The inaugural edition of our Sustainability Report 2023-24 marks a significant milestone in our journey towards integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into our core business operations. This comprehensive report details our initiatives to reduce environmental impact, enhance our people experiences, and contribute to society. From reducing emissions to pioneering CSR initiatives, it highlights our progress, challenges, and aspirations as we contribute to building a sustainable and Vibrant Bharat.

The report has been developed with reference to the ‘GRI Standards’ for sustainability reporting and is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and United Nations Women Empowerment Programme (UNWEP). It covers the reporting period 01 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.

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Shaping a sustainable and Vibrant Bharat

As a professional services firm, our core endeavour is to provide exceptional service and insights that drive our clients’ success and our employees’ wellbeing. This involves a deep commitment to integrity, innovation, and excellence in every engagement. Our role extends beyond mere advisory - we are partners in our clients’ growth, helping them navigate complexities and seize opportunities.

Our values encompass the benefits and positive impact generated through our actions and decisions. It is about creating meaningful outcomes that resonate on multiple economic, social, and environmental levels. It goes beyond traditional financial metrics and involves uplifting people, safeguarding the planet, and driving sustainable financial outcomes. This holistic approach to value creation aligns with our endeavour to shape a sustainable and Vibrant Bharat.

Our purpose of shaping Vibrant Bharat means

Pioneering ESG practices

On our journey towards shaping a sustainable and Vibrant Bharat, we are committed to integrating ESG principles into our core business operations and client engagements. We pioneer innovative solutions to complex sustainability challenges, empowering organisations to build a sustainable future. We focus on fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment, driving sustainable practices that protect and enhance our environment, and delivering financial results that contribute to the prosperity of our clients and communities. By embedding sustainability into our core journey, we are elevating our Firm's impact and setting a standard for value-driven transformation across the industry and the country.

The imperative to contribute to a healthier planet has never been more pressing than in today’s rapidly evolving world. We guide businesses and governments to adopt sustainable practices, reducing carbon footprints, and implementing innovative solutions, helping them to navigate the complexities of environmental regulations and nurture a culture of sustainability essential for the wellbeing of our planet. 

At Grant Thornton Bharat, we exemplify this commitment to environmental sustainability. By implementing energy-efficient technologies, optimising our resources, and promoting a culture of sustainability within the organisation. Our multifarious initiatives include reducing waste generation, optimising energy consumption across our offices, and encouraging remote work to minimise carbon emissions. 

We have set an ambitious commitment of achieving net zero emissions and contributing to a sustainable future by 2030. This initiative aims to substantially impact our carbon footprint by implementing a comprehensive strategy focused on enhancing energy efficiency and promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources. We strive to achieve these objectives by 2030, ensuring we contribute to environmental sustainability in a positive way.

Our Firm prioritises employee wellbeing, equal opportunities, and continuous learning. Our people-first approach is driven by various initiatives to attract, retain, and develop talent while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. From dynamic Diversity Equity & Inclusion programmes to comprehensive health and wellbeing benefits, we invest in every individual’s personal and professional growth.

At the heart of our Firm lies a strong commitment to community welfare. While we focus on achieving business objectives, we remain equally mindful of our responsibility to contribute positively to society and uplift those around us. During FY23-24, we formally released our CSR policy, which outlines our agenda, motivation, focus, governance structure, and the frameworks for monitoring, evaluation, and reporting. We initiated pan-location book distribution drives to empower education in the LGBTQ community, organised clothes donation drives to assist underserved groups and conducted awareness sessions on water conservation to promote environmental sustainability.

Our Firm’s governance structure ensures transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability in all decision-making processes, which aligns with our commitment to sustainable growth and integrity. Our governance framework addresses strategic direction, operational oversight, and measures to maintain ethical standards and competence across the Firm. The Firm is also deeply committed to upholding its reputation and operational integrity through proactive monitoring and rigorous compliance practices.

The Firm employs a comprehensive approach to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of its grievance mechanisms and remediation processes, ensuring they meet the needs and expectations of stakeholders. Key elements include regular digital open house sessions with the CEO, where employees can directly voice concerns or seek clarification in an open, transparent environment. Additionally, the Firm’s Whistleblower Policy offers a formal, confidential channel for reporting unethical conduct or violations of Firm policy. This policy is essential for promoting accountability, and its effectiveness is enhanced through regular reviews and updates to keep it in line with best practices.

Roadmap for a sustainable future

By strengthening our ESG roots, we contribute to a better world and fortify our business' resilience and longevity in an ever-changing global landscape.

Our vision for sustainability is to lead by example in the professional services industry by continuously working on our ESG efforts. In the coming years, we aim to deepen our sustainability impact by setting measurable targets for reducing our carbon footprint, enhancing diversity and inclusion, and expanding our community engagement initiatives. 

Read this report to learn how we are building an organisation that catalyses positive change within the industry and among our clients, supporting their sustainability goals through innovative solutions and responsible advisory practices.

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Grant Thornton Bharat sustainability report 2023-24
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Grant Thornton Bharat sustainability report 2023-24

Shaping a sustainable and Vibrant Bharat through value creation

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