Help & Knowledge

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to understand how SDG:Zero works – from the Directory and the Vault to the Sustainable Development Goals and how they apply to real businesses and communities.

Foundation

Introducing the Sustainable Development Goals

An overview of the global goals framework, how the SDGs connect, and why they matter for businesses, communities, and long-term impact.

Introducing the Sustainable Development Goals

Explore how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a shared global framework for tackling social, environmental, and economic challenges, and why they matter for businesses, communities, and everyday decisions.

Global challenges addressed
Countries committed worldwide – 193
Targets driving action – 169
What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

The Sustainable Development Goals are a set of 17 global goals designed to address the world’s most pressing challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, and access to education and health. They provide a shared blueprint for governments, businesses, and communities to work towards a more sustainable future by 2030.

The SDGs go beyond policy and global summits. They influence how cities grow, how resources are used, and how businesses operate responsibly. For SMEs, the SDGs offer a practical way to demonstrate values, build trust, and align everyday actions with wider social and environmental impact.

Recycling saves energy primarily through the conservation of resources and the reduction of energy-intensive processes required to extract, refine, and manufacture new materials. Here's how recycling helps save energy

The SDGs are interconnected. Progress in one area often supports progress in others. For example, improving education can support economic growth, reduce inequality, and strengthen communities. This interconnected approach helps avoid short-term solutions and encourages long-term, balanced impact.

Help and Knowledge

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers about SDG:Zero, the Directory, the Vault, and how we help SMEs build visibility, trust, and meaningful impact.

The SDG:Zero Directory

Built for local discovery. Designed to help SMEs be found, trusted, and chosen, with clear SDG context and credibility signals.

What is the SDG:Zero Directory?
The SDG:Zero Directory is a curated platform where SMEs and organisations can be discovered locally, present a credible profile, and show relevant SDG alignment in a clear, practical way.
How does a Directory listing support local SEO?
A listing strengthens local signals by reinforcing consistent business details, location relevance, and category context, helping search engines and people understand who you are, what you do, and where you operate.
Will my listing help with “near me” searches?
It can support “near me” visibility by strengthening location signals and providing a trustworthy reference page. Best results come when your listing is paired with a well-optimised Google Business Profile and location focused pages on your website.
Does SDG:Zero replace my Google Business Profile?
No. Your Google Business Profile remains essential. SDG:Zero complements it by giving you an additional credibility asset and a structured listing that supports discovery and trust.
What information is included in a Directory listing?
Typically your business name, description, categories, location and service areas, contact details, website, media, and your SDG alignment with supporting context.
Can I update my listing, services, and locations?
Yes. Keeping details accurate is part of maintaining credibility and improving conversion, you can update your listing as your business evolves.
Can I list multiple locations?
Yes. If you operate across multiple areas or have branches, your listing can reflect that so customers can find the closest or most relevant option.
Do I need to align with all 17 SDGs to be listed?
No. Most businesses align with a handful of goals naturally. Honest, specific alignment is better than broad, vague claims.
Can a Directory listing generate local leads?
Yes. Listings are designed to help local audiences understand your offering quickly, build trust, and contact you easily, which increases enquiry potential.
How long does it take for my listing to go live?
This depends on submission completeness and any checks required. In many cases listings go live quickly once details are confirmed.

The Vault

The Vault is being built and expanded over time. Resources are being added continually, with the goal of becoming a true library of templates, guides, and practical tools for SMEs.

What is the SDG:Zero Vault?
The Vault is SDG:Zero’s resource library, designed to support SMEs with practical templates, guides, and tools. It is actively being compiled and expanded, so the library grows steadily over time.
What kind of resources will the Vault include?
Expect practical templates, checklists, guides, training resources, implementation toolkits, and curated assets that help SMEs improve operations, marketing, credibility, and impact communication.
Is the Vault complete today?
Not yet. The Vault is in an ongoing build phase, resources are being added and organised. The direction is clear, a growing, structured library that becomes more valuable month by month.
How often will new Vault resources be added?
Resources are added on a rolling basis. As the Vault matures, updates become more frequent and more structured, including themed drops and curated collections.
Will Vault resources be relevant to my industry?
Many resources are designed to be cross-industry, such as marketing templates, policies, operational checklists, and planning tools. Over time, industry-specific collections can be added.
Do I need a Directory listing to access the Vault?
Access depends on your membership level. Some tiers may include Vault access as part of the package, while others focus on Directory features first.
Can I request resources to be added to the Vault?
Yes. Member feedback helps shape what is built next, especially templates and guides that solve real, common SME challenges.
Will the Vault include events, sessions, or training?
Over time, yes. The Vault can include recordings, sessions, and learning resources alongside templates and guides, so members have both tools and guidance.
How do I access the Vault once I have access?
You access it through your SDG:Zero account. Resources are organised for easy browsing and search, with new additions highlighted as the library grows.

Ambassadors

Ambassadors help grow the SDG:Zero ecosystem by championing credible local businesses and encouraging meaningful SDG alignment.

What is an SDG:Zero Ambassador?
An Ambassador is someone recognised for actively supporting the SDG:Zero mission, promoting credible local businesses, and helping build a stronger impact driven community.
Who can become an Ambassador?
Ambassadors can be business owners, community leaders, partners, or advocates who consistently contribute to the community and align with SDG:Zero values.
How do I apply to become an Ambassador?
Ambassador status can be offered through invitation, nomination, or application depending on the programme setup. The key focus is genuine contribution, not just interest.
What are the benefits of being an Ambassador?
Benefits may include a visible Ambassador badge, featured positioning, access to community opportunities, and recognition that strengthens personal and business credibility.
What is expected from Ambassadors?
Ambassadors typically help amplify SDG:Zero, support local businesses, share stories, and encourage quality participation. Expectations are practical and aligned with your capacity.
Can an Ambassador help grow the Vault?
Yes. Ambassadors can contribute by suggesting resource needs, sharing proven templates, or supporting community knowledge sharing, subject to review and quality standards.

Membership and pricing

Membership determines your Directory features, visibility, and whether Vault access is included.

Is SDG:Zero free to join?
There may be entry options depending on current membership structure. Free access typically covers a basic presence, while paid tiers add enhanced visibility and additional features.
Can I upgrade later?
Yes. Many businesses start simple, then upgrade when they want greater visibility, richer profiles, or Vault access where included.
What is included in paid tiers?
Paid tiers typically include stronger listing presentation, additional media, priority exposure, and features designed to improve discovery and enquiries. Some tiers may also include Vault access.

Trust and standards

Credibility matters. SDG:Zero is designed to reduce spam, discourage vague claims, and highlight genuine local businesses.

How do you reduce spam and low-quality listings?
We use moderation and quality checks to maintain a useful, credible directory for real people searching for real businesses.
Is SDG:Zero a certification?
No. SDG:Zero is a discovery and support platform. It helps businesses present alignment and credibility, but it is not a formal certification body.
How do you avoid greenwashing?
We encourage specific, practical alignment rather than vague claims. Where needed, we may request clarification, and we focus on transparency and responsible presentation.

Account and technical

Help with access, updates, and common technical questions.

How do I log in to SDG:Zero?
Use the login link from the site menu. If you have trouble, use the password reset option, then try again on a modern browser.
I cannot access Vault content, what should I check?
Confirm you are logged in with the correct account, then check your membership level includes Vault access. If it should, contact support with your account email and a screenshot.
How do I update my listing details?
Log in and navigate to your listing dashboard or profile editor, then update fields and save. If you cannot find it, contact support and we will point you to the correct page.