Latest news with #BRSR
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Towards Net Zero: Rethinking business for a sustainable future
Two thousand and seventy! Every business in India is focused on this year. As India Inc. navigates the complexities of daily operations, aligning with this long-term goal of reaching Net Zero has become central to its strategy and operations. Five decades may seem a long way away but a reset in business operations, some of which are decades old, needs to be executed. Sustainability is emerging as a central theme for businesses, not just as a regulatory or reputational necessity but also as a moral imperative. With India committed to achieving net zero by 2070, companies bear the onus of mitigating harmful emissions that impact public health. Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it has emerged as a crucial theme that transcends regulatory compliance and reputational concerns, evolving into a moral imperative. With India's commitment to achieving net zero by 2070, the responsibility now rests on companies to mitigate harmful emissions and protect the environment for future generations. Sustainability-focused regulatory legislations, such as Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR), are compelling companies to measure their environmental impact and take definite actions to minimise it. ET Spotlight SUSTAINABILITY METRICS At the heart of sustainable businesses could be assessing operations at each step. Measuring the carbon footprint, for example, could help in developing a strategy to cut down its emissions. A company's carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gas emissions it generates while creating its products or services. Once companies identify the greenhouse gas sources, it could be the early steps in cutting down carbon footprint. Areas for improvement, setting reduction targets, and tracking progress could follow. Live Events Heavy industries, such as steel, cement, and chemicals, account for over 70 percent of industrial emissions. Transitioning to renewable energy sources can significantly reduce carbon footprint. The roadmap for India's hard-to-abate sectors offers a clear plan that calls for consistent and collaborative efforts from industry players. ET Spotlight While businesses focus on measuring and tracking their sustainability initiatives, they can educate and engage with their employees to drive home the importance of sustainable practices. They can develop and opt for green policies and use technology to reduce their carbon footprint. Aligning with regulatory requirements ensures businesses stay ahead of compliance while contributing to India's broader sustainability goals. The convergence of competitiveness and decarbonisation paves the way for a sustainable future for everyone. ENERGY EFFICIENT TOMORROW Sustainable business operations can contribute in a big way to cutting down emissions, with a 'more electric, more digital approach' driving energy transition with demand-side optimisation at its core. Reducing consumption, minimising waste, and optimising efficiency could be critical. Improving energy efficiency can account for over 40 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions reductions needed to meet global climate goals by 2040, according to the International Energy Agency. As India aims for 500GW of non-fossil energy by 2030, demand-side management is essential for grid stability and renewable integration. ET Spotlight By optimising energy consumption, reducing inefficiencies, and enabling prosumers, India can drive nearly 50 percent of total carbon dioxide reductions. Electrification and digitalisation accelerate decarbonisation—energy efficiency alone can cut emissions by 25 percent, while electrifying industrial processes and adopting green hydrogen can further reduce carbon footprints. Sustainability-focused regulatory frameworks such as Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) compel companies to rigorously measure their environmental impact and take concrete actions to minimize it. This shift in accountability will not only enhance corporate reputation but also drive innovation and create competitive advantages in an increasingly eco-conscious market. Aligning daily operations with the long-term goal of reaching Net Zero has transitioned from a mere priority to a central tenet of corporate strategy. While 2070 may seem far off, the need for a comprehensive reset in business operations—many of which are entrenched in decades-old practices—is urgent and immediate. Digitalisation, electrification, and automation could be the way ahead.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Future-proofing the business: How Indian firms are leveraging ESG for growth
India is at an interesting inflection point considering it is the world's fourth-largest economy with the most number of young people. This unprecedented combination, both highly climate-exposed and the site of one of the world's most vibrant consumer markets, gives its national sustainability quest unmatched strategic significance and conceptual intensity. India's focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) has evolved significantly over the years, from being aspirational to institutionalising it. In 2021, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) mandated extensive ESG disclosures for the top 1,000 listed companies through its Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) framework. This significant regulation fundamentally changed the approach, transitioning from merely promoting transparency to formally integrating sustainability into corporate accountability. The country's banking sector, as well, is seeing a deep rethink. The Reserve Bank of India 's release of Green Deposit Guidelines represents an unmistakable push toward climate-responsible lending strategies. Banks are now increasingly being charged with integrating exacting environmental risk analysis into their overall sustainability move forward in coordinated development very core credit decision-making protocols—a subtle yet powerful restructuring of capital deployment methods. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký At a policy level, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs issued the National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct (NGRBC) in 2018, providing a comprehensive framework for businesses to adopt responsible and sustainable practices aligned with ESG principles and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This strategic alignment gives unity to what were formerly separate endeavors, ensuring that social responsibility and overall sustainability move forward in coordinated development. This comprehensive regulatory makeover is already prominently transforming company conduct. Statistics show that by mid-2024, more than 1,170 Indian businesses had filed their BRSRs—a record of swift compliance in just twelve months. In addition, about 20 Indian businesses have been recognized in the globally recognized Dow Jones Sustainability Index, highlighting that achieving international sustainability standards is not just within sight but is even rapidly becoming the default expectation in Indian business circles. Live Events Big businesses are no longer side lining sustainability as a third-order function. The deliberate hiring of Chief Sustainability Officers, the explicit connection of executive remuneration to the success of ESG objectives, and the spontaneous inclusion of circular economy paradigms into fundamental strategic considerations are unmistakable signs that this era marks a deep divergence from the outdated conventions of 'business as usual.' As the shadow of climate risk comes to dominate and societal scrutiny hones in on its target, businesses with truly credible ESG plans are self-consciously positioning themselves to dominate markets that increasingly become excruciatingly discerning. Consumers, investors, and collaborative stakeholders alike expect higher levels of transparency, provable accountability, and quantifiable impact, and they actively reward those organizations that reliably meet those demands. Internationally, products and services based on real sustainable principles are systematically outperforming their traditional equivalents, building stronger consumer loyalty and immensely enhancing brand value. In a world with an oversupply of choices, the environmental and social integrity of a company is becoming a determining differentiator, especially among digitally-native and more ethically-conscious consumer bases. Capital flows are unmistakably following suit. ESG funds are growing exponentially, with assets under management worldwide expected to more than double to over an eye-watering $50 trillion by 2025, Bloomberg Intelligence estimates. Importantly, businesses that profoundly integrate ESG thinking into their operational DNA are better able to navigate disruptive forces, whether arising from climate-related supply chain disruption, reputational risk, or sudden regulatory changes. Sustainability, as such, is not simply about altruism; it is really about building businesses that can not only survive but thrive in a world characterized by inherent and increasing volatility. A landmark 2022 McKinsey & Company report showed that firms with high ESG scores enjoy a reduced cost of capital and are more likely to have high performance in terms of long-term value creation. In parallel, a Morningstar review showed that worldwide ESG fund inflows exceeded $67 billion in 2023. On the essential supply chain side, Carbon Disclosure Project revealed that climatic disruptions in suppliers alone cost businesses worldwide a collective $120 billion in 2022, a stark reflection of why meaningful ESG integration is now an absolute necessity for business continuity. Today's workforce, especially Gen Z and millennials, prioritizes values like sustainability. A 2023 LinkedIn study found 64% wouldn't work for an employer misaligned with their values. For businesses, ESG is now key to attracting and retaining top talent. India reflects this global trend. Domestic ESG mutual funds exceeding Rs 10,000 crore AUM signal growing investor confidence. Indian companies are leveraging ESG beyond compliance to access global capital, enter new markets, and build reputation. Beyond reports, companies need action. This means asking critical questions: What ESG risks truly matter? What's material, what's noise? Leading companies align with global standards (GRI, SASB, TCFD, IFRS) to build focused, measurable, and accountable strategies. It's about future-proofing the business. Stakeholders demand evidence, not just narratives. India's progress is commendable, with established frameworks and increasing disclosures driving serious boardroom discussions. Companies worldwide are re-engineering operations and understand that growth at the cost of the planet is not ethical. The author is Vice Chairman, DS Group.
