Overview: India’s Most Sustainable Companies

In the last year, India has made huge strides in its sustainability initiatives and commitment. In its pursuit to be self-reliant, the government has put a premium on Sustainable India. Environment sustainability and climate concerns are deeply embedded in the traditional and cultural ethos highlighting the Indian government’s commitment towards a sustainable future. Clean, efficient energy systems, disaster-resistant infrastructure, and a lifestyle that is attuned to conserving natural resources are all part of India’s path to sustainability.

BW Businessworld’s efforts with India’s Most Sustainable Companies, which is in its second edition, in partnership with Sustain Labs Paris, is to recognise the companies that have set the path towards achieving this sustainable future. The list holistically ranks companies by incorporating key dimensions such as resource efficiency, businesses for the greater social good, inclusive chain supply and several critical factors.

The high rankers 
The top 20 of the list see major Indian companies included in it alongside multinationals such as Hindustan Unilever (HUL), which has been a pioneer in its sustainability agenda in India and globally.

Among the top rankers, HDFC scored high due to its responsible lending policies, encouraging green housing and the integration of employees into climate strategy. Tech Mahindra scored on its data-driven approach towards sustainability and effectively leveraging business capabilities to positively impact communities. Marico is setting a benchmark in integrating suppliers into the company’s sustainability strategy.
HUL has strong performances across climate resilience, emissions reduction and impact on the community through its several corporate social responsibility efforts. Tata Communications ranked high due to its transparency, gender parity in remuneration and efficient utilisation of resources in FY21.

Seven of the top 20 companies are technology-led players and FMCG companies take three spots. Sectors such as BFSI, auto, pharma too have examples where sustainable practices have become part of the company’s mission-critical.

It was also interesting to see multiple companies from Indian businesses such Mahindra, Tata and Godrej among the top 20 reflecting that sustainaibility is at the core of these groups than just in some of their business units. The leadership of these companies have made sustainability the top priority on their agenda.  

The big picture 
All efforts are indeed needed to make India future-fit. As the Indian government ensures sustainable consumption and production patterns through sustainable natural resource management, waste reduction, and promotion of resource efficiency, some of which are reflected in government policies such as Zero Defect Zero Effect Scheme, Smart Cities, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission), Waste Management Rules, Star Labelling Programme, Perform Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme and others, corporate India too has an increasingly important role to play.

BW Businessworld’s Most Sustainable Companies list is an attempt to highlight this role and to celebrate India Inc’s best practices that contribute towards creating a sustainable India. The annual endeavour this year not only scored companies on many different aspects but also included expert comments coming from a Jury Panel, allowing for the numbers to be seen in context, thereby providing a complete picture. The end goal is to amplify more such initiatives so that more companies can drive India’s green commitment.