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The Future of ESG: Data, Technology, and the Path to Sustainability

CXOtoday has engaged in an exclusive interview with Mr. Rajesh Patel, Co-founder and CEO, Snowkap

 

Over the next decade, how do you see ESG reporting evolving? In what ways will technological advancements shape its development?

Growing awareness and regulatory pressures are driving the evolution of ESG reporting. Innovative solutions which support visible emissions reductions are becoming essential. Automation and digitization of business processes will enable detailed data collection and accurate, specific calculations. As a business, we foresee an increasing need for process automation, predictive analytics, and digital twins as integral components of standard business operations

 

What are the primary obstacles industries face in gathering reliable ESG data, and how can emerging technologies offer practical solutions?

Industries across regions approach sustainability differently. While Europe leads in this area, in many developing countries, sustainability is still seen as an undefined cost center, often detached from business growth. Quarterly profit pressures can sometimes influence the longevity of these initiatives. Reliable data has long been a challenge in sustainability, as most setups involve a mix of automated and manual processes. Emerging technologies such as Industry 4.0, advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and cloud technology offer promising solutions to address these data challenges

 

How have recent regulatory changes influenced corporate sustainability strategies? What shifts do you foresee in the regulatory environment in the coming years?

The recent push from SEBI on BRSR requirements is a welcome and much-needed shift for the Indian business landscape. India stands poised for tremendous growth if it can strategically align, commit, and act on its sustainability goals. With abundant resources and a skilled workforce, every sector now should have a roadmap for reduction and transition. Value chain reporting covering up to 75% of sales and purchases signals a regulatory shift toward more responsible and transparent practices. We anticipate these disclosures will play a foundational role in ESG ratings, fostering the ethical and transparent reporting that will shape the responsible business practices of a new India.

 

How is data transforming sustainability practices for businesses? Could you share examples where data-driven insights have had a significant impact?

Data empowers businesses to make informed choices and strategic decisions. With precise data and GHG computations, our clients can set specific, process- and product-focused reduction targets instead of pursuing superficial, FOMO-driven goals to match competitors. Data enables us to guide clients in determining their readiness for global frameworks like SBTi, especially when aggressive growth and expansion goals are in play. Whether it’s making verifiable claims for product positioning in new markets or committing to targeted reductions, data is the key to staying on track and achieving goals with minimal deviation

What strategies do you recommend for companies seeking to integrate profitability with long-term sustainability goals?

Business operations have transformed dramatically since the era of industrialization, evolving in areas such as unionization and the globalization of supply chains. Now, it is time for a similar evolution in how we calculate ROI. Climate change is real, and its consequences—like supply chain disruptions, pandemics, and increasingly severe climate events—are intensifying. Business performance metrics must therefore expand beyond simple profitability to include risk aversion. New KPIs should incorporate natural capital valuation and assess the risks of inaction. Adopting a double materiality perspective is essential to this approach and should be widely advocated and implemented

What are the defining features of SnowKap’s business model that set it apart in the ESG technology space?

At Snowkap, our strength lies in the people who power it. Though we are a young startup, our team brings deep experience from having navigated the challenges of implementing sustainability across various roles and industries. It’s a shared passion—and frustration—that fuels us: How challenging should it be to achieve both sustainability and profitability? Our platform features, including artificial intelligence, data source traceability, and automated recommendations and more which support sustainability workflows for firms at every stage of their journey. We’re especially excited about upcoming features like process digitization and usage prediction, which will further enhance our clients’ sustainability initiatives.

What are the key milestones that companies should aim for on their Net Zero journey? What common challenges do they encounter, and how can they be effectively addressed?

Let’s begin by understanding the challenges businesses face on their journey to Net Zero. Identifying these constraints is the first step toward finding effective solutions. The primary challenges can be categorized into data gaps and measurement, cost of transition, technological limitations, availability of alternative materials, supply chain coordination, and the role of procurement teams.

Once these challenges are clearly defined, the next step is to focus on key milestones that will guide the transition. These include establishing measurement baselines, creating a clear decarbonization roadmap, setting Scope 3 targets across various categories, and ensuring transparency and regular reporting. By addressing these milestones, companies can effectively navigate the obstacles and make measurable progress toward achieving Net Zero goals.

 

The post The Future of ESG: Data, Technology, and the Path to Sustainability appeared first on CXOToday.com.


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