As sustainability becomes central to business strategy worldwide, India is no exception. With regulatory mandates (e.g., SEBI’s Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting), rising investor focus on ESG, and growing corporate commitments to net-zero and responsible growth, the demand for qualified ESG analysts in India is rapidly expanding. An ESG analyst evaluates Environmental, Social, and Governance factors to guide companies and investors toward sustainable, resilient decisions. This guide explains what ESG analysts do, why the role is increasingly important in India, the skills required, and how to chart a successful career in this dynamic field.
1. What Does an ESG Analyst Do?
An ESG analyst evaluates a company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices to assess its sustainability performance and ethical impact. They collect and analyse data from multiple sources to research areas such as environmental footprint, social responsibility, and governance frameworks. By identifying ESG-related risks and opportunities that could influence financial performance and reputation, they develop reports and recommendations to support the integration of ESG factors into business strategy and decision-making.
Key responsibilities
2. Why Choose an ESG Career in India?
- Regulatory Momentum: SEBI’s mandatory BRSR and upcoming BRSR Core/value-chain disclosures create sustained demand for ESG expertise. Understanding local regulations (e.g., waste rules, energy norms) adds distinct value.
- Investor Focus: Institutional investors increasingly screen Indian companies for ESG performance. Proficient analysts can influence capital flows, making the role strategically important.
- Meaningful Impact: You’ll contribute to sustainability outcomes reducing environmental harm, improving social equity, and strengthening governance while supporting business resilience and growth.
- Diverse Opportunities & Growth: Roles span corporates (sustainability, strategy teams), financial institutions (ESG research desks), consultancies, rating agencies, NGOs, and government bodies. As experience grows, paths open into senior strategy or leadership positions.
3. Essential Skills & Knowledge Areas
- Analytical & Technical Proficiency:
– Advanced Excel and familiarity with data visualization (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) for managing ESG datasets.
– Basic financial literacy to link ESG issues (e.g., stranded assets, regulatory fines) to company valuation.
– Understanding of sustainability concepts: climate science basics, circular economy, human rights, labor standards.
- Framework & Regulatory Acumen:
– India-specific: SEBI BRSR, BRSR Core requirements, value-chain disclosures.
– Global standards: GRI, SASB/ISSB, TCFD/TCFD-aligned guidance, CDP, UN SDGs.
– Awareness of relevant Indian regulations (e.g., E-waste Rules, Plastic Waste Management, energy efficiency norms).
- Communication & Reporting:
– Ability to distill complex ESG analyses into clear narratives and visuals for diverse stakeholders.
– Report writing aligned with recognized frameworks, ensuring transparency and comparability.
- Soft Skills & Mindset:
– Ethical integrity to avoid greenwashing and maintain impartial assessments.
– Adaptability and continuous learning to stay current with evolving ESG trends and regulations.
– Stakeholder engagement: collaborating with business units, suppliers, rating agencies, and investors.
4. Roadmap: Steps to Launch Your ESG Analyst Career in India
Step 1: Build Foundational Knowledge: Study ESG basics, sustainability science, and corporate governance. Start with free or low-cost resources from UN PRI, GRI Academy, or Coursera.
Step 2: Develop Technical Skills: Learn Excel, Power BI, and ESG data analytics. Familiarize yourself with sustainability reporting formats and impact assessment techniques.
Step 3: Gain Practical Experience: Intern with ESG consulting firms, sustainability departments, or NGOs. Work on case studies or ESG audits as part of coursework or volunteering.
Step 4: Obtain Certifications: Pursue recognized certifications like: GRI Certified Sustainability Professional, CFA ESG Investing Certificate, NISM’s Certification in Responsible Investment.
Step 5: Apply & Showcase Your Portfolio: Document your ESG projects, dashboards, or assessments. Build a LinkedIn presence or personal blog showcasing your ESG insights and growth journey.
Conclusion
A career as an ESG analyst in India combines financial analysis with meaningful contributions to the environment, society, and governance improvements. With increasing demand across sectors and growing regulatory focus, now is the perfect time to enter this impactful field. Start today by exploring relevant certifications, engaging in ESG projects, or connecting with professionals who are shaping India’s sustainable future.
Take the first step today: explore relevant courses, start a small ESG project, or connect with professionals in the field. Your journey as an ESG analyst in India can help shape sustainable business practices and contribute to a more resilient future.