#brsr reporting

What is BRSR Reporting in India? A Complete Guide

If you’ve been hearing the term BRSR everywhere — boardrooms, investor calls, LinkedIn posts, even in annual reports — you’re not alone. It’s one of those “serious business” terms that sounds complicated… until someone explains it in plain English.

So let’s do exactly that.

BRSR reporting in India is basically a structured way for companies to publicly disclose how responsibly they operate — environmentally, socially, and ethically. Think of it like a “report card” for sustainability and governance, not just profits.

And yes, it’s now a major part of how investors, regulators, customers, and even employees judge a company.

Let’s break it down properly.

Understanding BRSR in Simple Words

What BRSR Stands For

BRSR stands for Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting.

It is a reporting format introduced by SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) to ensure companies share standardized information about:

Environmental impact (energy, emissions, water, waste)

Social responsibility (employees, communities, inclusion, safety)

Governance practices (ethics, compliance, transparency)

In short: BRSR = sustainability + responsibility + transparency, presented in a structured format.

Why India Introduced BRSR

Let’s be real — companies have been talking about “sustainability” for years. But the problem was simple:

Everyone was saying different things in different formats.

Some companies wrote beautiful sustainability stories. Others gave a few random numbers. Many avoided details altogether. So comparing companies became like comparing apples to airplanes.

BRSR fixes that by creating a common reporting language.

It helps regulators and investors answer questions like:

Is this company actually reducing pollution or just claiming it?

Are employees safe and treated fairly?

Is the board managing ESG risks properly?

BRSR vs ESG vs BRR (What’s the Difference?)

This is where many people get confused, so let’s clear it up quickly.

How BRSR is Different from ESG Reporting

ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. It’s a broad concept used globally.

BRSR, on the other hand, is India’s structured reporting framework for ESG-related disclosures.

A simple analogy?

ESG is the idea of healthy living

BRSR is the health report format your doctor uses to check it

BRSR vs Business Responsibility Report (BRR)

Before BRSR, India had BRR (Business Responsibility Report).

BRR was a good start, but it wasn’t detailed enough for today’s ESG expectations. So SEBI upgraded it to BRSR.

You can think of it like:

BRR = basic phone

BRSR = smartphone with all features enabled

Where Sustainability Reporting Fits In

A sustainability report is often a broader document companies publish voluntarily, sometimes aligned with global frameworks like GRI.

But BRSR is regulatory-style structured reporting, especially for large listed entities in India.

Who Needs to File BRSR in India?

Applicability for Top Listed Companies

BRSR is mandatory for India’s top listed companies (based on SEBI’s criteria, typically the top 1,000 listed entities by market capitalization).

So if a company is large, publicly listed, and influential in the market, it’s expected to disclose BRSR.

Voluntary Adoption for Other Companies

Even if a company isn’t required to file BRSR, many are choosing to adopt it voluntarily because:

Investors ask for ESG proof

Global clients demand sustainability disclosures

Banks consider ESG risk in lending

It improves brand trust

So yes, BRSR is becoming a competitive advantage too.

BRSR Framework: The 9 Principles Explained

BRSR is built on 9 principles from India’s National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct (NGRBC).

Let’s go through them in a way that actually makes sense.

Principle 1 — Ethics, Transparency, and Accountability

This principle is about clean business.

It includes things like:

Anti-corruption practices

Ethical conduct

Transparent decision-making

Grievance redressal systems

In simple words: don’t cheat, don’t hide, and take responsibility.

Principle 2 — Sustainable and Safe Goods & Services

Companies should ensure their products/services are:

Safe for consumers

Resource-efficient

Sustainable through the lifecycle

This matters a lot in sectors like FMCG, pharma, manufacturing, and chemicals.

Principle 3 — Employee Well-being

This covers how companies treat their employees, including:

Fair wages

Safe working conditions

Training and upskilling

Mental and physical well-being

It’s basically asking: Is this company a decent place to work?

Principle 4 — Stakeholder Engagement

A business doesn’t exist in isolation.

This principle checks whether the company listens to:

Employees

Customers

Investors

Communities

Suppliers

Imagine running a ship without checking the weather or talking to the crew. That’s what ignoring stakeholders looks like.

