New Delhi recently hosted the Business Today's India's Most Sustainable Companies Summit and Awards, where Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, honored leading Indian corporations for their exceptional sustainability performance across various sectors. The prestigious event underscored India's commitment to integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into its economic growth.
Recognizing Sustainability Leadership Across Industries
A total of thirteen Sustainability Leadership Awards were conferred upon companies demonstrating significant progress in their respective fields. These awards spanned a wide array of industries, including automobiles, capital goods, cement, chemicals, FMCG, infrastructure, logistics and ports, metals and mining, oil and gas, power generation, realty, and financial services.
- Automobiles: Hero MotoCorp
- Capital Goods: ABB India Limited
- Cement: ACC Limited
- Chemicals: Tata Chemicals
- FMCG: Dabur India Ltd
- Infrastructure: Larsen & Toubro
- Logistics and Ports: Adani Ports & SEZ Ltd
- Metals and Mining: Tata Steel
- Oil and Gas: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)
- Power Generation: JSW Energy
- Realty: Oberoi Realty
- BFSI-Banks: Yes Bank
- BFSI-NBFC: L&T Finance Holdings
Special Recognitions for ESG Excellence
Beyond the sector-specific accolades, several companies received special recognition for their outstanding contributions to sustainability and transparency. L&T Finance Holdings was named the Best ESG Performer of the Year, acknowledging its comprehensive integration of ESG factors into its business operations. ONGC secured the award for Best Disclosures & Transparency Leader of the Year, highlighting its commitment to clear and comprehensive reporting.
Notably, Mahindra & Mahindra was honored with the coveted Special Jury Award for Sustainability Leadership, a testament to its long-standing dedication and innovative approaches to sustainable practices.
Summit Discussions: Charting India's Green Future
The summit brought together a diverse group of policymakers, industry titans, and sustainability experts. Key discussions revolved around critical challenges and opportunities shaping India's sustainability trajectory. Topics included bridging the climate finance gap, mobilizing capital to support India's ambitious growth goals, and the evolving role of sustainability as a core business strategy rather than mere compliance.
Experts also delved into India's energy security challenges, exploring pathways to balance rapid economic expansion with the imperative for a cleaner and more resilient energy future. The sustainability of artificial intelligence (AI) was another prominent theme, with debates focusing on AI's environmental footprint—including its energy, water, and infrastructure demands—while also recognizing its potential to drive efficiency and climate solutions across various sectors.
The awards were determined through a rigorous evaluation process, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative parameters derived from CARE Edge ESG Ratings. The independent jury was chaired by Ramesh Chand, a distinguished Indian agricultural economist and policymaker.
The event also marked the unveiling of a special edition of Business Today magazine by Minister Bhupender Yadav, alongside other prominent figures from the India Today Group.