“Balanced Changes”: How BDO in Ukraine Combines Environmental Awareness with Social Responsibility

Recently, employees from the Kyiv and Dnipro offices of BDO in Ukraine launched an internal initiative called “Balanced Changes”, aimed at reducing environmental impact and supporting vulnerable communities.

Its objective is to unite team members around the shared values of environmental awareness, responsible consumption and social assistance. Over several weeks, we collected waste paper, books, clothing and shoes for recycling or charity. This initiative demonstrated how local actions within a company can have a real impact on both the environment and society.

Paper Recycling: Real Benefits for the Environment

Paper is one of the most prevalent types of waste on a global scale. Its proper recycling significantly reduces deforestation, conserves energy and water, and lowers carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions.

According to environmental organisations, recycling just 1 kg of paper can save approximately 3.5 kg of CO₂, while producing new paper may require cutting down as many as 17 trees.

The results of the “Balanced Changes” initiative demonstrate that even minor endeavours can yield significant results:

• 182 kg of waste paper was collected in the Kyiv and Dnipro offices;
• A proportion of the materials was dispatched to the No Waste Recycling Station for the purpose of recycling;
• 15 kg of books were donated to the PEN Ukraine office for their “Unbreakable Ukrainian libraries” project.

These actions help to reduce pressure on ecosystems, encourage waste separation and contribute to sustainable development.

Social Responsibility: Helping Those in Need

The “Balanced Changes” campaign combined environmental awareness with social responsibility, as caring for people forms a core part of BDO’s corporate culture. Proactive employees also collected clothing and footwear for charitable organisations that support vulnerable groups.

The results of the campaign impressed even the organisers:

• 161 kg of items were collected by employees from both offices;
• In Kyiv, clothing was donated to the “Laska” charity shop, which distributes items through charitable foundations and uses proceeds to support social projects;
• In Dnipro, items were donated to the “MyRazom” Support Centre for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from the Kramatorsk region, which helps displaced persons and families affected by the war.

This part of the initiative was particularly emotional, as each donated item symbolised not only material aid, but also a gesture of humanity and support at a challenging time for the country.

Shared Responsibility: a Pillar of Corporate Culture at BDO in Ukraine

We place great emphasis on fostering a culture of sustainable development within the company. Initiatives of this nature are important not only from an environmental or charitable perspective, but also because they shape a corporate culture in which every employee understands the importance of their role in protecting nature and supporting socially significant causes. 

Participation in “Balanced Changes” enabled the team to:

• Recognise the value of personal contributions to environmental efforts;
• Experience team spirit and a shared purpose;
• Become part of a broader movement — building a responsible business environment in Ukraine.

We believe that business has the capacity to change the world — not only through economic performance but also through daily actions that create an environmentally and socially responsible environment.

BDO in Ukraine strives to be an active participant in this transformation, not as a one-time effort, but as a systemic commitment. Initiatives such as “Balanced Changes” must therefore become an integral part of our corporate culture and daily practice.

We are committed to supporting environmental, educational and social initiatives that promote sustainable development and help make our shared space more responsible and compassionate.

Together, we can change the world for the better.