India's Securities and Exchange Board (SEBI) has introduced the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) framework, marking a turning point in how Indian companies disclose their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. For the top 1000 listed companies by market cap, BRSR reporting is now mandatory.

📋 BRSR reporting is mandatory for India's top 1000 listed companies from FY 2022-23 onwards. BRSR Core with assurance requirements apply from FY 2023-24.

Understanding Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions

At the heart of climate disclosure is the measurement of greenhouse gas emissions across three scopes, as defined by the GHG Protocol:

Scope 1
Direct Emissions
Emissions from sources owned or controlled by the company — e.g., company vehicles, on-site fuel combustion, industrial processes.
Scope 2
Indirect — Energy
Emissions from purchased electricity, steam, heat, or cooling consumed by the company.
Scope 3
Value Chain
All other indirect emissions in the company's value chain — upstream supply chain, business travel, product use and disposal.

What BRSR Core Requires

SEBI's BRSR Core is a subset of high-priority ESG indicators that require reasonable assurance from an independent third party. Key climate-related disclosures include greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1, 2, and 3), energy intensity, water intensity, waste generated, and details of transition plans toward net zero.

Companies must also align disclosures with international frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Aligning with Global Frameworks

GRI Standards provide a comprehensive framework for sustainability reporting covering environmental, social, and economic impacts.

TCFD focuses specifically on climate-related financial risks and opportunities, requiring companies to disclose governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics related to climate change.

Science Based Targets (SBTi) allow companies to set emission reduction targets consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

📞 BEC provides end-to-end BRSR and ESG reporting support — from data collection and gap analysis to third-party assurance preparation. Contact us to ensure compliance.