ESG Reporting

 In today's changing corporate landscape, ESG Reporting has become an essential tool for businesses looking to showcase their commitment to sustainable and responsible practices. In India, the relevance of ESG Reporting is growing as businesses face new regulations, investors look for accountability, and there's an increasing emphasis on responsible corporate behaviour.

 ESG Reporting involves sharing how a company or organization is doing in terms of:

●        Environment – How does it affect the planet? (e.g., waste, energy, emissions)

●        Social – How does it treat people? (e.g., employee wellbeing, community engagement)

●        Governance – How is it run? (e.g., ethics, transparency, board practices)

Through consistent ESG Reporting practices, companies offer their stakeholders (both internal and external) an in-depth perspective on their non-financial achievements. This way, companies can ensure that their business activities correspond with larger societal and environmental objectives.

The evolution of India's approach to ESG Reporting has taken considerable strides in the last ten years, with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) playing a crucial role in this change.

 

●  Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR): SEBI introduced this framework, which mandates the top 1,000 listed companies to adopt ESG Reporting and disclose their performance. Now, the Indian ESG Reporting standards are aligned with global benchmarks like GRI and TCFD.


●Supply Chain Disclosures: SEBI has proposed that the top 250 companies report on ESG parameters covering 75% of their supply chains. This expanded scope of ESG Reporting aims to ensure sustainability across value chains, although deadline extensions have been introduced to support smoother implementation.

 

Current Trends in ESG Reporting in India

Recent research reveals strong momentum in ESG Reporting across Indian businesses. Key trends include:

●  Wider Adoption: In order to comply with regulatory requirements and showcase commitment to sustainability, an increasing number of companies across various sectors are embracing ESG Reporting. This transparency not only attracts ESG-focused investors but also strengthens brand loyalty.


●Integrated Reporting: Companies are now blending financial disclosures with ESG Reporting to provide a 360-degree view of organizational performance.


●Digital Tools: The use of AI and data analytics is simplifying ESG Reporting by improving data tracking, visualization, and audit readiness.

A 2024 report by the CFA Institute (CFA, 2024) found that Indian companies have significantly improved their ESG Reporting maturity, but consistency and depth of disclosures remain areas for growth.

 

 

Challenges in ESG Reporting

Despite progress, ESG Reporting in India faces several challenges:

 

●Data Collection and Consistency: Gathering reliable ESG data across functions and ensuring standardized ESG Reporting formats remains difficult.

 

●   Skill Gaps: Many organizations lack trained professionals to manage ESG Reporting. This leads to either underreporting or overly general disclosures.


● Risk of Greenwashing: In the absence of independent audits, ESG Reporting runs the risk of being misused for image management instead of driving real impact.


Sustainability Reports vs ESG Reporting

While often used interchangeably, a Sustainability Report focuses broadly on long-term environmental and social strategies, whereas ESG Reporting is typically more data-driven and aligned with investor-focused metrics. However, a solid ESG Reporting practice tends to feed into or become the foundation of a sustainability report.

There are many companies in India that are consolidating their sustainability stories with ESG Reporting templates, such as BRSR, to address regulatory and reputational needs.

 

The Roadmap Forward for ESG Reporting in India

To achieve greater credibility and efficacy in ESG Reporting, companies ought to:

 

● Conduct Materiality Assessments: It assists in shortlisting and prioritizing the most relevant ESG issues to stakeholders, enhancing focused and applicable ESG Reporting.

 

●  Implement Global Standards: Following GRI, SASB, and TCFD makes your ESG Reporting globally credible and comparable.


●   Invest in Systems and Training: Development of internal capabilities is essential for effective ESG Reporting, particularly for measures such as emissions measurement, gender statistics, and governance processes.


●Check and Assure: Use third-party assurance for the purpose of verification of your ESG Reporting, which enhances stakeholder confidence.


● Engage the Board: Board-level monitoring ensures strategic alignment and responsibility in ESG Reporting.

 

Now let’s understand what is happening in the social sector.

Organizations working in areas like education, health, livelihoods, and gender rights already have strong foundations in “S” (Social) aspects of ESG. Their work often improves lives and supports vulnerable populations. But many of them have not yet framed or communicated their contributions through the lens of ESG Reporting.

Now, a shift is underway. These organizations are beginning to recognize that even without large carbon footprints or complex board structures, they have powerful stories to tell—stories of inclusion, equity, sustainability, and accountability. By sharing their progress more clearly, they can attract the right partners, improve funding outcomes, and show their long-term value.

ESG Reporting in India is no longer a box-ticking exercise. It is a strategic tool for visibility, accountability, and long-term resilience. For organizations in the social sector, embracing ESG Reporting opens the door to deeper engagement, stronger donor alignment, and more transparent communication of their development outcomes.

Organisation like DevInsights, grounded in its legacy of research, learning, and impact assessment, helps organizations navigate the ESG and sustainability landscape with purpose and precision. Through evidence-based systems and rigorous methodologies, DevInsights enables its partners to tell more credible, data-driven stories about the change they’re creating.

In a world that demands transparency, the question is not whether to report—but how meaningfully you do it.

Discover how DevInsights can support your organization with reliable advisory services in ESG and Sustainability.

Visit www.devinsights.co.in or write to their team for collaboration opportunities.
Location: Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is Social Impact and How is it Measured? A Look into the Role of Social Impact Consulting Firms like DevInsights

In a world driven by innovation, investment, and development, the term social impact has gained substantial traction. But what does social impact truly mean, how is it measured, and what role do social impact consulting firms like DevInsights play in shaping meaningful change? This article explores the concept of social impact, delves into the methodologies used to measure it, and highlights how consulting firms are essential catalysts in driving sustainable and evidence-based social transformation. Understanding Social Impact Social impact refers to the effect an organization's actions have on the well-being of communities, individuals, and the environment. It includes both intended and unintended consequences, and spans sectors such as health, education, livelihoods, gender equity, and environmental sustainability. In essence, social impact is about creating positive change — be it improving access to maternal healthcare, reducing child malnutrition, enabling quality ed...
Read more

Impact Assessment Consulting: Measuring Change with Purpose and Precision

In the dynamic landscape of social development, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and donor-driven programs, demonstrating tangible outcomes is more important than ever. Stakeholders are no longer satisfied with intent — they seek evidence of impact . This is where impact assessment consulting plays a critical role, providing organizations with the tools and expertise to evaluate whether their efforts are delivering real, measurable change. In this article, we explore the growing relevance of impact assessment , how it's conducted, and how specialized firms like DevInsights are enabling government agencies, NGOs, CSR leaders, and global development organizations to make data-driven decisions for greater social impact .   What is Impact Assessment? Impact assessment is a systematic process used to evaluate the long-term effects — both positive and negative — of an intervention or program. While monitoring focuses on activities and outputs (e.g., how many people train...
Read more

Best Practices for implementing CSR Impact assessments in India

  “Giving back to society” is what we often hear these days. With HNIs (High Net-worth Individuals) heavily involved in Philanthropy and with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) coming into effect, Corporations had an obligation to spend 2 per cent of their net profit on CSR activities. Such a mandate made these corporations start investing in education, health, environment and livelihood projects. With continued investments year on year, these projects expand in their outreach or initiate newer programs under the thematic areas. But a few best practices that are adopted throughout the sector can help elevate the program.  Best practices observed in the sector The best practices observed in the sector are discussed below: Needs assessment and other assessments: A needs assessment is essential before starting any new program. The needs assessment provides direction to the program design, and accordingly, the program gets designed as per the needs of the community. But asses...
Read more