Economic Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Future-proofing the business: How Indian firms are leveraging ESG for growth
Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman, DS Group India is at an interesting inflection point considering it is the world's fourth-largest economy with the most number of young people. This unprecedented combination, both highly climate-exposed and the site of one of the world's most vibrant consumer markets, gives its national sustainability quest unmatched strategic significance and conceptual intensity. India's focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) has evolved significantly over the years, from being aspirational to institutionalising it. In 2021, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) mandated extensive ESG disclosures for the top 1,000 listed companies through its Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) framework. This significant regulation fundamentally changed the approach, transitioning from merely promoting transparency to formally integrating sustainability into corporate accountability. The country's banking sector, as well, is seeing a deep rethink. The Reserve Bank of India's release of Green Deposit Guidelines represents an unmistakable push toward climate-responsible lending strategies. Banks are now increasingly being charged with integrating exacting environmental risk analysis into their overall sustainability move forward in coordinated development very core credit decision-making protocols—a subtle yet powerful restructuring of capital deployment methods. At a policy level, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs issued the National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct (NGRBC) in 2018, providing a comprehensive framework for businesses to adopt responsible and sustainable practices aligned with ESG principles and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This strategic alignment gives unity to what were formerly separate endeavors, ensuring that social responsibility and overall sustainability move forward in coordinated development. This comprehensive regulatory makeover is already prominently transforming company conduct. Statistics show that by mid-2024, more than 1,170 Indian businesses had filed their BRSRs—a record of swift compliance in just twelve months. In addition, about 20 Indian businesses have been recognized in the globally recognized Dow Jones Sustainability Index, highlighting that achieving international sustainability standards is not just within sight but is even rapidly becoming the default expectation in Indian business circles. Big businesses are no longer side lining sustainability as a third-order function. The deliberate hiring of Chief Sustainability Officers, the explicit connection of executive remuneration to the success of ESG objectives, and the spontaneous inclusion of circular economy paradigms into fundamental strategic considerations are unmistakable signs that this era marks a deep divergence from the outdated conventions of 'business as usual.'As the shadow of climate risk comes to dominate and societal scrutiny hones in on its target, businesses with truly credible ESG plans are self-consciously positioning themselves to dominate markets that increasingly become excruciatingly discerning. Consumers, investors, and collaborative stakeholders alike expect higher levels of transparency, provable accountability, and quantifiable impact, and they actively reward those organizations that reliably meet those products and services based on real sustainable principles are systematically outperforming their traditional equivalents, building stronger consumer loyalty and immensely enhancing brand value. In a world with an oversupply of choices, the environmental and social integrity of a company is becoming a determining differentiator, especially among digitally-native and more ethically-conscious consumer bases. Capital flows are unmistakably following suit. ESG funds are growing exponentially, with assets under management worldwide expected to more than double to over an eye-watering $50 trillion by 2025, Bloomberg Intelligence businesses that profoundly integrate ESG thinking into their operational DNA are better able to navigate disruptive forces, whether arising from climate-related supply chain disruption, reputational risk, or sudden regulatory changes. Sustainability, as such, is not simply about altruism; it is really about building businesses that can not only survive but thrive in a world characterized by inherent and increasing volatility. A landmark 2022 McKinsey & Company report showed that firms with high ESG scores enjoy a reduced cost of capital and are more likely to have high performance in terms of long-term value creation. In parallel, a Morningstar review showed that worldwide ESG fund inflows exceeded $67 billion in 2023. On the essential supply chain side, Carbon Disclosure Project revealed that climatic disruptions in suppliers alone cost businesses worldwide a collective $120 billion in 2022, a stark reflection of why meaningful ESG integration is now an absolute necessity for business workforce, especially Gen Z and millennials, prioritizes values like sustainability. A 2023 LinkedIn study found 64% wouldn't work for an employer misaligned with their values. For businesses, ESG is now key to attracting and retaining top talent. India reflects this global trend. Domestic ESG mutual funds exceeding Rs 10,000 crore AUM signal growing investor confidence. Indian companies are leveraging ESG beyond compliance to access global capital, enter new markets, and build reports, companies need action. This means asking critical questions: What ESG risks truly matter? What's material, what's noise? Leading companies align with global standards (GRI, SASB, TCFD, IFRS) to build focused, measurable, and accountable strategies. It's about future-proofing the business. Stakeholders demand evidence, not just narratives. India's progress is commendable, with established frameworks and increasing disclosures driving serious boardroom discussions. Companies worldwide are re-engineering operations and understand that growth at the cost of the planet is not ethical. The author is Vice Chairman, DS Group.
