BRSR – Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting

SEBI mandates that the top 1,000 listed companies in India by market capitalisation must comply with BRSR regulations. These companies are listed based on data updated periodically by SEBI. Market capitalisation refers to the total market value of a company’s outstanding shares. You can check SEBI’s website for the updated list of top companies to ensure your organisation’s eligibility. Additionally, SEBI encourages smaller companies to adopt BRSR voluntarily, even if they are not among the top 1,000.

BRSR Lite is a simplified version of the full BRSR framework designed for smaller companies that are not among India’s top 1,000 listed firms. It allows these businesses to ease into ESG reporting without the stringent requirements of the complete BRSR framework. BRSR Lite offers fewer reporting obligations, making it more accessible to companies new to sustainability reporting or with limited resources.

The BRSR Core Code is a structured ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting framework focusing on critical transparency parameters. It standardises reporting by outlining key elements that companies must disclose, such as greenhouse gas emissions, gender diversity, employee benefits, and more. SEBI’s BRSR Core Framework includes guidance on value chain reporting and ESG assurances, ensuring companies provide reliable and relevant information across their supply chains.

Failure to comply with BRSR regulations can lead to financial penalties and reputational risks. Non-compliance can result in fines imposed by SEBI, which vary depending on the extent of the violation. Failure to meet these requirements can also harm your company’s standing with investors and stakeholders, as more businesses and investors prioritise transparency and ESG performance in decision-making.

Yes, SEBI has introduced ESG Rating Providers (ERPs), which offer companies a structured way to assess and improve their sustainability performance. These rating systems evaluate a company’s ESG disclosures, providing a rating that helps investors and stakeholders gauge the organisation’s commitment to sustainability. Ratings are crucial for maintaining investor trust and can serve as benchmarks for improvement.

Companies must submit their BRSR reports as part of their annual filings with SEBI. Typically, this submission coincides with filing the company’s annual report, which must include the BRSR disclosures. Deadlines for annual filings vary based on the company’s fiscal year-end but usually fall between April and September of the following year.

GreenSutra® provides a comprehensive service package that simplifies the BRSR compliance process. From data collection through automated workflows to final report submission, GreenSutra® ensures that your company meets all SEBI regulations. We also offer guidance on ESG strategy and improvements, making the reporting process efficient and impactful.

Yes, while BRSR is mandatory for the top 1,000 listed companies, smaller and unlisted companies are encouraged to adopt the BRSR framework voluntarily. This benefits companies looking to improve their sustainability practices or attract ESG-focused investors.