BRSR - Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting

According to SEBI, 1,000 top-listed companies must file their BRSR reports for annual submissions. These disclosures significantly attract investors focused on ESG metrics, with over 70% of global investors now prioritising sustainability. Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) is a mandatory framework introduced by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to promote transparency in corporate sustainability efforts. It helps businesses demonstrate their commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. At GreenSutra®, we are your trusted BRSR consultants. We provide an end-to-end solution for BRSR services, ensuring your organisation complies with SEBI regulations while creating a comprehensive sustainability report. Our experts guide you through each step, from data collection to BRSR reporting, and publishing, helping businesses of all scales implement impactful ESG strategies.

Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) is a mandatory disclosure framework introduced by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). It aims to enhance transparency in corporate sustainability efforts by aligning business operations with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles. The framework requires companies to report on their sustainability initiatives, including environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance practices, ensuring accountability and trust among stakeholders.

BRSR reporting in India is a step toward aligning corporate sustainability practices with global ESG standards. It mandates the top 1,000 listed companies to disclose their ESG initiatives in a structured format, offering a clear picture of their commitment to sustainability. For smaller companies, the voluntary adoption of BRSR reporting in India provides an opportunity to integrate ESG practices into their operations and attract sustainability-focused investors.

To identify if a company is eligible for BRSR, it must:

For companies not yet listed in the top 1,000, the framework is expected to extend gradually as sustainability BRSR reporting becomes more widespread.

At GreenSutra®, we customise our BRSR services to suit businesses of every size, ensuring a seamless and compliant reporting process.

Importance of BRSR

BRSR is essential for aligning business operations with sustainability goals while meeting regulatory requirements. BRSR in India empowers companies to demonstrate their commitment to ESG, build trust with stakeholders, and enhance their reputation.

Failure to comply with BRSR regulations may result in:

Financial Penalties

Financial penalties imposed by SEBI, vary based on the severity of the non-compliance.

Reputational Damage

There are reputational risks that could diminish investor confidence and harm your brand image, especially as ESG transparency becomes a priority for more businesses and investors.

We follow a structured approach to Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting to ensure a smooth and compliant process:

Assessment

We begin by understanding your business operations, goals, and sustainability practices.

Integration

We seamlessly integrate sustainability initiatives into your operations to align them with BRSR requirements.

Data Collection

Our automated tools and expert consultants ensure comprehensive data collection from all relevant sources.

Disclosure

We assist with transparent reporting, ensuring compliance with SEBI’s BRSR guidelines while highlighting your sustainability efforts.

With GreenSutra®’s BRSR services, your business can stay ahead in sustainability reporting and regulatory compliance. Partner with us, the best BRSR consultant in India, for a smooth, expert-guided journey from data collection to report publishing.

1. How do I know if my company is eligible for BRSR?

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.

2. What is BRSR Lite?

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.

3. What is the BRSR Core Code?

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.

4. What happens if my company doesn’t comply with BRSR?

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.

5. Are there specific rating systems for BRSR?

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.

6. What is the deadline for BRSR submissions?

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.

7. How does GreenSutra® assist with BRSR compliance?

GreenSutra®, one of the top BRSR consultants, we provide 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.

8. Can companies not in the top 1,000 voluntarily adopt BRSR?

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.
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