ESG Plovdiv 2023: Transforming Industry Through Sustainable Practices
On November 19, the vibrant city of Plovdiv embraced its role as a hub for sustainable development for the second time, hosting the ESG Plovdiv – Industry, Energy & Defence forum. This event united industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore practical solutions and collaborative models. The gathering revolved around the imperative of sustainable development in various sectors, particularly industry, energy, finance, and defense technologies.
Keynote Insights: Planetary Boundaries and Business Responsibility
The forum kicked off with an insightful keynote by Desislava Beleva, who introduced the concept of planetary boundaries. She highlighted the seven critical zones where humanity has exceeded safe environmental thresholds. These include climate change, pollution, and biosphere degradation. Beleva’s presentation made it clear that ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations are not merely supplementary; they have evolved into a vital tool for risk management in modern enterprises. Her message was a call to action: businesses must shift from seeing ESG as a marketing initiative to recognizing its strategic importance.
ESG as a Standard for Business Management
Nevena Davidova from EY Denkstatt Bulgaria reinforced the notion that ESG is becoming a norm rather than a burden for Bulgarian enterprises. She articulated how sustainable business practices lead to operational efficiencies and improved reputation. Bilyana Mladenova-Mileva of Unicredit Bulbank AD expanded on these points, detailing tangible benefits such as reduced costs and enhanced employee attraction.
The discussions were further enriched by Eng. Yanko Zaikov from Ambyx, who shared practical approaches to ESG implementation, including assessments like ECOVADIS and strategies for minimizing environmental footprints. Zornitsa Dimitrova brought a legal perspective, emphasizing that sustainable practices are increasingly becoming prerequisites for corporate partnerships, not roadblocks.
Energy Communities: Pioneering Local Solutions
One highlight of the forum was the introduction of the “Share Energy” system by Iliyan Gechkov from KER Toki Power. This innovative model encourages cost control in energy consumption and is already being adopted by local municipalities and organizations. Tatyana Bakova, Deputy Mayor of Rakovski Municipality, illustrated how her community has embraced photovoltaic systems, forming the first energy communities that are already yielding significant savings.
Chief Engineer Eng. Svetlana Shopova further showcased the social benefits and community involvement that these energy initiatives have fostered, pointing to a promising future for sustainable energy solutions in Bulgaria.
Financing and Digitalization in Sustainable Development
Turning to the financial aspects of sustainability, Emil Velichkov from BACB AD discussed how banks are pivoting to become facilitators of green investments. He presented the economic advantages and stable cash flows generated from sustainable projects, emphasizing the role of financial institutions in the broader ESG landscape.
Slavi Kostov from EVN illustrated how flexibility management services engage smaller customers and businesses, allowing them to play an active role in energy grid sustainability. Meanwhile, Dimitar Mankov from Schneider Electric emphasized the intersection of technology and sustainability, showcasing how digital solutions are transforming ESG into an everyday practice.
The Future of Industrial Zones: Sustainable Infrastructure
Ivelina Ilieva from CTP Bulgaria shared her vision for future industrial parks that emphasize not just efficiency but also sustainability. She discussed the importance of energy-efficient designs and systems for monitoring energy consumption. Vladislav Kanchev from Trakia Economic Zone (TEZ) aligned with this vision, stressing the need for quality management and staff training in achieving long-term success.
Additionally, Arch. Chavdar Chenkov highlighted the financial and operational benefits of building certifications and life cycle analyses, which enhance property value and ensure better project financing.
Defense Technologies and the Path Forward
In a thought-provoking closing panel, Petrana Zaikova once again took the stage to discuss the potential of Southern Bulgaria’s defense industry. She noted that Tech Industry has been at the forefront of sustainable practices since 2012. Nelly Simeonova from Antarta discussed the revival of Bulgarian traditions in producing space food, while Stefan Kostov from Avionams AD showcased innovative defense technologies, including drones and high-tech platforms.
Each speaker echoed the sentiment that a lack of qualified professionals poses a significant challenge to growth in the defense sector, advocating for revitalized vocational training and engineering education.
Sustainability Initiatives Making a Difference
Beyond policy discussions, the forum also supported practical initiatives that demonstrate sustainability’s real impact. Petar Neftelimov’s project, “Flower in a Test Tube,” showcased innovative agricultural techniques reducing water consumption and emissions. Simultaneously, the “Green Book of Plovdiv” from Studio Punkt featured 52 weekly sustainability challenges aimed at fostering environmentally friendly habits and community engagement.
With ESG Plovdiv 2023, attendees left with a clear message: sustainability is now integral to business strategy, influencing competitiveness and fostering regional development. As the event closed, organizers announced plans for the next edition in March 2026, signaling a commitment to ongoing conversations and practical solutions in the realms of investment, hospitality, and construction.
For more insights, visit ESGnews.bg, the official media partner of the event!