Felix Blinov, CEO of the RWM Capital Investment Group, told about this at the forum "Cities of Russia. Locomotives of growth" in Yekaterinburg. During the session of the Russian Guild of Managers and Developers, he noted that today in Russia, adherence to sustainable development goals is still perceived more as a competitive advantage rather than an objectively implemented philosophy.
"If we look at the goals of implementing ESG programs by developers, then, according to a study by the REPA association, 79% see this as only an opportunity to increase their competitiveness. The correct answer «to help society and the environment» is in the second place (66%). For another 58% this is just an additional "feature" for the company's image."
At the same time, the ESG principles appeared on the world agenda long before they were "officially" formulated. Back in 1949, the famous businessperson David Packard said, "the responsibilities of any company go far beyond making money for its shareholders."
If we develop road and transport infrastructure, we will invest in the future, if we create socially significant facilities – sports and medical centers, educational institutions, we will invest in human capital. By building housing, we solve social problems. This is exactly what is important and necessary for people to live a comfortable life.
"In Mercer’s annual report Quality of Living City Ranking 2023, we see that the most significant criteria are the political and social environment, accessibility and quality of medical services, public services and transport. This is a human–centered approach. There are other approaches. In any case, the ESG agenda sounds in different countries, while everywhere it has its own nuances and aspects. But the main thing is that it is developing."
