ESG Strategy

ESG-based strategy

OUR ESG STRATEGY

What is ESG and why is it relevant? ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) refers to a company's efforts in each of these areas for sustainable development.

ESG contributes to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to conserve resources, improve living conditions, and promote ethical governance. Companies that adhere to ESG help achieve these global goals.

VPR has integrated eleven UN Sustainable Development Goals into its ESG strategy until 2030.

Main Areas of Environmental Activity of VPR

Minimizing Environmental Impact

The extraction of minerals always affects ecosystems. Municipal Enterprise "Volynpryrodresurs" applies modern technologies to reduce this impact, particularly through the optimization of mining processes, reduction of emissions, and recycling of production waste.

Land Reclamation

ME "Volynpryrodresurs" carries out projects to restore land affected by mining operations. Reclamation includes planting vegetation, soil restoration, and the creation of new natural areas that can be used by local communities.

Rational Use of Resources

VPR actively implements methods for the sustainable use of water resources, reduces energy consumption, and ensures the reuse of materials. This helps lower the environmental footprint and increase operational efficiency.

Monitoring and Control of Ecosystem Impact

Continuous environmental monitoring makes it possible to assess the impact of operations on nature, promptly identify risks, and introduce corrective measures. This ensures ecosystem stability and compliance with environmental standards.

Investment in Renewable Energy Sources

As part of its ESG strategy, VPR is exploring opportunities to use alternative energy sources in production processes, helping reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Educational Initiatives

ME "Volynpryrodresurs" organizes excursions for students and researchers to mining sites, promoting knowledge of the environmental aspects of extraction activities. This helps foster a responsible attitude toward nature among future professionals. Employee training is also provided.

Restoration of Terrestrial Ecosystems

Municipal Enterprise "Volynpryrodresurs" pays special attention to UN Goal No. 15 “Life on Land.” Through its activities, it contributes to the preservation of biodiversity and the prevention of land degradation.

Importance of Environmental Initiatives for VPR

The integration of environmental principles into the enterprise’s operations has a positive impact on its reputation, allows it to attract investments, and expands cooperation with international partners. In a world where compliance with ESG principles is becoming essential for business success, the efforts of ME "Volynpryrodresurs" not only address the challenges of today but also lay the foundation for the sustainable development of the region. These measures enable the enterprise to harmoniously combine extraction activities with environmental protection, making it an exemplary model of responsible natural resource management.

Environmental Monitoring

The research executor responsible for monitoring the impact of planned activities on the quality of surface and groundwater is the State Institution “Institute for Soil Protection of Ukraine”, Volyn branch.

Monitoring of the impact of planned activities on the air quality at the sanitary protection zone boundary is carried out by LLC “Volynekopromproekt.”

A memorandum and an agreement have been signed with the Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection of Lesіa Ukrainka Volyn National University to conduct monitoring within the scope of special permits for subsoil use.

Environmental monitoring includes organizing joint activities, promoting cooperation in practical, scientific, and educational projects. Specifically, this involves: conducting monitoring studies of amber and peat deposit areas, assessing the impact of extraction on flora and fauna, reviewing scientific publications on the biodiversity of the surveyed territories, identifying the presence of plant and animal species and habitats listed in the Red Book of Ukraine, as well as species protected under the Bern Convention.

Key Areas of Social Activity

Creating Quality Working Conditions

The enterprise provides its employees with comfortable, safe, and modern working conditions. Particular attention is paid to equipping workplaces with the necessary tools, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and carrying out regular maintenance of production facilities.

Employee Health and Well-Being

ME "Volynpryrodresurs" conducts regular medical check-ups and ensures that employees have conditions to maintain both physical and mental health. The collective agreement includes financial assistance for health improvement, which may cover sanatorium treatment or other wellness activities. Additionally, discussing mental health issues within the team contributes to a positive atmosphere.

Gender Equality and Equal Opportunities

The enterprise actively promotes equal opportunities for all employees regardless of gender or other characteristics. This includes equal pay, equal opportunities for career advancement, and the development of anti-discrimination policies.

