New Delhi: The journey to transform Indian businesses into carbon-neutral, if not carbon-positive entities, is no longer a choice; it’s an imperative. As the world grapples with the pressing issue of climate change, India is at a crossroads, facing the challenge head-on.

The Indian businesses that work with global stakeholders understand the need to fast track their green transition. But such a shift transcends mere corporate responsibility; it is a fundamental redefinition of the way business is conducted. This is where the ideology of ESG comes into play.

ESG disclosures are the building blocks of a measurable transformation, one that steers businesses toward a carbon-neutral, if not a carbon-positive, horizon. This journey will not be a once-done project, rather a relentless pursuit of sustainability, rooted in transparency and data governance.

In the heart of this transformation lies the crucial task of industries collating ESG data transparently. It’s not just about ticking the compliance boxes; it’s about the data sets that present the existing scenario of a company’s environmental, social, and governance practices. This data, when collected with precision, becomes a powerful tool for understanding how to transition to green assets over time.

Industries can collate ESG data transparently and with robust data governance by implementing comprehensive data collection and reporting mechanisms. This involves setting clear standards and guidelines for data collection, ensuring data accuracy and completeness, and promoting transparency in reporting practices. Additionally, data analysis plays a crucial role in understanding how to transition towards green assets over time.

By leveraging advanced data analytics tools, and having analytical capabilities, companies can identify trends, assess risks, and uncover opportunities within their operations. This data-driven approach enables businesses to make informed decisions and develop sustainable strategies and risk management, ultimately guiding them on the path towards a greener and more responsible future.

India, with its resolute NetZero2070 goals, is at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution. The nation’s commitment to sustainable energy sources is nothing short of inspiring. Transitioning from the safety of brown assets to the promise of green may seem daunting, particularly in an environment with limited green financing. However, the scenario is far from bleak.

The momentum of India’s green transition is not only a beacon of hope but also a catalyst for change. As India embraces sustainability, it will attract global green financing. It’s merely a matter of time before Indian financial services harness the largely untapped potential of under-development Green taxonomy, to capture this financing and further accelerate the transition.

Amid this transformative journey, corporate boards play a pivotal role. They must cultivate the expertise necessary to ask the right questions at the right time. ESG is not just a buzzword; it’s a comprehensive strategy that stretches far beyond superficial commitments. It requires meticulous attention to detail, a willingness to dig deep into the supply chain, and a genuine commitment to sustainability. Indian boards can bolster their competencies as their companies transition from brown to green asset ownership in the Net Zero 2070 journey through a multifaceted approach.

Firstly, they must prioritise education and training for board members, ensuring they are well-versed in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, as well as the intricacies of sustainable business practices. Additionally, seeking guidance from sustainability experts and industry peers can offer valuable insights. Boards should establish a clear roadmap for their ESG journey, complete with measurable targets, and develop a culture of accountability, transparency, and innovation to foster the right mindset for this transition. By staying attuned to emerging ESG trends and regulations and engaging with stakeholders, boards can be better equipped to pose pertinent questions and steer their organisations effectively in the direction of sustainable and responsible asset ownership.

In parallel, Indian boards should embrace the integration of sustainability into their corporate strategy and operations. This involves setting specific ESG goals and aligning them with the Net Zero 2070 agenda, along with regular assessments of associated risks and opportunities. Robust reporting and communication mechanisms that convey progress transparently to stakeholders will be crucial. Boards should also champion a culture of sustainability, where every member of the organisation is attuned to the importance of the green transition.

Furthermore, they must remain vigilant regarding evolving environmental regulations and foster an environment of continuous learning and adaptation. By adopting these strategies, Indian boards can not only build their competencies but also ensure they can ask the right and relevant questions at critical junctures during their journey towards becoming green asset owners in the Net Zero 2070 landscape.

ESG isn’t an isolated function; it’s a fundamental aspect of business model transformation. Just as research and development (R&D) require an organisational culture that fosters innovation, ESG should be seamlessly embedded in every facet of a business. It is not a standalone department or a periodic event; it’s the very essence of a company’s existence.

The path to a carbon-neutral future is a challenging one, but it’s also the only path forward. It calls for unwavering diligence, commitment to transparency, and the wholehearted embrace of ESG principles. Businesses must understand that ESG is not an option; it’s an imperative they must fully embrace to thrive in an ever-evolving world. The transition to a carbon-neutral, if not a carbon-positive, stage is not just a necessity—it’s the future.

QOSHE - ESG : Articulate about particulates - Srinath Sridharan
menu_open
Columnists Actual . Favourites . Archive
We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close
Aa Aa Aa
- A +

ESG : Articulate about particulates

6 0
22.12.2023

New Delhi: The journey to transform Indian businesses into carbon-neutral, if not carbon-positive entities, is no longer a choice; it’s an imperative. As the world grapples with the pressing issue of climate change, India is at a crossroads, facing the challenge head-on.

The Indian businesses that work with global stakeholders understand the need to fast track their green transition. But such a shift transcends mere corporate responsibility; it is a fundamental redefinition of the way business is conducted. This is where the ideology of ESG comes into play.

ESG disclosures are the building blocks of a measurable transformation, one that steers businesses toward a carbon-neutral, if not a carbon-positive, horizon. This journey will not be a once-done project, rather a relentless pursuit of sustainability, rooted in transparency and data governance.

In the heart of this transformation lies the crucial task of industries collating ESG data transparently. It’s not just about ticking the compliance boxes; it’s about the data sets that present the existing scenario of a company’s environmental, social, and governance practices. This data, when collected with precision, becomes a powerful tool for understanding how to transition to green assets over time.

Industries can collate ESG data transparently and with robust data governance by implementing comprehensive data collection and reporting mechanisms. This involves setting clear standards and guidelines for data........

© News9Live


Get it on Google Play