Urban Planning

The importance of ESG in Urban Planning: lessons from Mongolia

Alex SYROTA | Urban Planning & ESG Expert

As urban centers expand, the role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in urban planning has never been more critical. At GG International, we have seen firsthand the impact of ESG integration while working on the development of satellite cities near Ulaanbaatar’s new international airport in Mongolia. This experience has reinforced that sustainable urban growth depends on a holistic approach, balancing economic development, social equity, and environmental stewardship.

Environmental Responsibility

One of the major challenges of urban expansion is minimizing environmental degradation. In Mongolia, where extreme weather and fragile ecosystems are the norm, we prioritized sustainable infrastructure. This included:

• Green building standards to reduce energy consumption.
• Renewable energy integration, such as solar and wind power.
• Water conservation systems, given Mongolia’s arid climate.
• By embedding these environmental safeguards into planning from the outset, we ensure that satellite cities grow resiliently and responsibly.

Social Considerations

Urban development is not just about infrastructure; it’s about people. Our work in Mongolia highlighted the need to design cities that promote social well-being. Key social initiatives included:

• Affordable housing programs to prevent urban sprawl and informal settlements.
• Accessible public transportation to connect communities efficiently.
• Community engagement is needed to ensure local populations have a voice in development decisions.

Through these initiatives, we aim to create inclusive cities where economic opportunities are widespread and quality of life is improved.

Governance and Economic Sustainability

Effective urban planning requires transparent governance and strong regulatory frameworks. We collaborated closely with Mongolian authorities to implement clear zoning laws, sustainable financing models, and digital governance solutions.
A key lesson from our experience is that cities must be designed with long-term economic sustainability in mind. This includes:

• Mixed-use development that balances residential, commercial, and industrial spaces.
• Investment in smart infrastructure, such as IoT-enabled urban management.
• Public-private partnerships (PPPs) to ensure financial sustainability.

Conclusion

ESG principles are no longer optional in urban planning—they are essential for creating livable, sustainable, and economically viable cities.

Our work in Mongolia underscores that future-proofing cities require an integrated approach that integrates environmental sustainability, social inclusivity, and governance transparency.

Contact GG International for further insights on sustainable urban development and how ESG principles can be effectively implemented.
Alex SYROTA