficient solutions is a vital part of the puzzle. As fossil fuels remain a dominant energy source in many regions, Systemair’s commitment to efficiency is a step toward reducing reliance on these harmful resources.
On the other side of the globe, the UN Global Compact is making waves in Africa. The Kampala Declaration, born from the recent SDG Activation Day, calls for a concerted effort to scale up the Forward Faster initiative. This initiative aims to mobilize corporate action in key areas like gender equality, climate action, and sustainable finance. With only 17% of SDG targets on track for 2030, the urgency for action is clear.
The Forward Faster initiative is a rallying cry for businesses. It encourages them to take measurable actions that can drive significant progress across all 17 SDGs. The private sector is not a bystander; it is a crucial player in achieving the 2030 Agenda. The discussions at the SDG Activation Day underscored this point. Leaders from various sectors shared best practices and innovative approaches to sustainability. The emphasis was on actionable steps that require minimal resources. This is a refreshing perspective in a world often bogged down by bureaucracy.
The potential for the African private sector is immense. With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) unlocking a $3.4 trillion market, the opportunities for sustainable growth are vast. However, this growth must be inclusive. The private sector must engage in job creation and innovation that benefits all Africans. The Kampala Declaration emphasizes the need for incentives that align private sector investments with the SDGs. This is not just about profit; it’s about purpose.
Both Systemair and the UN Global Compact highlight the importance of collaboration. Systemair’s efforts in emissions reduction resonate with the UN’s call for corporate responsibility. The interconnectedness of these initiatives illustrates a broader trend: sustainability is a collective endeavor. Companies must work together, share knowledge, and support one another in their sustainability journeys.
As Systemair sets its sights on net-zero emissions by 2050, it serves as a model for others. The company’s commitment to energy efficiency and emissions reduction is a roadmap for the industry. Similarly, the UN Global Compact’s Forward Faster initiative provides a framework for businesses in Africa to align with global sustainability goals. Together, these efforts represent a significant shift in how companies approach sustainability.
The road ahead is fraught with challenges. Climate change is a formidable adversary. However, the actions taken by Systemair and the UN Global Compact signal a growing recognition of the need for urgent action. The stakes are high, but so are the rewards. A sustainable future is within reach if businesses embrace their role in this journey.
In conclusion, Systemair and the UN Global Compact are leading the charge toward a more sustainable world. Their initiatives are not just about compliance; they are about transformation. As they forge ahead, they inspire others to join the movement. The time for action is now. The future depends on it.
Systemair's recent achievement is a beacon of hope. The company has set ambitious emission reduction targets, aiming for a 42% decrease in its direct emissions (scopes 1 and 2) by 2030. This is no small feat. It reflects a commitment to sustainability that resonates across the industry. The company’s long-term goal is even more ambitious: a 90% reduction in all emissions by 2050. This is a clarion call for others in the sector to follow suit.
The approval from SBTi is not just a badge of honor. It signifies that Systemair's targets are grounded in science. They align with the global imperative to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The urgency is palpable. Buildings account for nearly 40% of global energy consumption. Systemair’s products play a crucial role in this equation. By enhancing energy efficiency, they not only reduce emissions but also pave the way for a sustainable future.
The company’s focus on scope 3 emissions is particularly noteworthy. A staggering 96% of Systemair's emissions stem from the use of its products. This highlights the importance of energy efficiency in the operational phase. It’s a reminder that sustainability is not just about production; it’s about the entire lifecycle of a product. The push for energy-efficient solutions is a vital part of the puzzle. As fossil fuels remain a dominant energy source in many regions, Systemair’s commitment to efficiency is a step toward reducing reliance on these harmful resources.
On the other side of the globe, the UN Global Compact is making waves in Africa. The Kampala Declaration, born from the recent SDG Activation Day, calls for a concerted effort to scale up the Forward Faster initiative. This initiative aims to mobilize corporate action in key areas like gender equality, climate action, and sustainable finance. With only 17% of SDG targets on track for 2030, the urgency for action is clear.
The Forward Faster initiative is a rallying cry for businesses. It encourages them to take measurable actions that can drive significant progress across all 17 SDGs. The private sector is not a bystander; it is a crucial player in achieving the 2030 Agenda. The discussions at the SDG Activation Day underscored this point. Leaders from various sectors shared best practices and innovative approaches to sustainability. The emphasis was on actionable steps that require minimal resources. This is a refreshing perspective in a world often bogged down by bureaucracy.
The potential for the African private sector is immense. With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) unlocking a $3.4 trillion market, the opportunities for sustainable growth are vast. However, this growth must be inclusive. The private sector must engage in job creation and innovation that benefits all Africans. The Kampala Declaration emphasizes the need for incentives that align private sector investments with the SDGs. This is not just about profit; it’s about purpose.
Both Systemair and the UN Global Compact highlight the importance of collaboration. Systemair’s efforts in emissions reduction resonate with the UN’s call for corporate responsibility. The interconnectedness of these initiatives illustrates a broader trend: sustainability is a collective endeavor. Companies must work together, share knowledge, and support one another in their sustainability journeys.
As Systemair sets its sights on net-zero emissions by 2050, it serves as a model for others. The company’s commitment to energy efficiency and emissions reduction is a roadmap for the industry. Similarly, the UN Global Compact’s Forward Faster initiative provides a framework for businesses in Africa to align with global sustainability goals. Together, these efforts represent a significant shift in how companies approach sustainability.
The road ahead is fraught with challenges. Climate change is a formidable adversary. However, the actions taken by Systemair and the UN Global Compact signal a growing recognition of the need for urgent action. The stakes are high, but so are the rewards. A sustainable future is within reach if businesses embrace their role in this journey.
In conclusion, Systemair and the UN Global Compact are leading the charge toward a more sustainable world. Their initiatives are not just about compliance; they are about transformation. As they forge ahead, they inspire others to join the movement. The time for action is now. The future depends on it.