On 13 March Horizons Italy and International Supply Chain Academy (ISCA) held a seminar on Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability in the construction sector for a delegation of government and construction industry representatives from Belarus. The seminar was delivered by Lucia Myriam Netti, Horizons regional partner for Europe, Russia and Belarus. Heading up the Belarusian delegation was Mr. Moroz Aleksander, the first Deputy General Director of the Republican unitary enterprise “Glavgosstroyekspertiza”.

The Republican Unitary Enterprise “Glavgosstroyekspertiza” is a government-owned corporation and is part of The State Committee for Standardization of the Republic of Belarus (Gosstandart).  Gosstandart is the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) member body for Belarus.

Horizons is pleased to be able to join with Isca Academy in knowledge seminars designed to not only to share key information about rules and regulations but also to inspire actionable sustainability. In doing so, we embrace the concept of think globally, act locally.

During the seminar, Ms. Netti spoke and gave a Powerpoint presentation on European and Italian legislation as it pertains to corporate social responsibility and sustainability in the construction sector. The focus was primarily on European legislative acts with particular reference to those issued in 2018 on energy efficiency and renewable energies.

Included in Ms. Netti’s talk were important points related to regulatory acts that have implemented European directives and how they more directly affect Italy. In discussing the seminar and its importance, Ms. Netti posits that while acting locally, we need to buy into a global, ‘big picture’ notion of sustainability.  

“Sustainability is a sensitive topic today all over the world”, says Ms. Netti. “Focusing on the goals set forth by the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the country members of the United Nations Organization are implementing policies aimed at sustainable development, which stands to promote and encourage respect of the environment. The Agenda is a ‘plan of action for people, planet and prosperity’, and those in businesses related to the construction sector will play an important role.”

When we consider the 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals, businesses must consider that sustainability is tied closely to the concept of corporate social responsibility, CSR being the call for companies – who are the drivers and influencers of local, regional and global economic systems – to work within their internal organization and in their sector in an ethical way that serves to protect and serve society.

“For companies, in relation to building and construction, the complex challenge is to pursue sustainability while also promoting progress and being responsible to both shareholders and stakeholder alike,” expresses Ms. Netti. “This is the situation in Europe and all over the world.

“When we look at China, historic economic development and rapid urbanization resulted in a construction boom, not all of it environmentally friendly. But currently, China seeks to take the lead in sustainability in the construction sector. In fact, ‘green’ is not only becoming a governmental mandate but a competitive selling point, with more and more local developers placing a focus on green construction.”

The time for bringing together CSR and sustainability is now for all business sectors, but it’s important for those in construction and development to lead. Horizons is proud to have opportunities such as its Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability seminar. The presentation provided a unique opportunity to share information and insight with the delegation from Belarus. As the adage goes, you can lead or follow, and our Belarusian friends aim to lead.

If you would like more information about Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability in the EU construction sector or other related corporate matters, send us an email at talktous@horizons-advisory.com, and we’ll have a Horizons professional contact you.

Horizons Corporate Advisory helps clients solve complex problems, thrive and be inherently responsible in their business activities worldwide. The countries we operate in include Belarus, Belgium, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Ecuador, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Lichtenstein, Luxemburg, Macau, Malta, Mexico, Mongolia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland (French and German-speaking cantons), Turkey, United Kingdom (England and Wales) and the United States of America.

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