The Clout of Sustainability Awards in the Corporate Sector

by Jenica Carly SEO, SEM, PPC, Enthusiast & Writer

The greatest challenge of the 21st century is to raise people everywhere to a decent standard of living while preserving much of the rest of life as possible – Edward O Wilson

India is adapting the sustainable pattern of living and the Government has played an important part in launching the right kind of initiatives for the same. There is also a lot of help from NGO’s, nonprofit organizations and from the corporate sector to bring about these changes. Most of these companies follow the corporate social responsibility (CSR) module and engage in social service and philanthropic activities.

Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in India

The Corporate sector has always been a forerunner when it comes to social responsibility initiatives. Whether it is educational or healthcare initiatives or the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiatives; the corporate sector has made a significant contribution in the progress of the Indian society. The CSR in India and around the world work as per the law of the land and follow the ethical guidelines of the region.

The good thing is many businesses in India are following the basic principles of CSR. Along with following ethical business practices, these companies also participate in various social service activities, with an aim of doing welfare in the society. CSR doesn’t focus working with an economic interest for the company. Its main focus are working towards a sustainable environment, sustainable society and forming a sustainable economy

Recognizing the CSR Efforts

There are several attempts to honor and recognize the contribution of the CSR in India. A lot of awards and recognitions are rolled out under the Corporate Responsibility initiatives for identifying the different projects under the CSR. The most important acknowledgment in this field are the sustainability awards that recognise the work and progress made by different companies in rolling out sustainable initiatives in planning, manufacturing, infrastructure and the energy management within the company.

Here are some of the well known awards for excellence in sustainability for CSR

· Parivartan Sustainability Leadership Awards

· Gunnerus Sustainability Awards

· Confederation of India Industries (CII) ITC Center for Excellence

· Cognito Awards

There are a few sustainability awards that recognise the contribution on a broader scale and are not limited for the companies within the country. These are international awards in sustainable business and some of the most respected in the category are as follows

· Dow Jones Sustainability Indices

· Robeco Sam Sustainability Award

· Greenest Global

· Green Peace

· Cool It Leaderboard

· Carbon Disclosure Project

· Sustainable Plus Platinum

· Singapore Human Capital Summit

· World’s Most Ethical Companies

Any company that gets recognized with any of the above awards adds a lot of value to the company. The company gets recognized for their work and contribution to the society, which gets added as the brand value of the company. It also gives the company worldwide recognition and helps to build the USP of the company. Qualifying for sustainability awards is definitely one of the best things that can happen to the brand value and the standing of the company.

Get more information on: CSR in India & Sustainability Awards