The ESG transformation model of Russian universities: an environmental component

Purpose : development of an ESG transformation model for Russian universities that takes into account the environmental aspect of modernizing university activities based on the principles of sustainable development. Methods: in the course of the research, a set of theoretical and empirical analysis methods was used, including logical method, abstraction, comparative analysis, rating method, SWOT analysis. Results: a steady increase in the involvement of universities in addressing the sustainable development agenda has been identified, which is confirmed by data from the annual UI GreenMetric ranking of world universities. The dynamics of the rating positions of Russian universities, which are significantly inferior to foreign universities, is revealed. An analysis of the integration of ESG principles into the practice of EAEU universities has shown the leadership of Russian universities, as well as the priority attention of their leadership to social policy and education for sustainable development. Recommendations for the ESG transformation of Russian universities have been developed. Special emphasis is placed on the environmental component, which takes into account promising areas for integrating the principles of sustainable development into key areas of activity. This will contribute to solving the problems of institutional transformation in universities within the framework of the ESG ideology and on the basis of consolidating partnerships with key stakeholders. Conclusions and Relevance: Russian universities, which share their responsibility for the well-being of humanity, remain the most important actor in all changes aimed at the progressive development of the society. The humanistic foundation of education and the human-centered concept of sustainable development consolidate the foundation for ESG transformations in the field of education, flexibly responding to the challenges of the external environment, including its natural and social components, as well as the economic demands of the country. The proposed model of ESG transformation of Russian universities, which takes into account the environmental aspect and is based on the principles of sustainable development, creates a conceptual basis for the formation of universities with a "green" mission.