Principle 5 — Human Rights

This focuses on human rights within operations and supply chains, including:

Preventing child labor

Preventing forced labor

Ensuring fair treatment

Providing grievance mechanisms

It pushes companies to look beyond their own office walls.

Principle 6 — Environment Protection

This is the big one people associate with ESG.

It includes:

Emissions reduction

Energy efficiency

Waste management

Water conservation

Biodiversity protection

Basically: how much damage is the company doing, and what is it doing to reduce it?

Principle 7 — Responsible Public Policy

This checks if companies engage ethically with policy-making.

So no shady lobbying or pushing policies that harm public interest.

It’s like saying: influence responsibly.

Principle 8 — Inclusive Growth and Social Development

Companies should contribute to inclusive development by supporting:

Local communities

Marginalized groups

Skill development

Social upliftment

CSR fits here, but BRSR expects deeper integration than just writing cheques.

Principle 9 — Customer Value and Responsibility

This principle focuses on:

Customer satisfaction

Data privacy

Honest marketing

Product responsibility

In today’s world, customer trust is like glass — strong until it cracks.

Structure of BRSR Report

BRSR is not a free-style essay. It’s structured into clear sections.

Section A — General Disclosures

This includes basic company information like:

Company details

Products/services

Operations locations

Employee strength

Subsidiaries and supply chain overview

Think of it as the “company profile” part.

Section B — Management and Process Disclosures

This section looks at how ESG is managed internally:

Policies and governance structure

ESG risk management

Leadership accountability

Stakeholder engagement process

It answers: Is the company serious about sustainability, or is it just PR?

Section C — Principle-wise Performance Disclosures

This is where the real reporting happens.

It contains metrics aligned to each of the 9 principles.

Essential (Mandatory) Indicators

These are required disclosures.

If you’re filing BRSR, you can’t skip them.

Leadership (Voluntary) Indicators

These are more advanced disclosures.

Companies use them to show they’re going beyond compliance and taking leadership in sustainability.

Key Data Companies Must Track for BRSR

BRSR reporting is only as good as the data behind it. And yes, data collection is where most companies sweat.

Environmental Metrics (Energy, Water, Waste, Emissions)

Typical environmental disclosures include:

Total energy consumption

Renewable energy share

Water withdrawal and recycling

Waste generation and disposal methods

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Scope 1 and Scope 2, sometimes Scope 3)

This is like tracking your monthly expenses — you can’t improve what you don’t measure.

Social Metrics (Workforce, Diversity, Safety, Community)

Social disclosures often cover:

Total workforce breakdown

Gender diversity

Inclusion and representation

Workplace accidents and safety training

Employee benefits and welfare measures

CSR and community initiatives

It’s basically a mirror showing how the company treats people.

Governance Metrics (Ethics, Compliance, Risk, Policies)

Governance disclosures may include:

Board structure and oversight

Anti-bribery and anti-corruption training

Legal compliance status

Whistleblower mechanisms

ESG risk processes

Governance is like the foundation of a building — if it’s weak, everything collapses sooner or later.

Why BRSR Reporting Matters for Businesses

Let’s answer the real question: why should companies care?

Builds Investor Trust and Improves Valuation

Investors don’t just look at profits anymore. They look at risk.

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If a company has:

High pollution exposure

Unsafe labor practices

Weak compliance systems

…it can face lawsuits, shutdowns, penalties, and reputational damage.

BRSR helps investors assess whether the company is built for long-term survival.

Helps Win Global Customers and Supply Chain Deals

If you supply to global brands, chances are you’ll be asked questions like:

Do you track emissions?

Do you have human rights policies?

Are you reducing waste?

Can you prove it with data?

BRSR-ready companies look more credible in global supply chains.

Improves Risk Management and Compliance

BRSR pushes companies to proactively identify risks like:

Climate-related disruptions

Regulatory changes

Employee unrest

Reputation threats

It’s like installing smoke detectors before the fire starts.

Common Challenges in BRSR Compliance

BRSR sounds great on paper. In reality? It can be messy.

Data Collection Across Departments

BRSR reporting isn’t handled by one team alone.

