Analyzing SDGs in high-and-low-emission industries: a comparative study of sustainability reports

Abstract This study assesses different Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in high- and low-polluting industries through a comparative analysis of sustainability reports. The objective is to evaluate SDG-related terms in reports from 16 companies across four sectors—Cement, Automobile, Electric Equipment, and IT—over five years. Using Python for data extraction and the “text2sdg” package in R programming for SDG term detection, the study identifies both prioritized and overlooked SDGs. Results indicate that high and low-polluting industries share similar SDG focus areas. SDGs 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action) received the most attention. In contrast, SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 5 (Gender Equality), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and 14 (Life Below Water) are consistently underrepresented. The findings suggest that both categories of industries acknowledge the importance of sustainability, yet significant gaps remain in addressing social and environmental challenges. This research contributes to the broader discourse on corporate sustainability and its role in achieving the 2030 Agenda, offering actionable insights for industries to increase their focus on less-considered SDGs. By identifying areas of improvement, the study supports efforts to foster more inclusive and environmentally responsible business practices.