Climate change is no longer just a scientific concern, it is a reality that has become increasingly mainstreamed in energy security and environmental policies, representing one of the defining challenges of the 21st century.
The call for climate action and environmental sustainability requires a coordinated answer from all actors in the public and private sectors, as well as the civil society. In what concerns the private sector, corporate governance has steadily evolved to integrate corporate sustainability, as the ability of companies to have a positive impact on environmental, social and economic development through their market presence and governance practices.
Nowadays, a successful corporate strategy is built on sustainability and thus, requires the integration of ESG standards and positive climate action in general, for example through initiatives that are directly targeting cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, diversification of energy supply in terms of suppliers and resources (ex: renewables and CCS technologies), as well as development of recycling programs.
A fair, sustainable and irreversible transition to circular economy and climate neutrality will be possible through the joint effort of the civil society and businesses, in compliance with policies and conditions imposed by the states.
The best time to answer the call for climate action was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.
Event Agenda:
- 11:00-11:05 – Opening remarks by the BRCC
- 11:05-11:10 – Introduction by moderator Cătălin Gugiu, Sustainable Investments Manager
- 11:10-11:20 – Frank Hajdinjak, Vice-president, Romanian Energy Center
- 11:20-11:30 – Alina Cismaș, Sustainable Development Manager, Ursus Breweries
- 11:30-11:40 – Alina Vasile-Floroaie, Sustainability Strategist & MD, Dare Strategy Ltd
- 11:40-11:50 – Q&A
- 11:50-12:00 – Closing remarks by moderator Cătălin Gugiu
Moderator: Catalin Gugiu
Title: Sustainable Investments Manager
Bio: Catalin Gugiu is currently a Sustainable Investments manager at LSEG. He has been active in the sustainability space for over seven years, and now leads a team of ESG research analysts, delivering corporate sustainability data to FTSE, one of the world’s premier index providers and part of LSEG (the Group). Catalin has a holistic view towards sustainability, considering that a prosperous and truly global future is possible only by bringing together people, planet and profit.
Speakers
Alina Vasile-Floroaie
Title: Sustainability Strategist & MD, Dare Strategy Ltd
Bio: Running a boutique advisory, based in London, with a focus on sustainability strategy, circular economy, ESG reporting & renewable energy investments, Alina has extensive management consulting, public sector, regional policy experience, having worked globally for more than 16 years. Alina is helping organisations build and implement ambitious sustainability strategies as they look to transition to net-zero carbon emissions and circular business models. Having also worked for the European Union, in Brussels, Alina is currently an expert assessor for Cambridge Sustainability Leadership Institute, teaching Business Sustainability Management.
Subject covered: Building resilient organizations
Frank Hajdinjak
Title: Vice-president, Romanian Energy Center
Bio: Frank Hajdinjak was the CEO of E.ON Romania, occupying various positions during the 25 years within the company. He was the President of the Employers’ Federation of Energy Utility Companies (ACUE) and a member of the boards of the Concordia Association, the Romanian-German Chamber of Commerce and the Council of Foreign Investors. Since 2021, Frank took over the position of vice-president at Romanian Energy Center Association, in charge with the research-development projects and the relation with European institutions.
Subject covered: Looking at the bigger picture – A 360 degrees view of the Romanian energy industry’s transition
Alina Cismas
Title: Sustainable Development Manager, Ursus Breweries
Bio: Alina Cismaș is an expert in the field of sustainable development. Her experience covers circular economy, biodiversity, renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste management, long-term renovation strategies and sustainable financing instruments. Between 2019-2021 Alina was the President of the ROENEF Association (Association for the Promotion of Energy Efficiency in Buildings) and between 2017-2021 the Vice-President of Romania Green Building Council. Alina is now Sustainable Development Manager at Ursus Breweries, the largest beer producer in Romania, leading the transition to carbon neutrality by 2030. Ursus Breweries sustainability goals also cover areas like water efficiency, responsible sourcing, circular packaging, consumers and employees wellbeing and inclusion, responsible drinking.
Subject covered: Legacy 2030, the journey to carbon neutrality
