In the last few years, the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration invested expertise and time in the active participation of Sofia University in well-established international initiatives in the field of sustainable development and corporate responsibility such as the UN Global Compact, the Principles for Responsible Management Education, and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
The ESG Lab started as a project in 2022 to raise the awareness of masters, doctoral students and young scientists in the environmental, social and governance (ESG) management by initiating a public discussion, as well as creating key strategic documents for Sofia University in this domain.
ESG Lab's key stakeholders are identified in two ways: internal (Deans' Council, academic and non-academic staff, student community) and external (business and public sector partners, media and international community).
The ESG Lab team carries out the following activities on an ongoing basis:
- Establishing and presenting the ESG Lab as a scientific and training center in the field of sustainable management, contributing with research and educational products related to the development and implementation of environmental, social and governance aspects of business and organizational culture.
- Produce the Sofia University sustainability reports to demonstrate how the institution is committed to the ESG approach to management. It is in line with PRME and UNGC requirements and covers all aspects of the University's sustainability work in academic and research areas.
- Supporting the implementation of the SU strategic documents to meet the UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development. The first sustainability strategy of a Bulgarian university has been developed in line with the objectives of international documents: the Global Goals and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
- Organization of an Annual Round Table on the role of academia in achieving the Global Goals. It brings together representatives from academia, civil society and public and private sector actors. Its main objective is to share the university's achievements in student engagement, academic activities and research results on the topic.
In partnership with the Sustainability Specialists Association and CSR AdviceBox, the ESG Lab team has selected and adapted educational materials suitable for Sofia University employees and provides opportunities for self-directed or moderated learning at the following levels:
- ESG/CSR Literacy ONLINE LIBRARY
- Sustainable lifestyle VIDEO LIBRARY
- Basic Knowledge ONLINE LIBRARY
- Specialization IN-PERSON TRAININGS
- Career in CSR/ESG ONLINE LIBRARY
- Good ESG Practices VIDEO LIBRARY
- ESG HelpDesk ONLINE LIBRARY
In the medium term, the ESG Lab will establish itself as the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration teaching and research laboratory to contribute to the research and educational products related to the development and application of environmental, social and governance aspects of business. Its tasks are related to:
- Assisting in the introduction of ESG modules in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes as well as forms of postgraduate study;
- Training and qualification of ESG professionals;
- Undertaking scientific and applied research;
- Conducting scientific and educational events related to various aspects of ESG;
- Supporting Bulgarian private and public sector to implement ESG practices and innovations for the transition to a low-carbon and social economy.
- Developing and implementing SU policy related to the implementation of the UN Sustainable Global Goals;
- Build a community of business, public sector and civil society organizations to promote and develop SDGs-related sustainable business models and innovations.
The main activities implemented by the ESG Lab will be carried out on a paid basis by attracting external investment. They will be funded by the available public grant schemes, public-private partnerships, international collaboration, and institutional funding. The specific financial resources will be planned through the Laboratory's annual business plans.
Short presentation of the ESG Lab may be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dKc_ZYJ41M&t=67s
More information on ESG Lab activities will be available soon here: www.esglab.eu