ESG In India

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues have gained increasing attention in the business world, particularly in India. ESG factors are essential for businesses to ensure long-term sustainability and resilience. The Indian economy has grown significantly over the last few decades, leading to increasing pressure on natural resources, social inequity, and governance challenges. As a result, ESG considerations have become an integral part of doing business in India.

So, what does ESG mean for Indian companies?

What are the emerging trends, and what businesses need to do to prepare for the next five years?

In recent years, ESG has become an increasingly important consideration for businesses in India. Environmental concerns have been at the forefront, with the Indian government introducing several measures to address air pollution and water scarcity. The government has set ambitious targets for renewable energy adoption, and many companies are investing in renewable energy projects to reduce their carbon footprint and comply with environmental regulations. Social issues such as gender inequality and child labour have also been a focus for Indian businesses. Several laws and regulations are in place to address these issues, such as the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013. Indian companies are increasingly expected to play an active role in addressing these issues, not only through compliance but also through social impact investing.

Governance challenges in India have been a significant concern for businesses, with corruption and lack of transparency being prevalent issues. The Companies Act, 2013, and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) guidelines on corporate governance have put in place strict rules for companies to ensure transparency and accountability. However, these regulations are still evolving, and businesses need to be vigilant in ensuring compliance and maintaining high standards of governance.

The Indian business landscape is constantly evolving, and new ESG trends are emerging. One of the most significant trends is social impact investing. Companies are increasingly investing in projects that have a positive impact on society, such as education, healthcare, and rural development. Social impact investing is gaining popularity in India, with several impact investment funds being set up to support these projects. Another emerging trend is the focus on diversity and inclusion. Indian companies are becoming more aware of the importance of diversity in the workplace and are taking steps to create more inclusive environments. This includes initiatives to increase gender diversity, promote diversity in leadership roles, and support employees from marginalized communities. Technology is also playing a significant role in ESG trends in India. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics is helping companies to identify and address ESG risks and opportunities. For example, AI can be used to track supply chain risks and identify areas where energy and resource efficiency can be improved.

To adapt and prepare for the new ESG trends in India, businesses need to focus on several key areas:

Firstly, they need to embed ESG considerations into their business strategy and operations. This requires a top-down commitment to ESG, with senior leaders taking responsibility for driving change. Implementation of a strong ESG framework is critical.
Secondly, companies need to invest in the right technologies and tools to manage ESG risks and opportunities effectively. This includes investing in data analytics and AI to track and analyse ESG performance and identify areas for improvement.
Thirdly, businesses need to engage with their stakeholders to understand their expectations and concerns around ESG issues. This includes customers, employees, investors, and local communities. By engaging with stakeholders, companies can build trust and maintain social license to operate. Consider your businesses ESG certifications, and if there is any low hanging fruit which will help you stand out from the crowd.

ESG considerations have become a critical consideration for businesses in India. Environmental, social, and governance issues are prevalent in the Indian context, and companies need to adapt and prepare for emerging ESG trends. By embedding ESG considerations into their strategy, investing in the right technologies, and engaging with stakeholders, businesses can ensure long-term sustainability and success.

ESG Impact is here to help any Indian business ready to understand: