Co-op Group and Midcounties are campaigns that commit to pledges 12to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Co-ops for 2030 pledge website launched in 2016 include four areas of sustainable development as follows: 

• eradicating poverty; 
• building a more sustainable food system; 
• improving access to basic goods and services; 
• protecting the environment. 

LED lighting and energy efficient refrigeration are among the checklist for the development of the society. Sustainable communities programme of the organization can help members and communities save energy. This year, a launched pledge includes saving household energy and renewable energy tariff, with advice, services and products provided by Co-operative Energy business. 

 Another part of the pledge focus on offering educational package in energy efficiency in Midcounties’ trading area. It can be delivered by a wide range of colleagues, staff and the Co-operative Energy team, and also developed by volunteers cooperating with teachers as part of the National Curriculum. The educational package receive positive feedback from students. On one hand, they can explain the initiative to their parents, on the other hand, they are interested in doing more on this aspect. It suggests that the next generation may has a better understanding of the work that needs to be done and lessons will make them even more aware of this. Apart from the Midcounties Co-operative, the Co-op Group has made a series of initiatives concerning Fairtrade, the environment and contributing to the community. It links these initiatives with the SDGs on protecting the environment and eradicating poverty. The Local Community Fund is used in this year and he 5+1 membership scheme gives members 5% back on all purchases made of Co-op own brand products and a further 1% to local communities. The pledge’s longstanding commitment to Fairtrade indicates that it continues to outperform competitors. In another retail first, achievement can be seen in bananas, tea and coffee used across its entire own brand product, as well as wine. The success has been seen from the environmental perspective through the Group’s commitment to reducing GHC emissions from operations by 50% by 2020. The Group also continues to work with the One Foundation and the Global Investment Fund for Water in order to support clean water, sanitation and hygiene projects. The Global Investment Fund for Water raised supports programmes to achieve SDG 6, i.e. clean water and sanitation for all.