Are you ready to lead your company towards its ESG goals?

Last week the finance minister Ms Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled India’s plan to achieve net zero target by 2070.

Several schemes were announced by the government in this regard. Here are a few highlights:

• 102% increase in allocation for green hydrogen and a doubling of the allocation for solar power
• Provide funding to harness offshore wind energy generation for an initial capacity of 1 Giga Watt
• Procure biomass aggregation machinery thereby enabling farmers to participate in bio-energy supply chain
• Expand the e-vehicle sector by encouraging more manufacturing and charging infrastructure
• Mandate the blending of biogas with compressed natural gas (CNG) for transportation and piped natural gas for domestic use to help reduce carbon emissions
• Encourage greater adoption of e-buses for public transport networks

In her speech, the finance minister said, “Our vision for Viksit (Advanced) Bharat is that of a prosperous Bharat…in harmony with nature and modern infrastructure, and providing opportunities for all to reach their potential.”

The government has already embarked on its green journey. Where is your organisation in that journey? How can you as a communications or advocacy person ensure your organisation is aligned with the nation’s priorities and is in harmony with nature and modern infrastructure?

The journey towards a green organisation

The journey of any organisation towards adoption of a sustainable path has to begin by first focusing inwards. A detailed examination in just about every aspect can be the initial step towards drawing up a roadmap of what needs to be done. Application of 3 R’s principle (reduce, reuse, and recycle) is a good starting point. For instance, I am aware of one organisation that has made a conscious decision to replace all disposable beverage cups with ceramic cups provided to each employee, which they will need to carry with them to the beverage junction. A small step but a beginning nevertheless! Employees can definitely boost your organisation’s environmental strategy.

Then comes appropriate business actions driven by top management and the sustainability function head. These may involve investing in low-carbon technologies or renewable energy and/or in energy efficient technologies. These may be heavy on costs and also have longer time line to implement before results can be seen.

Effective communications is key

The role you play is critical here – it is to create awareness on sustainability, on how your organisation can contribute towards saving our planet, and how to recognise and reward employees who are doing their bit. Creating the right message and showcasing winners is a great way to engage not only with government stakeholders but also employees in this transformational journey.

Investors, shareholders, communities, consumers, and government – the whole stakeholder ecosystem is interested in your organisation’s net zero strategy. Drawing up a compelling narrative and story goes a long way in positioning your company as a champion of sustainability.

You play a pivotal role in shaping the sustainability policy of your company and then championing it internally as well as externally. Ensure that the story is well corroborated with numbers and progress. With SEBI making the BRSR report mandatory, here is an opportunity to showcase the full spectrum of work done by your organisation in the ESG (environment, social and governance) sphere.

As India sets its eyes towards achieving its 2030 renewable energy and 2070 net-zero targets, organisations need to be well poised to partner with government and stakeholders in this journey.

Corporate communications has a pivotal role to play. Are you ready?

The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.

Sarita Bahl

Country Group Head CSR at Bayer - South Asia

Sarita Bahl leads the Corporate Social Responsibility function for Bayer South Asia and is also the Director – Bayer Prayas Association. Prior to this, she successfully oversaw the communications and public affairs function for Bayer South Asia. Over her three decades of professional experience, Sarita has held multiple roles across diverse industries, public sector, trade associations, MNCs and the Not-for-profit sector. An alumnus of Tata Institute of Social Science and the Swedish Institute of Management Program, Sarita specializes in stakeholder engagement, sustainability and communications. She is passionate about animals (is mother to a female cat), books and movies.