Course

Unit 1

Introduction to Sustainability, CSR and ESG – Sustainability – Corporate Sustainability – Theories – Stakeholder Theory – Triple Bottom Line – Understanding CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) – Definition and Evolution of CSR – The Importance of CSR in Modern Business – CSR in India – Mandate – Companies Act 2013 – SDG alignment – Understanding ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) – Definition and Key Components of ESG – ESG vs. CSR – Differences and Overlaps – The Rise of ESG in the Investment Community – Overview of Global CSR and ESG Standards – Importance of Transparency and Reporting in CSR and ESG – Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR)

Unit 2

Environmental Strategies

Environmental Sustainability – Principles of Environmental Sustainability in Business – Sustainable Resource Management and Circular Economy – Climate Change and Carbon Management – Risks and Opportunities for Business – Carbon Footprint Reduction Strategies – Case Studies: Companies Leading in Climate Action – Green Technologies and Innovation – Renewable Energy Solutions and Energy Efficiency – Sustainable Supply Chains.

Unit 3

Social Strategies

Social Responsibility in Business – Employee Welfare and Human Rights – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives – Community Engagement and Development – Corporate Philanthropy and Volunteering – Strategic Philanthropy – Aligning with Business Goals – Volunteer Programs and Their Impact – Partnerships with Non-profits and NGOs – Health, Safety, and Well-being – Workplace Health and Safety Program – Promoting Mental Health and Well-being – Responding to Social Crises (e.g., COVID-19)

Unit 4

Governance Strategies

Corporate Governance Fundamentals – The Role of Governance in CSR and ESG – Board Structure and Responsibilities – Ethical Decision Making in Business – Risk Management and Compliance – Identifying and Mitigating ESG Risks – Compliance with Legal and Ethical Standards – Transparency and Accountability in Governance. Stakeholder Engagement – Identifying Key Stakeholders – Effective Communication and Reporting Strategies – Building Trust and Maintaining Stakeholder Relationships

Unit 5

Integrating CSR and ESG into Business Strategy

Strategic Alignment – Aligning CSR and ESG with Corporate Strategy – Creating Shared Value for Business and Society – Long-term Planning and Sustainability Goals – Performance Measurement and Metrics – Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for CSR and ESG – Tools and Techniques for Measuring Impact – Continuous Improvement and Benchmarking – Case Studies and Best Practices – In-depth Analysis of Leading Companies in CSR and ESG – Lessons Learned from Successes and Failures – Future Trends in CSR and ESG Strategies

Course Objective:

To equip students with a comprehensive understanding of CSR and ESG principles, strategies, and practices, enabling them to effectively integrate environmental, social, and governance considerations into business operations and to attain corporate sustainability. Students will learn to develop and implement sustainable and responsible business strategies that create long-term value for both organizations and society, while ensuring compliance with global standards and enhancing stakeholder engagement.

Course Outcomes:

The student will be able to:

CO1: Understand the concepts of CSR and ESG and to realize its importance in achieving corporate sustainability.

CO2: Apply principles of environmental sustainability, manage corporate impact, and develop climate and green technology strategies.

CO3: Design and implement strategies for employee welfare, diversity, community engagement, and corporate philanthropy.

CO4: Understand corporate governance, ethical decision-making, risk management, and effective stakeholder engagement.

CO5: Align CSR and ESG with corporate strategy, develop sustainability goals, and analyse best practices and future trends.

Textbooks:

1. Kamal Garg – Corporate Social Responsibility – Bharat Law House
2. Andreas Rasche, Mette Morsing, Jeremy Moon, Arno Kourula – Corporate Sustainability: Managing Responsible Business in a Globalised World – Cambridge University Press
3. Garima Dadhich and Ravi Raj Atre – Demystifying ESG – Combining a theoretical understanding with practical applications to address each aspect of ESG essential for the Indian business landscape – Taxmann Publication

References:

1. Robert Buckley – The Power of ESG Investing: Navigating Environmental, Social, and Governance Factors for Sustainable and Responsible Investing – Book Bound Studios Publication
2. David Chandler – Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility: Sustainable Value Creation – Sage Publishers
3. Garima Dadhich, Ravi Raj Atre – Benchmarking ESG & CSR: A Compendium of Best Practices in ESG & CSR in India – Taxmann