It requires inputs from:

HR

EHS (Environment, Health & Safety)

Operations

Legal

Finance

Procurement

CSR teams

Without coordination, you’ll get incomplete or inconsistent data.

Lack of Internal ESG Ownership

Many companies struggle because ESG becomes “someone else’s job.”

But BRSR needs leadership ownership, not just a reporting person chasing spreadsheets.

Vendor and Supply Chain Transparency

A big pain point is supply chain data.

For example:

Can you track your suppliers’ labor practices?

Do you know your Scope 3 emissions?

Are vendors compliant with policies?

This is where many companies realize sustainability is not just internal — it’s ecosystem-wide.

Step-by-Step Process to Prepare a BRSR Report

Let’s make this practical. If a company wants to prepare a BRSR report, this is the typical flow.

Step 1 — Identify Applicable Requirements

Start with:

SEBI BRSR format

Applicability rules

Reporting period

Required metrics and disclosures

You need to know what’s mandatory vs optional.

Step 2 — Assign Ownership and Form a BRSR Team

Create a cross-functional team with clear responsibilities:

ESG lead / sustainability head

Data owners per department

Internal audit / compliance support

Senior leadership sponsor

If nobody owns it, it won’t move.

Step 3 — Collect Data and Set Baselines

Gather:

Current year metrics

Previous year metrics (for comparison)

Policies and governance documents

Incident logs and compliance records

Also define baselines so improvement can be measured year after year.

Step 4 — Validate, Review, and Approve

Before publishing:

Validate numbers

Check consistency

Ensure alignment with annual report

Get leadership sign-off

A small mistake in disclosures can create a big credibility issue.

Step 5 — Publish and Communicate

Once finalized, publish BRSR as part of the annual reporting process and communicate highlights to:

Investors

Employees

Customers

Business partners

The goal isn’t just to file — it’s to build trust.

BRSR Core (Assurance-Ready Reporting)

What is BRSR Core?

BRSR Core is a more focused set of key ESG metrics that are considered critical and measurable.

It is designed to improve:

Comparability

Reliability

Data integrity

Think of it as the “high-priority dashboard” within the bigger BRSR system.

Why Assurance is Becoming Important

As ESG disclosures grow, so does the risk of greenwashing.

That’s why assurance (third-party verification) is becoming more common. It helps confirm that:

Data is accurate

Methods are consistent

Disclosures are credible

In the future, ESG assurance could become as normal as financial audits.

Best Practices to Make Your BRSR Stronger

If you want your BRSR to look like a serious report (and not a rushed compliance PDF), these practices help.

Align with Global Standards Like GRI and TCFD

BRSR is India-specific, but global stakeholders may expect alignment with:

GRI (Global Reporting Initiative)

TCFD (climate risk disclosures)

SASB-type sector metrics (where relevant)

This improves international credibility.

Use Digital Tools for ESG Data Management

Spreadsheets work… until they don’t.

Many companies move to ESG platforms for:

Automated data capture

Audit trails

Department-wise approvals

Dashboard reporting

It reduces manual errors and saves time.

Focus on Materiality and Real Impact

The best BRSR reports don’t just dump numbers.

They answer:

What issues matter most to your business?

What are you improving?

What targets are you setting?

What progress did you make?

Real impact beats fancy words every time.

Future of BRSR Reporting in India

BRSR is not a one-time compliance trend. It’s evolving.

Increasing Scope and Depth of Disclosures

Expect more pressure on:

Scope 3 emissions reporting

Supply chain transparency

Human rights due diligence

Quantified targets and outcomes

Integration with Climate and Finance Reporting

Over time, ESG and finance will blend more tightly.

Why?

Because climate risks and social risks eventually become financial risks.

Companies that understand this early will stay ahead.

Conclusion

BRSR reporting in India is SEBI’s structured way of ensuring companies disclose how responsibly they operate across environment, social, and governance areas. It brings consistency, transparency, and credibility to sustainability reporting — making it easier for investors and stakeholders to compare companies and trust their claims.

If you’re a business leader, BRSR is not just a “reporting requirement.” It’s a mirror that shows how future-ready your company really is. And in a world where trust is currency, that mirror matters.

