ESG and BRSR Reporting

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Description
The world is rapidly changing, and so are the expectations from businesses. Today, more than ever before, companies are expected to not only generate profits but also operate sustainably and take responsibility for their impact on the environment and society. This has led to a growing interest in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues, and the need for transparent and effective mechanism mandating statutory reporting requirement
on these matters.
The Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) framework, introduced by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in 2021, is a significant step towards promoting ESG reporting in India. The framework requires listed companies to report on their sustainability performance, governance practices, and stakeholder engagement, among other things.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, social inequality, and environmental degradation, the need for businesses to prioritize ESG issues has never been greater. In this context, this book on ESG and BRSR reporting aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the key concepts, practices, and challenges involved in ESG reporting and BRSR in particular. Writing a book is a collaborative effort, and it is impossible to do it alone. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the following individuals and organizations who have contributed to the completion of this book.
First and foremost, I would like to thank my family, my wife Madhavi Parikh, daughters CA Shruti Parikh and Shraddha Parikh, my brothers CA Pankaj Parikh, Paresh Parikh, CA Hiren Shah and also my friend Bharat Thakkar and Sandhya Jaswa for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout this journey. Their love and understanding has kept me grounded and motivated to push through every challenge.

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Contents
Chapter 1. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
◆Global Risks
◆ Concept of ESG
◆ Environmental awareness in the Vedic Literature
◆Recent Global Updates
◆ Advantages of Incorporating ESG Standards
◆ Practical Challenges of ESG reporting
◆ESG & the Accounting Profession
◆ ESG investing an evolving concept in India
◆ESG Disclosure Regulations and mandatory ESG reporting
◆at global level
◆ Case Study
Chapter 2 Sustainability
What is Sustainability?
◆ Triple Bottom Line; People, Planet and Profit
◆ Benefits of Sustainability Reporting
◆ Global Scenario of ESG Development Goals
◆ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
Chapter 3. Global ESG Reporting Framework
◆ Climate Disclosure Standards Board (CDSB)
♦ International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC)
◆ Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB)
◆ Task force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) 
◆ Value Reporting Foundation (VRF)
♦ International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB)
◆ Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
Chapter 4. Social Stock Exchange
◆Background
◆SSE-SEBI Recommendations and Analysis
◆ Social Stock Exchange under the Regulatory Ambit of SEBI
◆ Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO)
◆ Social Stock Exchange at Global Level
◆Governance Disclosures
◆Financial Disclosures
Chapter 5. Audit and Assurance
◆What is Sustainability Assurance?
◆Advantages of Sustainable Assurance
◆Types of Assurance
◆Sustainability Information Assurance Standard odo
◆Role of Audit Committee
◆What is Social Audit?
◆Types of Social Audits
◆Who can perform Social Audit in IndiaBRSR Lite
◆Social Audit Standards in India
◆ Difference between Financial reporting and Sustainable reporting
Chapter 6. Business Responsibility & Sustainability Reporting (BRSR)
Events lead to development of Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR)
◆ National Voluntary Guidelines (NVG)
◆ National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct (NGRBC)
◆ Practical Challenges of BRSR Adoption in India
◆ Guidance Note for Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting Format (BRSR)
◆Assurance & Structure of ESG Disclosures (a) Assurance
(b) Structure of BRSR Reporting
Structure of BRSR Lite
Chapter 7. BRSR Lite
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Author Details
CA. Kishor M. Parikh stands out as a distinguished Fellow member of the esteemed Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), and he proudly serves as a partner at M/s M. M. Parikh & Co. His advisory prowess also extends to Bathiya & Associates LLP, where his insights are valued.
A Certificate in IFRS from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India adorns his impressive qualifi- cations, complemented by his successful completion of the rigorous Diploma in International Financial Reporting examination by ACCA (UK).
In a span of numerous years, Mr. Parikh has immersed himself in catalyzing Environment, Social, and Governance ('ESG') initiatives that resonate with India Inc. His dedicated involvement is evident in his collaboration with entities embracing the Business Responsibility & Sustainability Reporting (BRSR') framework, as mandated by the esteemed Securities and Exchange Board of India. This involves his adeptness in designing, executing, and curating disclo- sures to ensure adherence to BRSR.
As an outstanding academician for over three and a half decades, he has im- parted his knowledge to a vast array of professionals and corporate entities, enlightening them about BRSR. Additionally, his sagacious guidance has proven invaluable to listed companies, enabling them to align with global reporting standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative (“GRI').
The depth of his expertise extends to presenting scholarly papers before the discerning eyes of the Office of Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), as well as the esteemed officers of public enterprises under the Ministry of Industries in India. This attests to his profound influence in matters of financial and reporting significance.
A special invitee to the Sustainability Reporting Standards Board of ICAI, Mr. Parikh's insights and opinions are held in high regard. His membership in the Ind-AS implementation transition group of ICAI, along with his contributions to the Expert Advisory Committee of ICAI, further underscores his commitment to driving excellence.