Importance September 2015, the UN Sustainable Development Summit took place in New York. New goals and tasks aim at improving human well-being and environmental protection. These goals are feasible if the Russian Federation adopts the green economy course. Objectives The research substantiates the transition of the Russian regions towards environmentally focused economy. Methods Based on collected, processed and analyzed statistical data of the regions in the Northwestern Federal District for 2000 and 2013, I traced trends in the environmental and economic development of the regions. Results I devised and tested methods for evaluating the greening level of the Russian regions' development on the basis of the integral index. To estimate the integral index, fifteen baseline indicators were analyzed on economic growth and environmental protection in regions. Conclusions and Relevance I demonstrate the need to switch to the green economy, which will shape a new regional economy and increase the value of natural resources, services and resource conservation. The results might be of interest for governmental authorities to adjust regional programs as part of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Keywords: greening level, integral index, environmental and economic development, resource conservation, structural shifts
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