FAQs

1. What is the full form of BRSR?

BRSR stands for Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting.

2. Is BRSR mandatory for all companies in India?

No. It is mainly mandatory for top listed entities as per SEBI requirements, while others may adopt it voluntarily.

3. What is the purpose of BRSR reporting?

The purpose is to ensure companies disclose standardized ESG-related information about sustainability, social responsibility, and governance practices.

4. What are the main sections in a BRSR report?

A BRSR report has three major sections: Section A (General Disclosures), Section B (Management & Process Disclosures), and Section C (Principle-wise Performance Disclosures).

5. How is BRSR different from ESG reporting?

In today’s fast-paced world, sustainability is no longer an optional choice but a pressing necessity. Among the many aspects of environmental stewardship, waste management stands out as a cornerstone for building a cleaner tomorrow. Whether it’s plastic piling up in oceans, landfills overflowing, or industrial waste polluting the air and water, improper waste management is one of the biggest threats to our environment and health. The way we deal with waste today will shape the quality of life for future generations.

Understanding the Importance of Waste Management

At its core, waste management involves the collection, treatment, and disposal of waste materials in a way that minimizes harm to the environment. It goes beyond just “throwing away” trash it’s about reducing waste generation, reusing materials, recycling resources, and recovering energy wherever possible.

The benefits of proper waste management are wide-ranging:

Environmental protection: Reducing pollution and conserving natural resources.

Health and safety: Preventing the spread of diseases caused by unmanaged waste.

Economic efficiency: Creating new job opportunities in recycling and green industries.

Sustainability: Ensuring that future generations have access to clean air, water, and soil.

Without effective waste management strategies, the global sustainability goals we are striving for including climate action and responsible consumption will remain out of reach.

Waste Management and Business Responsibility

For businesses, waste management is not just about compliance with environmental laws; it is part of a larger corporate duty to act responsibly. Increasingly, stakeholders, investors, and consumers are looking at how organizations address environmental challenges before trusting them with their money or loyalty.

This is where frameworks like the Business Responsibility Report (BRR) and BRSR reporting (Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting) come into play. These mechanisms encourage organizations to be transparent about their environmental and social impact. Waste management is a critical area highlighted in such reports, as it directly connects to sustainability and resource efficiency.

By disclosing how they manage waste, businesses showcase their commitment to minimizing their environmental footprint. This, in turn, enhances trust among stakeholders and positions them as forward-thinking, responsible entities in their industries.

Linking Waste Management to BRSR Reporting

The introduction of BRSR reporting in India by SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) has made sustainability disclosures mandatory for the top listed companies. This framework extends beyond financial performance and focuses on the environmental and social impact of business operations.

Waste management plays a vital role in this reporting process because:

Resource utilization: Companies must detail how efficiently they use raw materials and whether they recycle or reuse resources.

Pollution control: Proper handling of hazardous and non-hazardous waste helps organizations reduce pollution.

Sustainability metrics: Recycling initiatives, reduced landfill dependency, and circular economy models strengthen a company’s sustainability credentials.

When businesses integrate robust waste management practices and reflect them in their business responsibility report, they not only comply with regulations but also signal long-term value creation to investors.

The Role of Individuals and Communities

While businesses carry a significant responsibility, individuals and communities also play an essential role in shaping a cleaner tomorrow. Simple steps like segregating waste at home, reducing single-use plastics, composting organic waste, and supporting recycling initiatives can have a huge collective impact. Communities that actively engage in waste reduction and recycling programs inspire businesses and governments to invest in greener infrastructure.

Building a Cleaner Tomorrow

Achieving a cleaner tomorrow requires a holistic approach where government policies, corporate responsibility, and individual actions come together. Some steps to accelerate this journey include:

Promoting the circular economy: Encouraging reuse, recycling, and upcycling of materials.

Investing in technology: Using AI and automation for efficient waste sorting and recycling.

Strengthening policies: Governments can incentivize businesses and communities to adopt sustainable practices.

Education and awareness: Creating campaigns that teach people the importance of proper waste management.

