'Emerging technologies are redefining ESG reporting'

Time of India

05-05-2025

As ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance becomes increasingly important, technology is emerging as a key enabler in streamlining
sustainability reporting
.
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India's Securities and Exchange Board (SEBI) has mandated the top 1,000 listed companies to prepare Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reports (BRSR), integrating sustainability into core corporate disclosures. However, the journey towards comprehensive
ESG reporting
is evolving, with SEBI recently deferring mandatory ESG disclosures for value chain partners to the 2026 financial year, acknowledging the challenges faced by companies in adapting to these requirements.
In this context, Anup Garg, Founder and Director of World of Circular Economy (WOCE), spoke to TOI Tech and shared insights on how emerging technologies like AI, Blockchain, and automation are transforming ESG data management.
Q. How is the global sustainability and ESG reporting landscape evolving, and where does India currently stand in terms of compliance readiness, especially with SEBI's Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) mandate?
Globally, ESG reporting is becoming more structured, with frameworks like International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) pushing for standardization, though some countries like the U.S.
are seeing a shift toward reduced compliance. India, meanwhile, has taken a progressive approach with SEBI's BRSR mandate, integrating sustainability into core corporate disclosures.
However, while many companies are reporting, the quality is uneven. Reports often lack depth, material relevance, or standardized data, highlighting the need for stronger capacity-building and clearer reporting guidance, especially for companies beyond the top 1000 listed.
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Q. What role is emerging technology like AI, blockchain, automation playing in transforming ESG data management and reporting agility for businesses?
Emerging technologies are redefining ESG reporting from a manual, retrospective exercise to a real-time, strategic process. AI facilitates predictive insights and automated data validation, reducing human error and enhancing decision-making. Blockchain offers traceability and trust in sustainability claims, particularly for supply chain and carbon offset verification.
Automation streamlines data collection across departments, enabling agile reporting and scenario analysis. These technologies are helping ESG evolve from a compliance tool to a business advantage.
Q. How does WOCE leverage tech-driven platforms to simplify and strengthen sustainability reporting for Indian and global clients?
WOCE's esgpro.ai platform integrates AI-powered data collection, GHG accounting, validation, predictive analysis and real-time dashboards to enable businesses to centralize ESG data, assess performance, and generate framework-aligned reports.
Its modular architecture ensures adaptability for both large corporations and smaller firms. Green APIs enable integration with enterprise systems like SAP and trading platforms, helping companies calculate emissions and manage carbon offsets across sectors. By automating data flow from core business operations into ESG platforms, they reduce manual effort, improve accuracy, and ensure real-time insights.
This interoperability allows businesses to move beyond spreadsheets to intelligent, scalable ESG management tailored to their operational complexity.
Q. For Indian companies, especially those outside SEBI's top 1000 list, how important is it to voluntarily align with ESG norms to stay globally competitive?
For companies outside the regulatory perimeter, ESG alignment is less about compliance and more about long-term competitiveness.
Global investors, supply chains, and even consumers are increasingly becoming ESG-conscious. Voluntary alignment signals forward-looking governance and can be pivotal in unlocking capital, building resilience, and accessing global markets. As ESG becomes a criterion for procurement and financing, early adoption is a strategic differentiator.