Why Sustainability Is Every Business’s Business—And What You Can Do About It

 


The word sustainability is often associated with lush forests, melting glaciers, and climate protests. But in today’s world, it's as relevant in boardrooms and balance sheets as it is in global climate talks. As a Chartered Accountant who’s starting his journey in the world of sustainability reporting, I’m here to share not just what I learn—but how we can all apply it, practically and responsibly.

This blog is my space to explore and explain sustainability—not from a theoretical or activist lens—but from the standpoint of businesses trying to do better and stay relevant in a fast-changing world.

Why Now? The Business Case for Sustainability

Sustainability is no longer a CSR checkbox. It's a core strategy.

Climate change, resource depletion, and social inequities are not just ethical concerns—they’re financial and operational risks. Investors want to know how resilient your business is. Employees want to work for purpose-driven companies. Consumers want transparency.

And regulators? They’re catching up fast.

From Buzzword to Balance Sheet: The New Language of Sustainability Reporting

India has taken major steps in this direction. The Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR)—now mandatory for the top 1000 listed companies—goes beyond traditional financials. It asks:

  • How are you treating your employees?

  • What’s your environmental footprint?

  • Are you contributing to inclusive growth?

But India isn’t alone. Globally, we now have a unified sustainability disclosure baseline led by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB).

The ISSB, has issued two landmark standards:

  • IFRS S1: General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information – a framework for companies to disclose sustainability-related risks and opportunities that could impact enterprise value.

  • IFRS S2: Climate-related Disclosures – focused specifically on climate-related risks, aligned with the widely adopted TCFD framework.

As CAs and financial professionals, we’re used to compliance. These standards now ask us to think beyond numbers—into context, risk, governance, and long-term value creation. Sustainability Is a Journey—And So Is This Blog

I’m not an ESG expert (yet), but I’m committed to learning and sharing:

  • Summaries of evolving frameworks like BRSR, GRI and TCFD

  • Indian and global sustainability trends

  • Case studies from companies getting it right

  • Thoughts on how CAs and MSMEs can lead the change

Join Me

Sustainability is not just for the big players. Whether you’re a business owner, a fellow CA, or just someone curious—this space is for you. Let’s learn, question, and grow together.

Because doing good and doing well are no longer two separate goals. They’re the same.

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