ESG games for adults

How did you engage the summit participants in the business game?

First, we gave them a chance to study the subject and immerse themselves in the topic, and then apply the new knowledge in practice. Such an approach solidifies knowledge, generates feedback and reveals opportunities to use the new insights and principles in real life: at the workplace and beyond.

The 2023 summit targeted responsible consumption, focusing on the relationship between the business and consumers. In the first half of the day, we immersed the audience in the responsible supply chain (RSC) agenda. Participants included business figures, in particular Nornickel’s suppliers, government officials, public organizations, experts and corporate volunteers.

At the start of the day, we did a quick survey and collected feedback on how the audience understood responsible consumption. Then, we had an expert-led discussion focusing on RSC practices across the entire product life cycle: from feedstock and its transformations to disposal. Once summit participants got to know the theory, they applied their knowledge in a business game to solve cases.

The Summit, including its interactive section and dialogue format, aims to promote the RSC agenda, facilitate the exchange of experience and practices both across the business and between corporate volunteers and consumers.

The game questions were hard, there was never one correct answer. Why did you choose such a complex format?

We extracted the questions from real relationship cases between business and consumers. That is why there was no one correct or perfect answer that would satisfy all the parties.

There are three pillars of ESG: environment (E), social (S), and governance (G). And, for example, if environmental performance improves, it does not necessarily drive governance.

The business faces tough decisions when building the RSC. In turn, consumers also find it difficult to make a choice when it comes to, say, recycling. So, in the business game, we looked at decisions from at least three angles, and then made the final decision based on the values and strategies of each team.

There was a team of ESG experts in the game but the win was in the hands of rookies new to the ESG agenda. How was that possible?

When choosing a solution, the teams relied both on their experience in the business environment and personal priorities. This determined the individual perception of the task: some prioritized stable social performance and its improvement, while others focused on business and financial targets.

There were also many ecologists at the summit advocating for environmental protection. Different views and experience, different goals of the summit participants have shown us that the truth is somewhere in the middle.

As an organizer, what conclusions have you made based on the business game results?

Our expectations have been met. The immersive environment of the summit made it possible to effectively conduct the game at the target complexity level. Corporate volunteers, business officials, including RSC experts, joined in a lively debate, and shared their experiences, creating an atmosphere of open dialogue and brainstorming.

We got to hear new opinions on the considered cases, broadened our understanding of how exactly the responsible consumption and supply chains translate into our work and everyone’s daily life. We are sure the summit will cultivate new sustainability ambassadors.

Will you continue to practice business games? Are you examining new formats?

Nornickel is deeply committed to sustainable development and the ESG agenda. The company organizes topical events, both in the business conference or summit format and online. This year, Nornickel hosted an In Good Company corporate game bringing together its young employees. We are open to new approaches for interaction with those interested in sustainable development.