16 SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy – Team 19

Team Reflection 

Over the course of the COIL program, we learned about how companies have responded to the 7th Sustainable Goal put into place by the UN, which is to “Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.” This goal aims to address the lack of accessible clean energy across the world, as many countries and people are without these means.

As a group, exploring the AIM2Flourish stories has affected the way we think and act as individuals. With our goal being the SDG 7, we are exposed to different strategies by businessmen who are influential , to innovate affordable and clean energy initiatives. This has broadened our understanding on the importance of clean energy in the world, the reduction of carbon emissions and its effect on climate change. With this in mind we aspire to be more involved in pushing the “clean energy” agenda in our respective local areas, by being involved in small projects like cleaning waste in the streets, making people aware of the impact their usage of cars affects the ozone layer and the promotion of usage of public transport.
With the diversity of courses, the cross-cultural experience has taught us how we experience similar challenges with regards to enabling sustainable development.
Our team work was enhanced by our courses in a sense that it emphasized inclusivity and participation. Ensuring that all members were given space to freely express their opinions in matters discussed.
Our team’s assignments were conducted effectively with no problems. After discussing and going through the tasks given to us we each chose points we want to address and each gave information along with our opinions in the matter. Our meetings were productive as we got to submit the work required in time and everyone was doing their own divided share of the work to produce a whole document.
The sharing of work was both advantageous and disadvantageous. We got to get everything done in time by sharing the work after discussing however there were miscommunications with regard to the content of the tasks. Despite the miscommunications we were able to overcome the challenge and work more together and forming friendships that we hope will continue to be built beyond the COIL program.

Through the content presented through Aim2Flourish provides small stories that show innovations made that relate to the relative SDG. The stories provide examples of solutions working towards development, with their growth directly affecting the environment around the firms themselves. If any of the firms presenting innovation were to become a widespread solution, it would provide extremely beneficial for any community. This is an example of shared value between firm and community, An article on shared value suggests as an example that “A shared value perspective, instead, focuses on improving growing techniques and strengthening the local cluster of supporting suppliers and other institutions in order to increase farmers’ efficiency, yields, product quality, and sustainability.” (Porter, Kramer, 2011). The actions completed by the firms involved in Aim2Flourish ultimately will benefit both the community and the firms as well. One can hope that as more of these solutions are presented and acted upon by different firms, more alternatives to the current energy system will become accessible to the public.
Yet the biggest challenge the firms seem to face is overcoming the unsustainable alternative. Energy sources that are unsustainable in the long run create barriers, as they hold the majority stake of energy in many countries and communities. For example, Canada’s government energy report states “Generation from wind farms and solar photovoltaic panels grew from a negligible amount in 2005 to approximately 5% of total electricity generation in 2019.” (Government of Canada, 2019). While the progression of alternative sources of energy is tangible, it is slow. Many people are searching and hoping for large amounts of progression, but we believe it will take a large amount of time and energy to create a world where the seventh SDG is truly completed. This goal is necessary and worthwhile, but firms and countries involved in the progression of the SDG face a large challenge.
As we move forward with our programs in our respective classes, we hope to implement everything we have learned through these meetings and Aim2Flourish stories. Making small changes in our day to day lives, working towards using our voices and positions to make an important choice towards sustainability. We want to make whatever impact we can, even if small, towards a sustainable future. This can involve our actions as students, and as future employees or entrepreneurs. The stories Aim2Flourish show the beginnings of major possible change, new opportunities and innovations that could become common practices soon. As responsible actors and stakeholders, we must work towards this goal together, trying to create a sustainable future.

References

Porter, M.E. & Kramer, M.R. (2011). “Creating Shared Value: How to reinvent capitalism – and unleash a wave of innovation and growth”, Harvard Business Review (Jan-Feb), pp 62-77

Government of Canada, Canada Energy Regulator. “Canada Energy Regulator / Régie de l’énergie Du Canada.” CER, Canada Energy Regulator / Régie de l’énergie duCanada,22Feb.2024,www.cer-rec.gc.ca/en/data-analysis/energy-markets/provincial-territorial-energy-profiles/provincial-territorial-energy-profiles-canada.html.