Business Responsibility And Sustainability Reporting (BRSR)

Sustainability reporting has rapidly evolved from a voluntary communication exercise to a core mechanism for accountability, risk management, and long term value creation. India’s Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) framework represents a significant regulatory and institutional innovation in this evolution. This article delves into the conceptual foundations, regulatory trajectory, and emerging empirical insights from BRSR reporting in India, with particular emphasis on the role of independent assurance and board level oversight. With the given mandate of SEBI for reporting by top 1000 listed companies based on market capitalisation, BRSR has the potential to move organizations beyond compliance driven disclosure towards integrated, decision useful sustainability reporting. The article also outlines practical, organization level steps for effective BRSR implementation, derived from observed reporting challenges and leading practices.

INTRODUCTION: SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING IN A HIGH EXPECTATION ENVIRONMENT

Businesses today operate under unprecedented scrutiny from investors, regulators, customers, and society at large. Climate change, nature loss, social inequality, and governance failures increasingly translate into financial risks, supply chain disruptions, and reputational consequences. In response, stakeholders demand transpa