Charting the Sustainability Transition

A new study on India’s sustainability transition found that while the corporate sector is increasingly embracing sustainability, it still lacks the skills and organisational capacity needed to translate climate commitments into real action.

The report, ‘Building India’s Net Zero Capability: Industry Readiness and Skills’, prepared by IMT Ghaziabad in collaboration with the United Nations Global Compact Network India (UNGCNI), was launched here by Atish Chattopadhyay, Director IMT, and Ratnesh Jha, Executive Director UNGCNI, on Friday.

The first-of-its-kind study examines how ready Indian businesses are to meet sustainability and net-zero goals, which further transcends to Sustainable Development Goals.

“The modern industrial system, built on coal, oil and gas, powered growth and improved living standards for over a century. But it now presents a major challenge: how can we continue to grow and prosper without damaging the planet’s ecosystems that sustain life,” said Atish Chattopadhyay in the context of India as a major energy importer.

Based on a survey of 113 organisations across sectors such as manufacturing, finance, technology, logistics and retail, the study found a widening gap between intent and execution capabilities.

India aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2070. The study flagged major capacity gaps to ascertain what motivates firms to adapt, embed sustainability practices, and build capability to move from compliance to execution.