Engagement with Local Communities

VPR supports social initiatives aimed at improving living conditions in the region. In particular, the enterprise implements programs to create new jobs, contributes to the development of local infrastructure, and supports socially significant projects for communities.

Investment in Education and Professional Development

The enterprise promotes the professional development of its employees by organizing training sessions and advanced qualification courses. It also arranges excursions for students and researchers, raising awareness of geology and mining among young people.

Employee Safety in Emergencies

In the event of an air raid alert or other emergency situations, the enterprise has clear evacuation procedures in place to protect the lives and health of its employees.

The Importance of the Social Component

Social responsibility is a key factor in strengthening trust in the enterprise from employees, partners, and the community. By adhering to ESG principles, the Municipal Enterprise “Volynpryrodresurs” demonstrates that a successful business is not only about financial results but also about a responsible attitude toward the people who sustain its operations and the communities where it works.

Integrating social principles into daily activities contributes to the sustainable development of the enterprise, helps to build a positive image, and creates favorable conditions for future growth.

Key Areas of Social Activity

Creating Quality Working Conditions

Employee Health and Well-Being

Gender Equality and Equal Opportunities

Engagement with Local Communities

Investment in Education and Professional Development

Employee Safety in Emergencies

In the event of an air raid alert or other emergency situations, the enterprise has clear evacuation procedures in place to protect the lives and health of its employees.

The Importance of the Social Component

Integrating social principles into daily activities contributes to the sustainable development of the enterprise, helps to build a positive image, and creates favorable conditions for future growth.

Key Governance Principles

Transparency and Accountability

The enterprise has implemented a clear and transparent reporting system that complies with national legislation and international standards. This includes regular disclosure of operational results, publishing reports on the official website, and providing information on financial performance, environmental impact, and social initiatives.

To ensure accountability, the Municipal Enterprise “Volynpryrodresurs” also actively cooperates with local authorities and the public.

Anti-Corruption Policy

The Municipal Enterprise “Volynpryrodresurs” has developed and introduced an anti-corruption program, which provides for:

Monitoring and analyzing financial operations to prevent misuse.
Training employees in ethics and anti-corruption practices.
Mechanisms for reporting potential violations.

Effective Management

The enterprise’s management structure is focused on efficient decision-making. The use of modern technologies and management approaches enables the optimization of internal processes, reducing costs and improving productivity.

Compliance with Legislation and Standards

The Municipal Enterprise “Volynpryrodresurs” operates in accordance with the laws of Ukraine, meeting all regulatory requirements in environmental protection, labor law, and financial reporting. It also aligns with international ESG standards, ensuring the integration of best practices into governance processes.

Partnership Engagement

To strengthen trust with partners and potential investors, the enterprise follows the principles of open dialogue and regularly shares information about its activities. This contributes to building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships.

Corporate Culture Development

An important part of governance is fostering a culture of ethical conduct among employees. The Municipal Enterprise “Volynpryrodresurs” encourages its staff to uphold honesty, transparency, and professionalism in their daily work.

Impact of Governance on Enterprise Performance

Adherence to high governance standards contributes to the sustainable development of the enterprise, enhances its competitiveness in the market, and ensures the trust of communities in the Volyn region and across Ukraine, as well as of employees and partners. The integration of governance principles into day-to-day activities enables the ME “Volynpryrodresurs” to remain a leader in its field, setting an example of responsible business conduct.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The enterprise has integrated the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its activities, recognizing its responsibility towards the environment, societal well-being, and transparent governance. The enterprise is committed to the rational use of natural resources and aligns its operations with eleven SDGs of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Among them, Goals 8, 11, 15, and 16 are of key importance.

By responsibly adhering to ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles and integrating them into business operations, the ME “Volynpryrodresurs” not only contributes to sustainable development but also strengthens its reputation. Today, transparency, environmental responsibility, and social impact are crucial factors shaping trust among partners, communities, and clients.

Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being

To create favorable working conditions, the ME has implemented a comprehensive approach that includes high-quality workplace setup, provision of modern equipment, adequate safety, and access to healthy food during the workday. Special attention is paid to regular medical examinations and health improvement measures, as stipulated by the Collective Agreement. In case of emergencies, such as an air raid alert, employees are instructed to immediately proceed to the nearest shelter. Separately, the enterprise promotes the creation of a positive psychological climate within the team, encouraging open discussions. This approach is aimed at supporting employee well-being and ensuring a comfortable working environment.

Goal 4: Quality Education

The enterprise systematically organizes educational excursions for students and researchers to raise awareness about the mining industry and its environmental aspects. Professional growth is supported through regular participation of staff in seminars, trainings, and workshops. Another important direction is cooperation with educational institutions to foster the training of new professionals in the sector. Supporting educational initiatives in the region also contributes to enhancing environmental literacy within the community, which, in turn, supports sustainable development.

Goal 5: Gender Equality

For the enterprise, SDG 5 “Gender Equality” means ensuring equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of gender. This includes equal pay for equal work, equal career development opportunities, flexible working conditions, anti-discrimination policies, and support for women’s leadership. Adherence to these principles fosters a fair and equitable working environment, which is crucial for the successful development of an enterprise.

Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services is a priority for ME “Volynpryrodresurs.” This includes providing employees and clients with reliable energy, implementing modern technologies to reduce energy losses, and promoting energy efficiency measures across all divisions. An energy audit is carried out regularly. Reducing energy costs and ensuring sustainable development are key benefits, while the introduction of clean energy contributes not only to the enterprise’s growth but also to the sustainable development of the region.

Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

VPR directs its efforts towards ensuring decent work and economic growth in line with sustainable development principles. The Collective Agreement, signed in accordance with Ukrainian legislation, guarantees fair wages and social benefits. An anti-corruption program ensures transparency and accountability across all processes. Business openness is an integral part of VPR’s operations, strengthening community trust. The enterprise pays taxes on time, thereby supporting both local and national economies.

Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

VPR contributes to this goal by introducing modern technologies in extraction activities. The use of innovative approaches to natural resource monitoring, the application of environmentally safe methods, and the modernization of equipment improve efficiency while reducing environmental impact. The enterprise also supports local infrastructure development by creating new jobs, ensuring access to resources, and contributing to the growth of the local economy.

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

A key focus of VPR’s activities is developing infrastructure, creating new jobs, and ensuring safe and environmentally friendly working conditions. Through the regular payment of taxes, royalties, and social contributions, the enterprise makes a significant contribution to local budgets, enabling communities to finance social infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other critical sectors. Thus, its activities contribute to regional economic stability, improved living standards, and the creation of comfortable living environments.

Goal 15: Life on Land

For ME “Volynpryrodresurs,” Goal 15 means implementing sustainable practices in the extraction of minerals, including legal amber and peat production. The enterprise is committed to minimizing environmental impacts and conducting land reclamation on worked-out territories. Regular environmental monitoring is performed to assess ecosystem conditions and the effectiveness of restoration measures. These actions help preserve biodiversity and maintain ecological balance.

Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

VPR contributes to Goal 16 by ensuring transparency, compliance with the law, and the implementation of its Anti-Corruption Program. The enterprise provides open reporting, rational use of resources, and strict prevention of corruption. Its operations are based on principles of environmental responsibility, social justice, and respect for labor rights, supporting overall institutional stability.

Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

For ME “Volynpryrodresurs,” Goal 17 means active cooperation with institutions through signed agreements and joint activities aimed at sustainable development. The enterprise has signed memorandums with universities to foster scientific collaboration, environmental monitoring, and knowledge exchange. Educational excursions are organized for students and researchers to raise awareness about mineral extraction and environmental responsibility. VPR also shares its experience with other regions, promoting best practices in resource extraction with minimal environmental impact.

ESG Report – 2024

View the file in .pdf format: ESG Report – 2024, ME “Volynpryrodresurs” (Ukrainian version)

ESG Strategy

ESG Strategy

OUR ESG STRATEGY

Environmental

Social

Social

Governance

ESG REPORT