ESG & BRSR Reporting book by Kishor M Parikh

ESG & BRSR Reporting comprehensively examines Environmental, Social, & Governance (ESG) concepts and Business Responsibility & Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) within the Indian regulatory framework. The book underscores the transition from purely financial reporting to sustainability-focused disclosures, detailing the imperatives, complexities, and best practices of ESG and BRSR. By illustrating the role of sustainability in corporate governance and financial statements, it aims to bridge the knowledge gap for readers looking to align with evolving global norms and investor expectations.

This book is intended for the following audience:

• Finance & Accounting Professionals – Chartered Accountants, finance executives, and auditors seeking to grasp the nuances of BRSR and ESG from both a compliance and strategic perspective
• Corporate Leaders & Sustainability Officers – Board members, CFOs, CEOs, and sustainability heads who need to incorporate ESG policies and frameworks into their organisational strategy
• Legal & Governance Professionals – Company secretaries, compliance officers, and legal practitioners responsible for ensuring adherence to SEBI requirements and other regulatory guidelines
• Academicians & Researchers – Faculty, students, and researchers in business, finance, and sustainability disciplines aiming to understand ESG principles and the mandated BRSR framework in India
• Investors & Financial Analysts – ESG-minded investors and analysts wanting to interpret sustainability disclosures and compare global reporting standards

The Present Publication is the 2^nd Edition and has been amended up to 15^th March 2025. This book is authored by CA. Kishor M. Parikh, with the following coverage:

• [Comprehensive ESG Framework]
  • Explains fundamental ESG concepts and their application in today's corporate environment
  • Covers both theoretical underpinnings and practical considerations, emphasising how environmental, social, and governance elements shape modern corporate responsibilities
• [In-depth BRSR Guidance]
  • Offers detailed insights into Business Responsibility & Sustainability Reporting (BRSR), a SEBI-mandated framework for India's top 1,000 listed companies (by market capitalisation)
  • Explores the step-by-step process of compiling and disclosing sustainability information as required by SEBI's circular and the accompanying guidance note
• [Global Perspectives & Best Practices]
  • Situates India's BRSR mandates within the international landscape of ESG reporting frameworks such as GRI, SASB, TCFD, IIRC, etc.
  • Provides best-practice case studies and examples to bridge the gap between theoretical standards and on-ground implementation
• [Audit & Assurance Insights] Explains how and why companies should seek external assurance for their sustainability reports, covering assurance standards, auditor responsibilities, and the growing emphasis on accurate, credible disclosures
• [Practical Tools & Illustrative Examples] Offers checklists, illustrative disclosures, and practical references, helping practitioners navigate emerging complexities in ESG and BRSR compliance
• [Authored by an Expert] CA. Kishor M. Parikh's distinguished background, including his contribution to ICAI's Sustainability Reporting Standards Board, ensures credible guidance steeped in both regulatory knowledge and practical experience

The coverage of the book is as follows:

• Foundations of ESG
  • Historical evolution of sustainability in India and around the world
  • Advantages and challenges of incorporating ESG into corporate strategy
  • Link between ESG disclosure and financial performance, investor perception, and stakeholder trust
• Sustainability & Triple Bottom Line
  • Overview of 'People, Planet, and Profit' concepts
  • Introduction to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their relevance for Indian companies
• Global ESG Reporting Frameworks
  • Detailed examination of various international standards such as GRI, IIRC, SASB, CDSB, TCFD, and ISSB
  • Discussion of how these frameworks converge and diverge and their implications for businesses in India
• Social Stock Exchange (SSE)
  • Explores the background, regulatory recommendations, and global parallels of the Social Stock Exchange under SEBI's ambit
  • Insights on governance disclosures, financial disclosures, and social-impact investing
• Audit & Assurance of Sustainability Disclosures
  • Explains the value of independent assurance for ESG reports and the difference between financial reporting and sustainability reporting
  • Discusses social audits, social audit standards, and the role of the Audit Committee in overseeing sustainability disclosures
• Business Responsibility & Sustainability Reporting (BRSR)
  • Traces the evolution from National Voluntary Guidelines (NVGs) and Business Responsibility Reports (BRR) to NGRBC and the mandatory BRSR framework
  • Provides a deep dive into each section of the BRSR format, including recommended disclosures and compliance checklists
  • Highlights practical challenges and solutions in adopting BRSR in India
• BRSR Lite
  • Introduces the simplified BRSR Lite framework for certain categories of companies, outlining the reporting structure, scope, and essential disclosures

The structure of the book is as follows:

• Introductory Chapters offer the conceptual background of ESG and sustainability, including historical context, advantages, and global trends
• Middle Chapters shift the focus to legislative changes, frameworks, and the core principles behind BRSR. The content is interspersed with practical examples and tools for companies to adopt
• Advanced Sections cover audit, assurance, and the Social Stock Exchange – demonstrating how ESG extends beyond a mere reporting exercise to operational governance and investment
• Final Chapters discuss the BRSR Lite, addressing its significance, structure, and practical application
• Each chapter concludes with key takeaways or discussion points, ensuring that readers can apply the concepts effectively