BRSR Reporting in India: What Every Listed Company Must Know in 2025
What is BRSR?
The Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) is a mandatory ESG disclosure framework introduced by SEBI for listed companies in India. It replaced the earlier Business Responsibility Report (BRR) and is aligned with the National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct (NGRBCs). BRSR was made mandatory from FY 2022-23 for the top 1,000 listed entities by market capitalisation.
Who Must File BRSR?
- Mandatory (from FY 2022-23): Top 1,000 listed entities by market cap
- Voluntary: Any other listed entity
- BRSR Lite (from FY 2024-25): Top 250 listed entities must ensure value chain partners covering 75% of purchases/sales also disclose BRSR Lite metrics
Structure of BRSR
- Section A: General disclosures — company overview, operations, employees, CSR
- Section B: Management and process disclosures — governance, policies, oversight
- Section C: Principle-wise performance disclosures
The 9 NGRBC Principles
- Conduct business with integrity, ethics, transparency, and accountability
- Provide goods and services that are safe and contribute to sustainability throughout their life cycle
- Respect and promote the well-being of all employees, including those in value chains
- Respect the interests of and be responsive to all stakeholders
- Respect and promote human rights
- Respect and make efforts to protect and restore the environment
- Engage in influencing public and regulatory policy in a responsible and transparent manner
- Promote inclusive growth and equitable development
- Engage with and provide value to consumers in a responsible manner
Core vs. Leadership Indicators
- Core (Essential) Indicators: Mandatory reporting covering baseline metrics such as GHG emissions, water consumption, employee diversity, training hours, and CSR spending
- Leadership Indicators: Voluntary disclosures for companies aspiring to higher sustainability standards — e.g., life cycle assessments, supply chain emissions, social impact assessments
Key BRSR Core Metrics
- Greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 and Scope 2)
- Energy consumption (renewable vs. non-renewable breakdown)
- Water withdrawal and consumption
- Waste generation and disposal methods
- Employee turnover rate, diversity ratios, and median wages
- CSR spend vs. statutory obligation
- Number of human rights violation complaints
- Cyber security incidents and data breaches
Third-Party Assurance Phasing
| Company Group | Requirement | From FY |
|---|---|---|
| Top 150 listed entities | Reasonable assurance | 2023-24 |
| Top 250 listed entities | Reasonable assurance | 2024-25 |
| Top 500 listed entities | Limited assurance | 2024-25 |
| Top 1,000 listed entities | Limited assurance | 2025-26 |
How to Prepare for BRSR
- Establish a cross-functional ESG team covering operations, HR, finance, legal, and procurement
- Conduct a gap analysis against all BRSR indicators
- Set up data collection systems for energy, emissions, water, waste, and HR metrics
- Define materiality — which principles are most relevant to your sector
- Draft the report in SEBI's prescribed format (part of the Annual Report)
- Engage an accredited assurance provider where required
- Get Board of Directors approval before filing with BSE/NSE
Conclusion
BRSR is no longer just a compliance exercise — it is a strategic communication tool with investors, customers, and regulators. Companies that prepare thoroughly and communicate transparently will be better positioned to attract ESG-conscious capital. Statura's ESG team provides end-to-end BRSR preparation, assurance coordination, and value chain engagement services.