Gyeonggi Province and Shinsegae Properties Join Forces to Create 'ESG Experience Hub'

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Kim Gap-dong] Gyeonggi Province and Shinsegae Properties will implement 14 ESG (Environment·Social·Governance) collaborative projects across 6 Starfield locations in Gyeonggi Province, including expanded use of renewable energy and creation of social value, to promote ESG values.

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon held an 'ESG Activation Business Agreement Ceremony between Gyeonggi Province and Shinsegae Properties for a Bright Future Opened by Opportunity' with Shinsegae Properties CEO Im Young-rok on the 21st at Starfield Suwon's Byeolmadang Library.

Governor Kim stated, "Gyeonggi Province and Shinsegae Properties share the same vision on ESG and have joined hands to move forward together. Going forward, we will provide performance opportunities for many artists with Starfield. We will also install solar facilities to respond to climate change and implement various programs for disadvantaged youth and adolescents."

Under the agreement, six Starfield stores in the province—in Suwon, Hanam, Wirye, Bucheon, Goyang, and Anseong—will implement 14 projects across 6 sectors to promote ESG values. ESG stands for Environment, Social, and Governance, and represents core elements of corporate management for a sustainable society, encompassing environmental management, social responsibility, and sound and transparent governance.

The collaborative projects include: △Expansion of renewable energy to address climate and environmental issues (installation of solar power generation facilities in unused spaces, climate crisis response campaigns) △Creation of an ecosystem for expanded value consumption and coexistence with companion animals (expansion of social enterprise marketplace, support for traditional market specialty brands in collaboration with social economy enterprises, proper companion animal care campaigns, product discovery of companion animal industry companies) △Expansion of cultural and arts opportunities through support for socially-valued artists (provision of performance opportunities for income-guaranteed artists, collaboration in supporting Gyeonggi Hidden Artists, collaboration in supporting quality publishing content) △Support for producing and disseminating quality media content (discovery and production of sustainable public interest campaign content on themes of Gyeonggi Province history, culture, and society) △Expansion of welfare programs for future generations including vulnerable children and adolescents (mentoring opportunities using 'Starfield Play' and 'Beolkkum Supporters') △Research on private-public ESG cooperation methods and social value outcome measurement (network formation, outcome measurement research), among others.

All projects are linked with major province policies such as Gyeonggi Province's RE100 initiative. The province will provide administrative and financial support for the ESG collaborative projects, while Shinsegae Properties will actively cooperate in project implementation at its Starfield stores where large pedestrian traffic flows.

The province hopes that through this public-private collaboration for a sustainable future, many examples of best practices will be created where residents empathize with and act upon ESG values.

Shinsegae Properties CEO Im Young-rok stated, "Through this agreement, we will do our best to achieve sustainable development together with Gyeonggi Province" and "Going forward, we will communicate and cooperate through various activities together with local communities."

Following the agreement ceremony, a special lecture series titled 'The 15 Minutes That Change the World' was held. The five speakers included: △Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Professor Kim Hyun-chul, an economist with a medical background and author of 'Economics in the Moment' △Pilot O Hyun-ho, author of 'Pilot: Action Lessons' △Jung Maria, CEO of Ton28, an eco-friendly beauty social venture engaged in marine waste plogging crew activities △Kim A-young, vocalist of the Korean traditional music band 'Ondou' △Veterinarian Na Eung-sik, a feline behavior correction specialist.