The Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management (IISWBM) and IDEAS-ISI, the Technology Innovation Hub at the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), have collaborated to launch a 10-week online course on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) & Sustainability Analytics.
Designed for junior and mid-level professionals, the course aims to equip participants with the foundational skills necessary to contribute to their organisation’s ESG compliance roadmap.
This first-of-its-kind collaboration seeks to address the growing need for industry professionals to integrate ESG disclosures into business strategies. The course, which includes both online modules and campus immersion programmes at IISWBM and ISI, will help professionals stay ahead of regulatory requirements while fostering resilient business growth.
The course was unveiled at an event held at the Indian Statistical Institute’s Kolkata campus, marked by a MoU signing between the two institutes. A round-table discussion followed, focusing on the challenges faced by industries in ESG reporting and how data analytics can improve the reliability and accuracy of sustainability disclosures.
Empowering professionals with ESG expertise
The course content is tailored to provide a comprehensive overview of ESG principles and sustainability, combining data analytics with practical industry applications.
Participants will gain insights into the importance of ESG disclosures, as well as the skills required to manage and validate data for accurate reporting.
The course aims to empower professionals to contribute to their company’s ESG compliance efforts and develop effective sustainability strategies.
As ESG reporting becomes increasingly critical, this programme also offers professionals the opportunity to engage in campus immersion sessions at IISWBM and ISI, providing a unique blend of online learning and hands-on experience.
Addressing key ESG data challenges
At the course launch event, industry experts discussed the challenges businesses face in ESG data reporting, such as inconsistent data sources, lack of standardised frameworks, and regulatory compliance.
With SEBI’s mandate for the top 1000 companies, businesses are under increasing pressure to meet evolving ESG disclosure requirements.
Participants at the round-table emphasised the need for reliable data capture and validation mechanisms. Concerns about privacy and greenwashing, where companies present a misleading picture of their ESG performance, were also raised.
Role of technology in ESG reporting
The application of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning was highlighted as a key enabler in ESG reporting.
These technologies are expected to improve data reliability and allow for real-time monitoring, enabling companies to track their ESG performance continuously.
Predictive analytics, such as those used in India’s power grids, were cited as practical examples of how data analytics can drive sustainability improvements.
Focus on SMEs and future workforce
ISI Director, Dr Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay, emphasised the importance of addressing the ESG challenges faced by SMEs, who play a critical role in the supply chain of larger companies.
The course also aims to create a talent pool equipped to meet the growing demand for professionals in the ESG and sustainability sectors.
IISWBM’s acting Director, Prof Krishna M. Agrawal, stressed the importance of developing local talent to keep pace with global sustainability trends.
By launching this programme, IISWBM and IDEAS-ISI aim to equip industry professionals with the skills and knowledge required to navigate the complexities of ESG reporting, ensuring businesses can meet regulatory demands and enhance their sustainability performance.
