ESG 101: A Beginner's Primer on Environmental, Social, and Governance

In today's increasingly interconnected world, the way we do business is evolving. It's no longer just about bottom lines and quarterly profits. Consumers, investors, and employees are demanding more from the companies they support. They want to know that these businesses are operating sustainably, ethically, and responsibly. This is where ESG comes in.

ESG Explained: A Framework for a Better Future

ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. It's a set of criteria used to assess a company's commitment to these three core areas:

Pillar 1: Environment

This pillar examines a company's relationship with the planet. The 'E' in ESG stands for Environmental criteria, focusing on a company's environmental impact. It examines how a business interacts with nature, addressing aspects like:

• Carbon emissions
• Energy efficiency
• Waste management
• Natural resource conservation
• Pollution and emissions control

India, for instance, could lose $35 trillion in economic potential over the next 50 years due to unmitigated climate change, as per a report from Deloitte Economics Institute.

Pillar 2: Social

This pillar focuses on a company's impact on its stakeholders. The 'S' signifies Social criteria, which assess a company's relationships with its stakeholders, including:

• Employee relations and diversity
• Community engagement and philanthropy
• Human rights policies
• Product safety and quality
• Customer satisfaction

A 2022 McKinsey & Company report stated that companies with diverse leadership teams have a 25% higher chance of outperforming their less diverse counterparts.

Pillar 3: Governance

This pillar delves into a company's internal practices and decision-making processes. The 'G' stands for Governance criteria, which examines the company's leadership, management structures, and internal controls. Governance factors include:

• Board diversity and structure
• Executive compensation
• Transparency and ethics
• Anti-corruption policies
• Shareholder rights

By considering these three pillars, ESG provides a more comprehensive picture of a company than traditional financial metrics alone.

Why do companies care about ESG?

The rise of ESG is driven by a confluence of powerful forces:

• Growing awareness of global challenges: Climate change, social inequality, and economic instability are increasingly top-of-mind for consumers and investors alike. They're looking for companies that are part of the solution, not the problem.
• Shifting investor priorities: Traditional financial metrics alone no longer paint the whole picture. Investors are recognizing that ESG factors can have a significant impact on a company's long-term financial performance.
• Regulatory landscape: Governments around the world are increasingly implementing ESG reporting requirements and regulations, further solidifying their importance.

Why ESG Matters: The Ripple Effect of Conscious Choices

The rise of ESG is driven by a growing awareness of the interconnectedness of our world. We are facing unprecedented challenges, from climate change and resource scarcity to social inequality and political instability. Businesses and organizations have a crucial role to play in addressing these challenges. By adopting ESG principles, companies can:

• Reduce their environmental impact: This can lead to lower operating costs, improved brand reputation, and compliance with environmental regulations.
• Attract and retain talent: Employees are increasingly drawn to companies with strong ESG practices. This can lead to a more engaged and productive workforce.
• Build trust with stakeholders: Consumers are more likely to support companies committed to social responsibility and ethical practices.
• Manage risk and create long-term value: Strong ESG practices can help companies mitigate risks related to climate change, resource scarcity, and social unrest. This can lead to greater long-term financial stability and value creation.

Companies that embrace ESG to gain a competitive edge, attract and retain talent, and build trust with stakeholders.

ESG in India: A Promising Landscape

India's journey with ESG reporting has been one of steady evolution, transitioning from voluntary initiatives to a more robust, mandated framework. The initial seeds were sown in 2009 with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs' (MCA) "Voluntary Guidelines on Corporate Social Responsibility," followed by the National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct in 2019.

A significant turning point came in 2021 with the Securities and Exchange Board of India's (SEBI) introduction of the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR). This report mandated ESG disclosures for the top 1,000 listed companies, covering nine core principles encompassing environmental, social, and governance aspects.

While initially voluntary, the BRSR requirements became mandatory for the top 150 listed companies by market capitalization starting in the 2022-23 financial year. This marked a significant step towards enhancing transparency and accountability, pushing leading Indian corporates to integrate ESG considerations into their core strategies.

The year 2023 saw another major development with SEBI introducing the "Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting Core" (BRSR Core). This revised framework introduced stricter requirements, including "reasonable assurance" on reported ESG data, a first among global ESG regulations. This signifies India's commitment to setting high standards for ESG reporting and ensuring data accuracy and reliability.

As India's ESG reporting landscape continues to evolve, it's crucial to acknowledge the challenges. Data standardization, greenwashing concerns, and the cost burden for smaller companies remain hurdles to address. However, the increasing focus on ESG disclosures represents a positive shift towards India's more sustainable and responsible business ecosystem. With continued efforts from regulators, corporations, and investors, India is poised to play a leading role in shaping the future of ESG reporting on a global scale.

The Road Ahead for ESG

In conclusion, the adoption of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles is no longer a choice but a necessity for businesses aiming to thrive in today's dynamic landscape. Companies that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices not only contribute positively to society and the environment but also secure long-term success and resilience in an increasingly conscious market.

The integration of ESG considerations requires commitment, innovation, and collaboration. As the world continues to evolve, the ESG framework serves as a compass, guiding businesses toward a future where profitability aligns harmoniously with environmental and social responsibility.