THE IMPACT OF THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY DEVELOPMENT VECTOR AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ESG FACTORS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF UKRAINIAN ENTERPRISES

Abstract

The issue of energy efficiency has acquired paramount strategic importance for Ukrainian enterprises. Owing to the full-scale military aggression and the systematic destruction of critical energy infrastructure, domestic economic entities are compelled to operate under conditions of severe operational constraints, and acute resource scarcity. This context necessitates a systemic transformation in resource allocation and management practices. Crucially, systematic accounting for all utilized resources, performance metrics, and externalities becomes a prerequisite for establishing corporate operational continuity. Notwithstanding these critical national challenges, a segment of Ukrainian enterprises demonstrates remarkable resilience and an ability to not only maintain but also incrementally increase operational volumes. The primary objective of this comprehensive study is to identify, analyze, and empirically substantiate the specific mechanisms utilized by these resilient domestic enterprises to enhance their level of internal energy efficiency. Furthermore, the research critically examines the strategic role of integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors as a core tool for achieving business scaling and sustained developmental growth. The findings underscore that the current global economic paradigm emphasizes the consistent adoption and implementation of ESG criteria. The effective integration of these principles is a strategic imperative for Ukrainian companies to secure international investment capital, maintain global market competitiveness, and strategically align their operations with international sustainability standards. The methodological framework relies on a multi-case study analysis grounded in empirical evidence derived from the operational activities of a selected cohort of Ukrainian enterprises. This qualitative approach allows for the demonstration of adaptive strategies and progressive development vectors chosen by the business community. The study’s results offer valuable theoretical insights into corporate resilience under extreme duress and provide actionable recommendations for corporate management seeking viable and sustainable pathways for expansion, even during prolonged crisis periods.