Sustainability through ESG Skills and Training

In today’s rapidly evolving corporate landscape, sustainability has emerged as a critical imperative, with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles at its core. ESG encompasses a spectrum of factors that businesses must consider to ensure responsible and ethical practices, ranging from environmental conservation to social justice and corporate governance. As organizations worldwide strive to integrate sustainability into their operations, the role of ESG skills and training becomes increasingly paramount. Developing competencies in ESG-related areas such as environmental management, social impact assessment, diversity and inclusion and ethical leadership is essential for navigating the complexities of modern business while upholding sustainable practices.

To learn more about creating awareness on ESG (Environmental Social Governance), ability to set KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators) in ESG, Understanding the Labour Code, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the essence of circular economy, diversity and inclusion, ESG skills and more, we spoke with Dr. Sujiv Nair, Global CHRO, Re Sustainability Limited.

Below are a few excerpts from our conversation. You can watch the full video on our YouTube channel.

Q. What’s the difference between ESG and CSR, and is CSR becoming part of the broader ESG framework?

A. ESG, stands for Environment, Social, and Governance. ESG is about preserving our planet for future generations. Environment focuses on minimizing climate change, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, utilizing alternative energies like solar and hydrogen, protecting flora and fauna, and managing waste responsibly. Social emphasizes human rights, community engagement, and social issues. Governance pertains to governance, encompassing topics like codes, diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially from a board’s perspective. Regarding CSR and ESG, while CSR was once prominent, it now falls under the broader ESG umbrella, particularly in the social aspect, such as community engagement.

Q. What are the top three reasons for raising awareness about sustainability and community engagement among employees? How can HR drive such initiatives effectively?

A. When we consider HR leadership or any organizational leader, there are two key areas to prioritize.

• Raising Awareness about ESG: Conducting training sessions on ESG to enhance understanding and ensuring individuals grasp the significance of ESG.
• Establishing Specific ESG KPIs: Implementing KPIs across all business functions, support functions, and operations, essential for HR’s role in driving ESG initiatives.

Regarding the need for training, focusing on the social aspect, particularly human rights, is vital. HR’s responsibility lies in creating or enhancing awareness around labor codes, minimum wage regulations, child labor prevention, treatment of contract workers, occupational health and safety, community engagement, and establishing robust grievance mechanisms. These efforts aim to bolster awareness and training on human rights within the organization.

Q. Does diversity and inclusion awareness also play a role in employee engagement initiatives?

A. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are often confused as part of either governance or the social aspect of ESG. However, regardless of categorization, DEI holds significant importance. For instance, on International Women’s Day, the theme is inclusive innovation, emphasizing the need to ensure inclusivity for all genders. It’s essential to cultivate sensitivity, break unconscious biases, and strive towards a future where leadership is gender-neutral. Ultimately, DEI aims to empower individuals to pursue any endeavor they choose.

Q. Could you please share concise strategies for ESG-aligned employee upskilling/reskilling programs, along with potential partners for implementation?

A. One effective framework I’ve observed in recent years is the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It offers a structured approach to sustainable development. By selecting and focusing on specific SDGs, companies can facilitate learning and skill development aligned with these goals. This alignment will be increasingly crucial in the future job market as companies adapt to evolving regulations and frameworks. Encouraging employees to understand and work towards SDGs can be a proactive starting point for enhancing knowledge and skills in relevant areas.

Q. With the implementation of initiatives like bagless day programs in schools under the National Education Policy 2020, how can institutions effectively introduce children to sustainable practices at a young age?

A. Focusing on educating teachers is crucial, as they serve as role models in educational institutes. Implementing sessions for teachers on topics like national environment day and national safety day can be effective. Introducing concepts through hands-on activities like tree planting, waste segregation, and exploring alternative energies can engage children effectively. Additionally, organizing health-awareness runs, sponsored by organizations utilizing CSR funds, can further enrich learning experiences. By prioritizing teacher education and integrating concepts through engaging activities these are key strategies for effective education on sustainability.

Q. Could you share a noteworthy initiative or outcome from your journey as an HR leader in the ESG domain that could serve as an example for other organizations?

A. I believe there are two crucial steps we can take. Firstly, each individual should contribute to minimizing waste generation. Secondly, we need to focus on reducing our consumption of natural resources and transitioning towards a circular economy model. This model emphasizes the principles of reuse, recycle, and refurbish, ensuring that materials are not discarded after a single use but are utilized multiple times before becoming waste. By embracing these practices collectively, we can significantly conserve natural resources for future generations.

Q. Is there anything you wish to share with our audience?

A. I’d like to emphasize a couple of simple yet impactful practices for students. Firstly, when brushing teeth, they should use a glass of water instead of leaving the tap running to conserve water, a scarce resource. It’s crucial to minimize plastic usage, considering the extensive time it takes for plastics to decompose. By being mindful of these practices, students can make a significant difference in conserving resources.