Bengaluru 12th April 2025: A Conference on ESG Resilient Future: Creating Sustainable and Adaptive Business organised by Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce highlighted that Karnataka is taking significant strides towards sustainability by creating jobs in the recycling sector and promoting innovative design and manufacturing. Speakers echoed the fact that these initiatives are not only generating employment but also contributing to environmental well-being by reducing pollution and ecological degradation linked to mining. During the conference, BCIC in association with SDMIMD released a special sustainability Report on Navigating the ESG Landscape: Awareness and Requirements Among Indian Executives.
Delivering a special address, Mr. T Mahesh, Director – Administration, Environmental Management & Policy Research Institute (EMPRI), Government of Karnataka said, Shri. T Mahesh, Director, Environmental Management & Policy Research Institute (EMPRI) said, “The Departmental schemes/programmes are mainstreamed with climate actions identified in the Karnataka State Action Plan for Climate Change with 10 key sectors with clear performance indicators. A “Green Index Portal” is developed to evaluate public schemes and programmes against environmental benchmarks. Additionally, a voluntary emission disclosure scheme for industries and other significant sectors is initiated & sought CSR support to take it forward. The BBMP has prepared Bengaluru Climate Action Plan at City level comprising over 270 actionable points. The 2025–26 roadmap to address climate change impacts include afforestation targets of 50,000 hectares under a new foundation that enables CSR participation. Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 16 Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, inclusive development through collective effort spanning government, industry, academia, and civil society are emphasised. Lastly, adoption of “Lifestyle for Environment” (LiFE) mission across the globe expected to cut global GHG emissions by 20% through sustainable living practices.”
In his keynote address Dr. Srinu Babu Matta, Head – Project Planning & Infra Development and Sustainability, Tata Motors Smart City Mobility Solutions Ltd, Tata Motors said, “Sustainability and adaptability are no longer optional, they are fundamental to the future of any business operating in today’s dynamic environment. We need to embed sustainability into the DNA of our strategies right from rethinking product design and manufacturing processes to investing in circularity, clean energy, and biodiversity. Our experience shows that integrating sustainability into business scorecards, embedding it within daily operations, and aligning it with community impact yields tangible benefits including greater efficiency, heightened brand equity, and a workforce prepared for the future. Innovation, data-driven decision-making, and stakeholder collaboration are key enablers in this journey. But beyond strategy and execution, lies a deeper responsibility to serve not just shareholders, but the society and ecosystems we are part of. Incremental change is no longer enough. The time for bold, transformative action is now. It is only through collective, purpose-driven progress that we can build a future that is resilient, equitable, and truly sustainable.”
“Today’s challenges of food security, resource depletion, and climate impact, call for immediate action Every grain we cultivate, every drop of water we consume, and every unit of energy we expend contributes to the health of our planet and future generations. As a global community, we must rethink the way we produce, consume, and sustain our ecosystems. India, with its deep-rooted sustainability practices, has the potential to set a precedent for the world. Let us not only recognize these challenges but also take decisive steps to address them through innovation, policy, and individual action. The legacy we leave behind must not be one of depletion, but of regeneration and resilience” Mr. Prashant Gokhale, SVP, BCIC said in his opening remarks.
“The road ahead is not just about net-zero ambitions or carbon targets, it is about creating equitable systems, safeguarding natural resources, and maintaining the delicate balance of biodiversity. Collaboration across industries, policymakers, and communities is essential in building a sustainable future. As we celebrate exemplary ESG initiatives, let us recognize that leadership in sustainability is not just about accolades; it is about setting standards for ethical, responsible, and future-ready enterprises. In India, we have already set the momentum, and the time is right for businesses to embrace sustainability as an integral part of their identity, ensuring that we leave behind a legacy of regeneration, not depletion.” said Mr. V C Mohan, Chairman, ESG Expert Committee, BCIC.
The conference also featured the second edition of BCIC ESG Awards 2025, and felicitated 15 winners across categories including Climate Action, Circularity, Water Management, Employee Diversity, and Employee Wellness. Over 40 entries were received for the awards from companies in four states including Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Mr. Rajesh Jha, Co-Chairman, ESG Expert Committee, BCIC explained the shortlisting process and criteria for the 2nd edition of the awards. Mr. Shridhar Rajappanavar, Founder & CEO, Key Sustainability made a presentation on Operational Decarbonization – Transforming Value Chains for a Net-Zero Future and Mr. K Ravi, Vice President BCIC delivered the vote of thanks.
