Kohler’s Innovation for Good platform is based on our commitment to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Introduced in 2015, these 17 goals are an ambitious call to individuals, businesses and governments to help solve pressing global issues like poverty and environmental degradation in order to improve the lives of all people by 2030. We’ve decided to answer that call, with a specific focus on areas where we can make the most impact. 

“We are particularly looking at new business opportunities that have a social purpose aligned with our competencies in the plumbing and power industries,” explained Ratish Namboothiry, Director – Innovation for Good & Sustainability. 

Kohler is focusing on: 

Goal 6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

Goal 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

Goal 12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

“The SDGs provide a framework for governments, humanitarian organizations and businesses to align in solving common goals,” said Cindy Howley, Senior Manager – Kohler Stewardship. “The UN is asking everyone, especially companies, to demonstrate a greater level of accountability for developing long-term sustainable solutions.” 

While we’re hard at work developing new solutions to support the UN’s goals, we’re proud of the contributions we’ve already made. Projects like our KOHLER Clarity water filtration system bring safe water to individuals who lack access, while water-efficient plumbing products help to conserve water wherever possible. We’ve also partnered with Water Mission to develop an intelligent power controller for water-filtration systems in refugee camps. Our Kohler WasteLAB is hard at work exploring ways to turn our manufacturing waste into useful products.  And we continue to grow our internal innovation incubator I-Prize that helps identify and nurture new innovations that have a social purpose.

 “By staying focused on the areas we know best, we can maximize our positive influence on the Sustainable Development Goals and the sustainability of our company as a whole,” added Ratish. “We can all do our part to create a better planet, better communities and better lives.”