When waste is viewed not as garbage but as a potential resource, the entire perspective shifts. Recycling can generate raw materials for industries, composting can enrich soil, and energy recovery can reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Conclusion

Waste management is no longer just a municipal issue; it is a global challenge that requires urgent action. For businesses, integrating waste management into their sustainability strategy and reflecting it in their business responsibility report and BRSR reporting is crucial for credibility and growth. For individuals and communities, everyday mindful actions can collectively create a cleaner, healthier environment.

In today’s business landscape, success is no longer measured solely by profits. Companies are now expected to be transparent about their impact on society, the environment, and governance practices. This is where the Business Responsibility Report (BRR) and its updated version, the BRSR reporting framework comes into play.

A business responsibility report is an official document that outlines how a company integrates responsible business practices into its operations. It highlights efforts in sustainability, ethical governance, employee welfare, environmental protection, and social impact. For stakeholders, it’s a valuable tool to understand whether a company’s values align with their own.

From BRR to BRSR Reporting: A Shift Towards Sustainability

In India, the concept of the business responsibility report was first introduced by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in 2012 for the top 100 listed companies. Over the years, as global sustainability standards evolved, the BRR was replaced with the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) to provide a more detailed and measurable disclosure format.

BRSR reporting aligns with international frameworks like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This makes it easier for companies to demonstrate accountability and for investors to assess a company’s long-term sustainability performance.

Why Does a Business Responsibility Report Matter?

1. Enhances Transparency

In an era where customers, employees, and investors demand openness, a business responsibility report provides a structured and credible way to share a company’s ethical practices. This builds trust and fosters long-term relationships with stakeholders.

2. Supports Investor Decision-Making

Investors today are not just looking at financial returns they also consider Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors. BRSR reporting provides a clear ESG roadmap, helping investors make informed choices.

3. Strengthens Brand Reputation

A well-prepared report shows that a company is not just profit-driven but also committed to social and environmental causes. This positive image can differentiate a business in a competitive market.

4. Ensures Regulatory Compliance

In India, BRSR reporting is now mandatory for the top 1,000 listed companies. By maintaining an accurate and comprehensive business responsibility report, companies meet SEBI’s requirements and avoid potential legal risks.

5. Drives Internal Improvements

The process of preparing the report encourages companies to assess their sustainability initiatives and identify areas for improvement, ultimately leading to better operational practices.

Key Components of a Business Responsibility Report

While the exact format depends on regulatory requirements, most reports include:

Organisational Overview Company profile, structure, and operational scope.

Governance Practices Ethical policies, transparency measures, and leadership accountability.

Environmental Impact Carbon emissions, waste management, and energy efficiency initiatives.

Social Responsibility Employee welfare, diversity, inclusion, and community engagement.

Stakeholder Engagement Feedback mechanisms and collaboration with stakeholders.

Sustainability Goals Targets for future improvement and ongoing projects.

With BRSR reporting, these sections are presented in a standardized format, making it easier to compare performance across companies.

How Businesses Can Make the Most of BRSR Reporting

Integrate Reporting into Business Strategy Treat it as a core part of business planning, not just a compliance exercise.

Adopt Measurable Metrics Use quantifiable data for credibility and easier benchmarking.

Engage Stakeholders Early Get input from employees, customers, suppliers, and investors to create a balanced report.

Highlight Success Stories Share real-world examples of how your initiatives are making a difference.

Use Digital Tools Invest in sustainability reporting software to streamline data collection and analysis.

The Future of Business Responsibility Reports

As sustainability becomes a global priority, BRSR reporting is expected to play an even more significant role. Companies that take this reporting seriously will not only comply with regulations but also position themselves as leaders in responsible business practices.

The shift from traditional reporting to business responsibility reports is more than a regulatory change it’s a transformation in how businesses define success. Instead of focusing solely on financial gains, they are now evaluated on how well they balance profitability with people and the planet.

Final Thoughts

A business responsibility report is more than just a compliance document; it’s a statement of purpose. In a world where consumers are increasingly value-driven, and investors demand sustainable practices, BRSR reporting offers a way for companies to showcase their commitment to ethical, social, and environmental goals.

Snowkap - Gear Up for 2023 BRSR Reporting Season: A Guide for Companies