Is ESG on the Decline? Discover How Indian Companies, Like Mahindra, Are Embracing Climate Action as a Key Strategy – Insights from CSO Ankit Todi | Natura Hoy

Everyone sees ESG differently. People often feel puzzled by the terms, making it tough for businesses to determine what’s truly important. Ankit Todi, the Chief Sustainability Officer at Mahindra Group, understands this struggle. His company operates in diverse sectors like real estate, hospitality, and renewable energy and employs over 240,000 people around the world.

In 2022, Mahindra Group took a clear stand by committing to be carbon neutral by 2040 and to exclusively use renewable energy by 2030. So far, they’ve kept their promises.

On a recent episode of The Eco-Business Podcast, Todi discussed the core importance of ESG, despite its political baggage in the U.S. and growing hesitance in parts of Asia. He emphasized that climate change will only become a bigger issue. “Sustainability is really about protecting your business from climate risk,” he said. “Climate change is a fact, not up for debate."

He pointed out that the impacts of climate change will significantly affect many industries very soon. For instance, when discussing energy use, he focuses on security and savings rather than simply reducing emissions. This approach makes a strong business case for shifting to renewable energy.

Todi leads Mahindra Group’s Planet Positive strategy, which aims to embed sustainability at the heart of their operations. He believes true sustainability requires effort from everyone—not just the central sustainability team. Around 50 dedicated staff work on sustainability, but many others across different departments play crucial roles too. “Sustainability isn’t just a job for a team; it’s everyone’s responsibility,” he noted.

Reflecting on his path to sustainability, Todi shared that his childhood in an eco-friendly town in India sparked his passion for the environment. He later became an electrical engineer and worked in management consulting before finding his place at Mahindra Group, where he saw an opportunity to elevate sustainability from a compliance task to a strategic business goal.

Todi created a framework to understand sustainability leadership within the company. Since Mahindra operates in multiple sectors, they designed programs that are flexible yet consistent, helping each division integrate sustainability into their business strategies.

The company’s Planet Positive strategy has three main pillars:

1. Greening Operations: This includes cutting down emissions, managing water use, and maintaining zero waste-to-landfill practices.
2. Decarbonizing Industries: Mahindra focuses on creating green revenues, like electric vehicles, and encouraging sustainability within their supply chains.
3. Positive Societal Impact: They work to help farmers adopt sustainable practices, recognizing that many rural communities are the first affected by climate change.

Todi added that addressing climate change is not just a responsibility; it presents vast opportunities. For instance, the finance sector can align with sustainability goals by funding green initiatives, like electric vehicles or sustainable agriculture.

Despite challenges, Todi remains optimistic. “Climate action is more essential than ever, and understanding its importance is growing," he said. He mentioned that while geopolitical uncertainties may create confusion around ESG terms, the fundamental actions towards sustainability are crucial and ongoing.

For those looking to enter the sustainability field, Todi advises individuals to find ways to infuse sustainability into any role they take, whether it’s procurement, marketing, or finance. “No matter where you work, you can bring a sustainable perspective to boost your effectiveness,” he said.

As conversations around climate change evolve, the determination to take action remains steadfast. Whether driven by a passion for the environment or the need for a sustainable business model, the push for sustainability continues to gain momentum worldwide.

For more insights into Mahindra Group’s sustainability initiatives, visit Planet Positive.

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