Embracing ESG: How Indian Companies are Charting Ahead

In recent years, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors have gained significant prominence in the corporate world. ESG is no longer a buzzword; it’s a critical framework that companies worldwide are adopting to measure and manage their impact on society and the environment. India, with its diverse and dynamic business landscape, is no exception to this global shift. In this blog, we will explore the significance of ESG and how Indian companies are ramping up their ESG implementation efforts, supported by important data points.

Understanding ESG

ESG refers to a set of criteria used to assess a company’s performance in three key areas:

• Environmental (E): This category evaluates a company’s impact on the environment. It includes factors like carbon emissions, resource conservation, waste management, and efforts to combat climate change.
• Social (S): The social aspect of ESG examines how a company manages its relationships with employees, customers, suppliers, and communities. It includes issues such as labor practices, human rights, diversity, and community engagement.
• Governance (G): Governance assesses a company’s internal policies and practices. It encompasses issues like board diversity, executive compensation, ethics, transparency, and compliance with regulations.

The Significance of ESG:

ESG matters for several compelling reasons:

• Risk Mitigation: ESG factors can help identify and mitigate risks that might affect a company’s long-term financial performance. For example, companies with strong environmental practices are better positioned to navigate changing regulations and market demands related to sustainability.
• Attracting Investors: Many institutional investors now consider ESG factors when making investment decisions. Companies with robust ESG performance are more likely to attract capital and enjoy lower costs of capital.
• Enhancing Reputation: Strong ESG practices can enhance a company’s reputation, build trust with stakeholders, and lead to increased customer loyalty.
• Long-Term Value Creation: ESG practices are aligned with the creation of long-term sustainable value. Companies that prioritise ESG are more likely to succeed in a rapidly changing business landscape.

ESG in India:

In India, ESG adoption has been on the rise, driven by a combination of factors:

• Regulatory Framework: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced mandatory ESG reporting for the top 1,000 listed companies in 2021. This regulatory push has spurred ESG awareness and compliance.
• Investor Pressure: Indian companies are facing increasing pressure from both domestic and international investors to disclose and improve their ESG performance.
• Global Recognition: Indian companies are realising that strong ESG performance can enhance their global competitiveness and access to international markets.

Let’s delve into some critical data points that illustrate the growing importance of ESG in India:

• ESG Reporting: ESG reporting in top 1000 Indian companies has increased by 160% between 2020 and 2022, with Energy and Utilities companies leading the charge. In 2023, SEBI mandated that only certified companies will be allowed to provide ESG rating services in India.
• Investor Interest: Indian companies are experiencing heightened interest from global ESG-focused investors. In 2021, foreign institutional investors poured over $30 billion into Indian stocks with strong ESG credentials. NSE is also launching India’s first international ESG platform at GIFT IFSC.
• Sectoral Impact: ESG considerations are affecting various sectors differently. For instance, renewable energy companies are well-positioned due to their strong environmental focus. Meanwhile, traditional industries like manufacturing are facing greater scrutiny.
• Employee Expectations: India’s young and tech-savvy workforce is increasingly choosing employers based on their ESG commitments. Companies with strong social practices are more likely to attract and retain top talent.
• Climate Action: India is making strides in addressing climate change. The country is one of the largest adopters of renewable energy globally, with ambitious plans to increase its renewable energy capacity.
• Community Engagement: Indian companies are actively engaging with local communities through CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives. These efforts are positively impacting education, healthcare, and infrastructure in underserved areas.

Challenges and Opportunities:

While ESG adoption in India is growing, there are challenges to overcome. These include:

• Data Quality: Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of ESG data can be challenging, especially for smaller companies with limited resources.
• Awareness and Education: Many Indian companies are still in the early stages of understanding ESG and its potential benefits.
• Integration: Integrating ESG principles into corporate strategy and culture requires significant effort and commitment.

However, these challenges are accompanied by tremendous opportunities. By embracing ESG, Indian companies can:

• Drive Innovation: ESG encourages companies to innovate and find sustainable solutions to pressing global challenges.
• Enhance Resilience: ESG practices can help companies build resilience against environmental, social, and governance risks.
• Strengthen Brand Value: ESG leadership can differentiate companies and enhance their brand value in both domestic and international markets.

The Growing ESG Talent Landscape in India:

The emergence of ESG principles has ushered in a new era of opportunities for talent and professionals in India as the demand for ESG professionals has surged dramatically. According to a report by the National Stock Exchange (NSE), there’s a growing supply-demand gap for ESG professionals in the country. While the demand for skilled ESG experts is on the rise, there’s a shortage of professionals with specialised knowledge in sustainability, ethical investing, and environmental management.

Companies are seeking ESG specialists to navigate the complex landscape of regulations, reporting, compliance and sustainable practices. This gap is particularly evident in sectors like finance, manufacturing, IT, and renewable energy, where ESG considerations are becoming integral to business strategies.

These trends underscore the vast opportunities for professionals in India’s ESG domain. As ESG becomes integral to corporate strategies, the professionals who understand and champion these principles will play a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future for India and the world.

Here are the top roles within the ESG domain that are the most in demand:

1. ESG Manager: They assess and manage a company’s ESG risks and opportunities, develop ESG strategies, and oversee ESG reporting. These professionals play a pivotal role in aligning business practices with sustainability goals and investor expectations.
2. Sustainability Manager/Director: Sustainability managers and directors are responsible for creating and executing sustainability initiatives within organisations. They focus on reducing environmental impact, enhancing social responsibility, and promoting ethical governance.
3. ESG Investment Analyst/Portfolio Manager: With the increasing interest in responsible investing, ESG investment analysts and portfolio managers are in high demand. They evaluate investment opportunities through the lens of ESG criteria, construct ESG-friendly portfolios, and help investors align their investments with sustainability goals.
4. ESG Reporting Specialist: ESG reporting specialists focus on preparing accurate and comprehensive ESG reports for regulatory compliance and investor communication.
5. ESG Consultant: ESG consultants provide advisory services to companies looking to integrate ESG principles into their business strategies.
6. CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Manager: CSR managers oversee a company’s CSR initiatives, which include philanthropic activities, community engagement, and social impact programs. These professionals ensure that companies are contributing positively to society.

These roles are just a snapshot of the diverse career opportunities within the ESG domain. The specific roles in demand may vary depending on the industry, company size, and regional priorities, but overall, ESG talent is increasingly vital across all sectors as sustainability and responsible business practices gain prominence.