Associated Press
15-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
IWBI Launches Tool Aligning WELL v2 to BRSR, Supercharging Indian Companies' Ability To Identify, Measure and Report on Social Sustainability Strategies
New practical resource is designed to help organizations explore how WELL's strategies for health, well-being and social impact align with India's Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) framework -- Strategies in WELL can contribute to 42% of BRSR indicators NEW YORK and DELHI, May 14, 2025 /3BL/ - The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the global authority for advancing healthy buildings, organizations and communities, announced today the launch of its WELL-BRSR Alignment Tool, a resource designed to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the alignment between the WELL Building Standard (WELL v2) and the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) framework, which was introduced by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). This tool aims to demonstrate how WELL v2 can complement certain BRSR disclosure obligations, while fostering health, well-being and social sustainability across buildings, organizations and communities. Strategies in WELL v2 can contribute to approximately 42% of the BRSR indicators, including 44% of essential (mandatory) and 38% of leadership (voluntary) indicators, according to IWBI's analysis. In addition to highlighting extensive alignment, the tool offers companies a clear framework for leveraging WELL to help meet India's sustainability reporting requirements. 'India's sustainability journey is entering a new chapter—one where transparency, accountability and the well-being of people are taking center stage,' said IWBI President and CEO Rachel Hodgdon. 'We are proud to introduce the WELL-BRSR Alignment Tool to support the business community in India and demonstrate how WELL helps companies to advance their health and well-being strategies to align with corporate sustainability objectives and reporting requirements.' As sustainability reporting becomes increasingly central to corporate accountability in India, the BRSR framework highlights the need for organizations to demonstrate their impact on people and the planet. This tool supports that effort by illustrating how strategies within the WELL Standard can contribute to key BRSR disclosures—particularly those related to health, well-being and social impact. 'India is one of the fastest-growing markets for WELL adoption, with forward-looking organizations applying WELL strategies not only to individual buildings but across entire portfolios,' said Prateek Khanna, IWBI Chief Operating Officer. 'This approach reinforces enterprise-level leadership in social sustainability while supporting alignment with India's evolving regulatory expectations—backed by WELL's rigorous third-party verification and a consistent, people-first framework.' As BRSR continues to mature, companies in India are actively seeking structured frameworks to integrate social sustainability and employee well-being into their disclosures. BRSR places explicit emphasis on employee well-being as one of its nine core principles based on India's National Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct (NGRBC). 'India has taken bold steps in advancing sustainability through regulations like BRSR,' said Minjia Yang, Vice President and Head of Sustainable Finance at IWBI. 'Based on IWBI's internal review, strategies in WELL v2 may contribute to five out of the nine BRSR principles, with the strongest alignment observed across socially focused areas such as employee well-being, human rights and stakeholder engagement. This reinforces the unique value WELL brings to organizations seeking to meet regulatory expectations while advancing health, equity and people-centered sustainability.' The WELL-BRSR Alignment Tool reflects IWBI's commitment to better understanding the interplay between the WELL Standard and global sustainability regulations. Increasingly, governments around the world are exploring ways to support social sustainability, such as India's BRSR framework, as well as in other international frameworks and organizational initiatives. As regulations and best practices continue to evolve globally, this tool not only aims to address alignment but also to provide insights for policy, advocacy and a holistic understanding of social sustainability to promote the thriving of our people and the planet. The WELL-BRSR Alignment Tool was developed in close collaboration with the India team of Ideaship Inc. 'In a way, WELL brings the 'how' to BRSR's 'why.' They operate like two interlocking gears in the same engine wherein BRSR sets the direction through structured transparency, and WELL powers the motion with actionable strategies,' said Ashish Pandya, Lead Consultant, Sustainable Spaces, ideaship Inc. 'While BRSR outlines the framework for human capital and well-being, WELL provides the roadmap to act on it. Together, they turn ESG from theory to experience. It is the difference between promising a great workplace and actually creating one people are proud to be part of.' To access the WELL v2 - BRSR alignment tool and learn more about its benefits, please visit the resource page. What our community is saying: 'With the launch of WELL-BRSR Alignment Tool, IWBI is enabling companies to elevate their ESG disclosures by integrating health and well-being metrics into respected ESG rating frameworks. This alignment strengthens transparency, drives performance on social indicators, and supports organizations in achieving higher ESG scores through credible, standard-based reporting.'— Shavi Chawla, Chief Ratings Officer, ESG Rating Provider - CFC Finlease 'IWBI's WELL-BRSR Alignment Tool is a game-changer for Indian companies navigating ESG transformation. At Growlity, we've seen first-hand how health and well-being metrics, when integrated with BRSR disclosures, can unlock deeper stakeholder value and regulatory preparedness. This strategic tool empowers the top 1000 listed companies to go beyond compliance and lead with purpose—turning ESG ambition into measurable outcomes.'— Dr. Nitin Dumasia, President and CEO, Growlity, Inc. About BRSRThe Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) framework, developed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), mandates sustainability disclosures for India's top 1,000 listed companies by market capitalization. Introduced as a voluntary framework in FY 2021–22 and made mandatory from FY 2022–23, BRSR represents one of the most comprehensive and regulated national sustainability reporting frameworks globally. Grounded in India's National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct (NGRBC), the BRSR framework covers nine principles that span environmental, social and governance topics. The framework is designed to drive transparency, accountability and long-term value creation across India's corporate sector. About WELLWELL v2 is the latest iteration of the WELL Building Standard, the world's premier building rating system that provides actionable strategies for health and well-being at the building, organizational and community levels. In addition to the WELL v2 - ESRS alignment tool, IWBI has also created WELL v2 alignment tools with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, GRESB, LEED, IRIS, GRI, S&P CSA. Today, more than 74,000 commercial and residential locations in 138 countries are using WELL, representing nearly 6 billion square feet of space. In addition, more than 180 companies in the Global 500 and Fortune 500 are using WELL to demonstrate health leadership and support their annual reporting. Increasingly, WELL is being factored in sustainable finance, included in at least 12 financial instruments to date. Seventy organizations across various industries around the world have incorporated WELL into one or more of their sustainable finance frameworks and reporting mechanisms. About the International WELL Building InstituteThe International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is a public benefit corporation and the global authority for transforming health and well-being in buildings, organizations and communities. In pursuit of its public-health mission, IWBI mobilizes its community through the development and administration of the WELL Building Standard (WELL), WELL for residential, WELL Community Standard, its WELL ratings and management of the WELL AP credential. IWBI also translates research into practice, develops educational resources and advocates for policies that promote people-first places for everyone, everywhere. More information on WELL can be found here. International WELL Building Institute, IWBI, the WELL Building Standard, WELL v2, WELL Certified, WELL AP, WELL EP, WELL Score, The WELL Conference, We Are WELL, the WELL Community Standard, WELL Health-Safety Rated, WELL Performance Rated, WELL Equity Rated, WELL Equity, WELL Coworking Rated, WELL Residence, Works with WELL, WELL and others, and their related logos are trademarks or certification marks of International WELL Building Institute pbc in the United States and other countries. Media contact: [email protected] View original content here.
NDTV
14-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
NDTV, TERI And Zenora Unveil Strategic ESG Certification For Business Leaders
New Delhi: In a strategic collaboration, NDTV, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), and Zenora have launched an innovative Executive ESG Certification Program designed to empower Indian business leaders to convert ESG from a compliance requirement into a strategic growth driver. This 13-week hybrid certification program - Strategic ESG for business sustainability and growth, commencing in July 2025, is tailored for CXOs, board members, senior executives, and ESG/CSR leaders. Combining online learning with a 2-day immersive campus experience, the program delivers practical tools, global frameworks, and actionable strategy roadmaps to guide organizations through their ESG transformation. "This isn't just a course - it's a leadership catalyst," emphasised Dr Shruti Sharma, Program Director and Associate Professor at TERI SAS. "We're equipping executives with the insights and methodologies to align ESG initiatives with value creation and competitive advantage." Through this partnership, NDTV will play a pivotal role in shaping India's ESG conversation, extending the program's reach across the nation's business landscape. NDTV has long been at the forefront of public interest campaigns, including Banega Swasth India, Clean Air India, and the India Sustainability Mission. "As climate challenges intensify and regulatory frameworks evolve, this initiative embeds ESG thinking at the core of business strategy," noted Dipankar Saharia, Senior Director at TERI. With the World Economic Forum identifying sustainability roles among the fastest-growing sectors globally, the timing couldn't be more opportune. "In India, frameworks like Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) are fundamentally changing corporate operations and disclosures," said Pankaj Chandra, CEO & Founder of Zenora. "Our mission is to make sustainability work for business growth." Program Highlights: Climate Risk Assessment and business impact analysis Materiality Assessment using global standards (GRI, SASB, WEF, SEBI-BRSR) ESG Framework Mastery: GRI, SASB, CDP, TCFD, BRSR, SDGs Net Zero Road mapping and integration strategies Boardroom-ready ESG implementation blueprints "This program translates global ESG frameworks into the Indian context while driving tangible transformation," added Dr. Amit Kumar Thakur, Associate Director- Social Transformation and CSR, TERI. "It's essential for professionals in strategy, sustainability, finance, operations, and compliance." Given overwhelming interest, TERI will host an introductory webinar on 17th May at 11:00 AM to detail this TERI-NDTV certification. Register here for the webinar: [ Webinar ] About the Partners: NDTV is a global news powerhouse, reaching millions across the globe through TV and digital platforms. With a diverse network that includes NDTV 24x7, NDTV India, NDTV World, NDTV Profit, NDTV Rajasthan, NDTV Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh, and NDTV Marathi the brand continues to set the standard for trusted journalism. TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute) is India's leading think tank for sustainability, research, and policy. With over five decades of experience, TERI drives innovative solutions and thought leadership across energy, environment, and development sectors. Zenora is a ESG and sustainability consulting firm dedicated to helping Indian businesses. Working at the intersection of communication, capability-building, and ESG advisory, Zenora aims to accelerate India's sustainability transition.
