ESG INVESTMENTS AS A DRIVER OF BRAND DEVELOPMENT FOR ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE ENTERPRISES

Abstract

The article examines the role of ESG investments in shaping and strengthening the image of energy infrastructure companies in the context of modern economic transformations and growing demands for sustainable development. The importance of this topic is due to the growing influence of environmental, social and governance criteria on the attractiveness of companies for investors, their reputation and competitiveness in national and international markets. The article analyzes the essence and key components of the ESG approach, including corporate environmental responsibility, social interaction with stakeholders and effective corporate governance mechanisms. The current trends in the development of sustainable financing and the spread of ESG investments in the global and European economy are analyzed. The economic nature of ESG investing as an integrated approach to making investment decisions that combines financial and non-financial indicators of enterprise activity is clarified. It has been established that the integration of ESG criteria into corporate activities not only contributes to the reduction of environmental and social risks, but also increases management efficiency, facilitates access to financial resources and forms a positive business reputation. In particular, the role of financial instruments for decarbonization is emphasized, especially green bonds and impact investments, which have become important mechanisms for attracting capital for the implementation of sustainable development projects. The importance of the ESG approach for the development of a corporate brand, which is increasingly being formed under the influence of intangible assets, in particular, stakeholder trust, the level of transparency and social responsibility of business, is substantiated. The features of the application of ESG principles in the activities of companies in the Ukrainian energy sector are also considered. The study shows that the use of ESG criteria contributes to increasing the transparency of corporate activities, strengthening the trust of investors, partners and society, as well as creating favorable conditions for the formation of a sustainable corporate brand. It has been established that ESG investments can become an important tool for increasing the competitiveness of energy infrastructure companies and ensuring their long-term development.