ESG TRANSFORMATION: DECOUPLING EFFECT IN INDUSTRIAL REGION

The article is devoted to the analysis of the role of the ESG concept in achieving sustainable business development, as well as the problem of decoupling arising from the discrepancy between the declared environmental goals and the actual practices of companies. The authors focus on the “crisis of confidence” caused by the discrepancy between ESG reporting and actual indicators reflecting the gap between economic growth and consumption of natural resources. The article demonstrates the use of the adapted Tapio model for assessing the elasticity of economic indicators and environmental load using the example of the Kemerovo region The results of the study indicate a variable nature of decoupling, dependent on external factors. The article highlights the need to improve the methodology for assessing ESG practices and strengthen regulatory control to minimize the “symbolic actions” of companies.