The inaugural multi-sector Chief Sustainability Officers (CSO) meet, themed Sustainable India@2030 hosted by WriteCanvas, brought together a diverse group of sustainability and ESG professionals for a thought-provoking discussion.
Key Highlights:
- Emissions Re-evaluation: Dr. K.N. Raghavan from the Indian Revenue Service emphasized the need for a revised approach to emissions, given India’s position as the third-largest emitter globally. He urged a critical re-examination of the low per capita emissions claim, considering the growing population and the escalating impact of climate-related events.
- Data Collection Challenges: Ram Vaidyanathan, Head of Environmental Sustainability at Godrej Industries, highlighted the significant challenge of data collection across the entire value chain. He stressed the importance of incentivizing value chain partners to actively participate in data gathering efforts.
- ESG in the Maritime Sector: Kunal Sharma, Senior Surveyor from the Indian Register of Shipping showcased the implementation of global Carbon Intensity Indicators to rate ships, demonstrating ESG initiatives in the maritime sector. He also emphasized India’s pioneering role in collecting fuel consumption data from even smaller vessels.
- The Role of Regulations: Swati Agrawal, CEO & President, Advisory, Care Analytics & Advisory Pvt. Ltd., emphasized that effective regulations are crucial for driving progress in sustainability. She highlighted that disclosure is a direct outcome of well-defined policies.
- Bridging the Gap: Sunila Sahasrabudhe, President (India), auctusESG, stressed the need for individuals with a strong understanding of compliance interpretation and implementation. She also emphasized the critical gap between academia, implementors, and the government, which needs to be addressed for effective sustainability initiatives.
- Navigating the Regulatory Landscape: Ashok Pamidi, former chairman of the Nasscom Foundation, observed that an overabundance of regulations can create confusion and hinder progress. He emphasized the importance of clear and concise regulations to facilitate the transition to a sustainable future.
Looking Ahead:
WriteCanvas plans to extend this roundtable discussion to multiple cities, fostering greater inclusivity and participation across the industry. The organization aims to create a strong platform for sustainability officers to connect, learn from peers, and engage in meaningful dialogues with academia, industry, and policymakers. This collaborative approach will be crucial for enhancing the sustainability/ESG ecosystem in India and driving meaningful change.
