Позитивные изменения. Том 4, №1 (2024). Positive changes. Volume 4, Issue 1 (2024)

We significantly surpass our counterparts in the textile sector in minimizing our environmental footprint. For instance, we utilize solar panels and environmentally sustainable BCI cotton (Better Cotton Initiative — a global non-governmental organization leading the largest cotton quality assurance program worldwide. Among the participants of this initiative is IKEA — ed. note), which produces 40.8 % less intense emissions per ton of seeds compared to conventional cotton.

However, as our impact report shows, rangSutra still has much to strive for. Thus, we can accomplish additional water savings by fully transitioning to BCI cotton. We are also concentrating on harnessing renewable energy sources and considering the acquisition of green certificates to bolster the growth of wind or solar energy, thereby compensating for our environmental impact.

You have mentioned the rangSutra impact report already. How do you evaluate the work’s results and the scale of the impact?

We benchmark our activities against the UN Sustainable Development Goals, carry out Life Cycle Assessments (LCA), and Social Return on Investment (SROI) evaluations.

As previously stated, via trainings and seminars, we’ve successfully drawn the younger generation to view craftsmanship as an economically advantageous pursuit. In the years 2022–2023, our enterprise has trained 18 artisans. From a social standpoint, we’ve created a cumulative human capital value estimated at 2,657,453 Indian rupees over the following five years.

We provide employment to women and men in rural locales in the textile crafts sector, while also instituting eco-friendly production techniques. In doing so, we’ve transformed a fading craft into the vanguard of fashion, intrinsically linked to sustainable development.

Naturally, this revitalizing experience is something one is eager to adopt and propagate. What counsel would you offer to an individual aspiring to establish a social enterprise following rangSutra’s model?

First and foremost, one would need to amass at least 200 artisans within a singular geographic vicinity. Subsequently, it’s necessary to establish integrated centers capable of fabricating the entirety of a product — from the initial raw materials to the final processes of weaving, sewing, and embroidering. And, of course, at the same time, it is necessary to form a small team of 3–4 professionals who will be able to manage the center.

But the most important thing is to remember that everything is in your hands. Encountering and endeavoring to surmount obstacles on this journey may occasionally lead to failure, but ultimately fosters greater strength and resilience. For every member of rangSutra’s large team, each day presents a fresh start and the prospect to evolve into the finest version of oneself, underpinned by the solidarity of like-minded peers. As our colleague Dhingya Bai put it, there exists something that transcends what any individual can achieve in isolation. Every one of us infuses something unique into this communal essence of craftwork, melding aesthetic values with functional utility. And this collective investment returns to us manifold.

Экспертные мнения / Expert Opinions

Своим путём. Разработка российского Стандарта отчетности об устойчивом развитии и его перспективы

Татьяна Печегина, Владимир Вайнер

DOI 10.55140/2782-5817-2024-4-1-10-25

На данный момент в России существуют несколько инициатив, направленных на упорядочение, стимулирование и развитие темы устойчивого развития. Ключевым подходом является находящийся в разработке по заказу Минэкономразвития России отечественный Стандарт отчетности об устойчивом развитии (проект которого имеется в распоряжении редакции). Журнал «Позитивные изменения» подготовил подробный материал об этом документе, включив мнения всех заинтересованных сторон. Не будучи связанными ни с одной из них и при этом обладая всеми необходимыми данными, мы можем позволить себе посмотреть на ситуацию со стороны, проанализировать ее и внести соответствующие предложения в разрабатываемый стандарт.

Татьяна Печегина

Журналист

Владимир Вайнер

Директор Фабрики позитивных изменений

КСО, ЦУР ИЛИ ESG?