Novi Sad, March 20, 2025 – The growing momentum behind sustainability and ESG integration in business found a powerful echo at the hands-on training “Sustainable Business in Action: Manage the Process of Creating Your ESG Report”, held at Temerinska 111 and organized by Energy Net DOO and Advise Institute DOO.
The event brought together professionals from across Serbia — Belgrade, Novi Sad, Pančevo, Zrenjanin, and beyond — eager to translate environmental and social responsibility into concrete business practice. Over the course of the day, participants explored how to design ESG strategies, gather and interpret sustainability data, and craft compliant, impactful ESG reports.
SPM² in the Spotlight: Bridging Sustainability and Project Practice
A dedicated session of the training was devoted to the SPM² project, offering participants a closer look at how evidence-based research can support the design of training programs and competency development in sustainable project management.
Participants were introduced to:
- The SPM² methodology using Importance–Performance Analysis (IPA) to identify gaps in sustainability competencies across the project lifecycle.
- Real-world data gathered from 986 respondents in 15 countries, now fueling curriculum reform and training innovation.
- Ways to engage with the project through future workshops, Living Labs, and online learning formats.
“Our goal was not just to teach ESG reporting, but to inspire a shift in how sustainability is embedded into project roles, decisions, and strategies,” said Marijana Topo, event coordinator and author of the report. “That’s where SPM² adds real value.”
Engaged, Experienced, and Eager to Learn
The participant cohort reflected a rich mix of professional backgrounds and years of experience — from environmental engineers and energy experts to economists, food technologists, and political scientists. Most had between 5 and 28 years of professional experience and were drawn from industries such as food production, energy, public infrastructure, consulting, and policy.
Notably:
- 7 of 9 participants were women, confirming the increasing leadership of women in the ESG and project management space.
- Feedback from participants revealed strong interest in SPM² tools and frameworks, especially practical formats such as workshops and online microlearning.
- Most attendees expressed interest in further collaboration with the SPM² project, particularly in training and peer exchange activities.
From ESG Reports to Real Change
The event stood out for its emphasis on practical application, with participants engaging in live exercises, expert-led sessions, and real-life case discussions. Survey insights showed a clear preference for interactive formats and strong support for continued professional development through the SPM² lens.
As sustainability becomes a core business imperative — not just a compliance issue — events like these demonstrate the value of connecting academic research, training practice, and industry needs.
