Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in India – Handbook

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Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles have evolved from being a global framework for responsible business practices into a cornerstone of sustainable and ethical growth. In India, the prominence of ESG is rapidly increasing, with the total assets under management (AUM) of ESG funds reaching substantial growth of USD 1.17 billion (INR 9,753 crores) in March 2024. In fact, ESG could represent approximately 34% of the total domestic AUM by 2051. 

These principles originated as a response to growing concerns on climate change, social equity, and corporate accountability. Today, they are critical for businesses aiming to align with international sustainability goals. Startups are uniquely positioned to integrate ESG frameworks into their operations from the outset, contributing to global sustainability objectives while enhancing financial performance. Improved risk management, operational efficiencies, and stronger stakeholder trust are among the many benefits of embedding ESG practices. Furthermore, companies with strong ESG performance are increasingly favored by investors, reflecting a global shift toward sustainable financing and prioritizing climate action.

India’s ESG evolution mirrors international trends while addressing domestic opportunities and challenges. Initiatives such as the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) framework and increasing green finance options have propelled India into the global spotlight. Startups can leverage these developments to scale responsibly, align with India’s international commitments, and position themselves as leaders in the evolving ESG landscape.

Tailored for practical insight, this handbook focuses on individual contributions to ESG as the building blocks for collective progress, enabling startups to align their practices with India’s international commitments and sustainability objectives, and to: (i) scale responsibly; (ii) contribute to global sustainability goals; and (iii) position themselves as leaders in India’s evolving ESG landscape. 

This handbook is developed as a comprehensive look into the ESG framework in India covering the evolution of ESG in corporate governance, key components, the Indian regulatory landscape, accounting and reporting standards, and market trends. With case studies on Tata Power, Zomato and IKEA, the handbook also addresses challenges, investment opportunities, and the future of ESG in India. This handbook provides startups with practical strategies to integrate ESG principles into their operations, enabling them to align with India’s global sustainability goals and unlock opportunities for responsible growth. For further guidance or inquiries, reach out to us at [email protected]

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Jitesh Agarwal

Founder | [email protected]

Leads the VCFO, finance tax, and regulatory functions at Treelife. Responsible for the firm’s non-operational growth and providing strategic advisory in GIFT City, helping clients navigate complex regulatory landscapes effectively.

Garima Mitra

Co-founder | [email protected]

Spearheads Transactions, Contracts, and Compliance verticals. Combines expertise in business law and a passion for social impact to shape the legal and financial ecosystem for startups.

Rohit Gandhi

Senior Associate | Tax & Regulatory | [email protected]

Specializes in financial due diligence, valuations, business structuring, and income tax advisory. Contributes to the Financial Advisory team by helping startups and businesses make informed strategic decisions.

Karan Dhingra

Founder's Office | [email protected]

Karan works in the Founder's Office at Treelife and comes with an experience in law, technology, and business. He plays a vital role in supporting Treelife's strategic initiatives by providing legal and technological insights. Additionally, Karan is a key contributor to Treelife's sectoral reports.