The need for business awareness and sustainable development is growing every year. On June 13, the winners of the "Best ESG Projects of Russia" Program were announced at the Radisson Resort, Zavidovo. The laureates were companies that successfully integrated sustainable development principles into their business models through environmental, social, and corporate projects.
The exchange of practices from representatives of companies adhering to ESG principles generates a new wave of participation, which will soon lead to sustainable development being something understandable and basic for any business in the country. But, as in any field, it is very important to rely on professionals in their field, so every year the organizing committee of the Program brings together leading experts in the field of ecology, social responsibility, and corporate governance on one platform. And within the framework of the Conference "Best Social and ESG Projects of Russia", a dialogue was organized that helped government officials, analysts, and compliance representatives understand what problems still remain in companies and development institutions. During discussions and sessions, the main requests from the audience were identified, giving rise to the development of the agenda in the country through new proposals and ideas.
The solemn end of the day was the awards ceremony for the Program laureates. According to the expert council, the best were: Gazprombank Leasing, AstraZeneca Russia and Eurasia, Liga Stavok and the Sozvezdie Dobra Foundation, SPAO Ingosstrakh, JSC "SEZ "Technopolis Moscow", JSC "Rosselkhozbank", Sadovoe Koltso Group, UNIFIED TSUPIS (NCO LLC "Mobile Card"), SUE "Mosgortrans", SBER, PJSC "MMC "Norilsk Nickel", JSC "Zarubezhneft", GKU "Organizer of Transportation", LLC "RSHB Asset Management", Ecology Foundation, PJSC "LUKOIL", LLC "LUKOIL-Nizhnevolzhskneft", Polyus, Mir Vokrug Tebya Foundation of Siberian Wellness company, JSC "UK "Kuzbassrazrezugol", Four Paws pet store chain, PUNKT E, Magnezit Group, Setl Group, Zvezda Construction Ecosystem, JSC "Mosengineering", M.Video-Eldorado Group, ICE Professional professional hair cosmetics brand by Natura Siberica, NPAO "Svetogorsk Pulp and Paper Mill".
The winners of the Program prove a genuine commitment to continuous development and transparency of their activities, which leads to increased financial and operational efficiency and a more sustainable future.
"We are pleased that today the Urman City residential complex has received a well-deserved award. Our new project in Ufa combines a rich urban infrastructure and an ecological environment in the form of a large and well-maintained forest. Respect for the environment, Environmental - is one of the principles of both our company and this Program. Sadovoe Koltso Group is making significant efforts to return Koshkin Forest to the city - a large green area that is not in the best condition today. We plan to hold clean-ups, tree planting and other environmental campaigns. By implementing ESG principles, we increase the loyalty of potential customers and attract a new audience," – shared Ilya Kolunov, Deputy General Director for Commercial Affairs and Public Relations of Sadovoe Koltso Group.
"The award demonstrates that RSHB is not in vain implementing projects in the field of sustainable development. This is a truly universal mission, and to implement it, the bank established the Ecology Foundation in 2021. Over 2.5 years, more than 16 thousand caring people have taken part in 400 of our environmental events," – emphasized Anna Kuznetsova, Deputy Chairman of the Board of JSC "Rosselkhozbank".
"SEZ "Technopolis Moscow" is one of the first infrastructure sites in Russia to integrate the principles of environmental and social well-being into its long-term development strategy. To date, a number of cooperation agreements have been concluded in this area with leading universities, development institutions and manufacturers of "green" technologies. Many residents of the Moscow SEZ use resource-saving technologies, carry out separate waste collection, monitor CO2 emissions, and actively participate in charitable and volunteer events. Having decided to systematize the approach to charitable activities, it was decided to combine it into one project called "Dobropolis". Within its framework, at least 15 events will be held per year with the involvement of at least 5% of the employees of the capital's SEZ, where 18 thousand people work today," – said Gennady Degtev, General Director of SEZ "Technopolis Moscow".
Some winning projects focus on specific industries, while others are aimed at overall ESG excellence, but this does not prevent them from having a positive impact on society.
"The All-Russian social program "Liga Veteranov Sporta" is implemented by Liga Stavok and the Sozvezdie Dobra Foundation under the auspices of the Ministry of Sports of the Russian Federation and is aimed at supporting honored sports figures. Thanks to the program, we preserve our sports heritage, the continuity of traditions of high sports achievements, and promote sports and physical culture among the younger generation," – commented Vitaly Mnatsakanov, Director of Corporate and Social Responsibility of Liga Stavok, co-founder of the Sozvezdie Dobra Foundation.
"It is prestigious to become a winner of the "Best ESG Projects of Russia" Program. Despite the fact that the Ingosstrakh Museum is 13 years old, it is popular not only among insurers and partners of the company. Schoolchildren and college and university students in Moscow have become regular visitors to the museum, because the mission of our museum is to promote insurance culture, promote the company's brand and form a new generation of insurers," – noted Tatyana Shcherbakova, Director of the Ingosstrakh Museum.
"As the largest fintech project in the sports industry, we cannot imagine ourselves without supporting domestic sports. This topic permeates all aspects of the company's life: corporate culture, business projects, IT solutions and charity. We pay special attention to supporting children's and youth sports, because the future belongs to the new generation, and we feel responsible to them for promoting a healthy lifestyle," – said Natalia Dokuchaeva, PR Director of UNIFIED TSUPIS.
The expert council of the Program includes representatives of business, government and public structures, including: CCI of the Russian Federation, Delovaya Rossiya, NRU HSE, Agency for Strategic Initiatives, OPORA RUSSII, MGIMO, JSC "Expert RA".
