In our recent ESG conversation series, we had the privilege of interviewing Nishtha Gupta a visionary leader in sustainability with over 15 years of dedicated experience. She has played a pivotal role in guiding organizations through her Sustainability transformations, ESG journeys, and the adoption of Product Stewardship, Biodiversity Management, Responsible Sourcing, Carbon Neutrality, and Circular Economy Principles. As the Head of Sustainability and ESG at Suzlon Group, she has significantly influenced both her organization and various domestic and international clients through expertise in sustainability implementation support, monitoring, and technical workshops.
Her contributions extend beyond Suzlon Group. She has served as Chair of the ESG Committee for the TIC Council in Brussels and has been an integral member of technical committees shaping ESG regulations. Her remarkable work in sustainability has earned her recognition and accolades, highlighting her impact on society as a whole. Her career spans diverse sectors such as Power Plants, Mining, Renewable Projects, Cement, Infrastructure, Hospitality, Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ), and Consumer Products, showcasing her versatility and breadth of expertise. This interview delves into her insights on sustainability, experiences, and vision for a greener future, providing a comprehensive look at her remarkable contributions to the field.
Can you share with us your journey in the field of sustainability and ESG, and what have been the most significant milestones in your 15-year career?
I am working towards helping organizations for the past 15 years for Sustainability transformation. Presently, I am working as Head-Sustainability and ESG at Suzlon Group. After pursuing M.Sc in Water Resources Management from TERI University, India I have worked in Industry, Consulting as well with Private Equity firm for Sustainability implementation across entire lifecycle of products and services. The most significant milestone I have experience is the way definition of Sustainability changes in the last 15 years and most importantly in last 5 years wherein it became “Business Imperative”.
I have worked for advisory and handholding support and capacity building for organizations, industrial conglomerates and investors. Having played instrumental role on driving sustainability excellence at organizational level and that for suppliers; I was involved in driving practical solution-oriented approach for Net Zero and Circularity has been admired by peers, clients and PSUs.
How would you describe your leadership style, and what strategies do you use to foster a culture of sustainability?
Having strong belief in “Walk the Talk”, I work towards providing support in using Sustainability as a strategic tool to focus on business excellence, risk management, benchmarking performance with peers and delivering an impact on environment, economy and society.
Dedicated and focussed towards action-driven outcomes which are measurable; I have been involved in driving Sustainability at my own organizations wherein I have worked for in the past and providing guidance to various domestic and international clients for Sustainability implementation support, monitoring and technical workshops. Some of the most significant contributions include working as Chair-ESG Committee, TIC Council (based in Brussels, Belgium) and TC member for BIS WG for preparation of ESG Re. Due to her significant contributions in shaping society as a whole, she has received many awards and accolades which also include most prestigious title of “National Excellence Award for Sustainability Professional, 2024”, “Sustainability Leader of the Year, 2023” and “Most Impactful Sustainability Leader, 2023”.
With your extensive experience across various sectors like Solar, Wind, Biomass, and more, what are the unique sustainability challenges and opportunities you’ve observed in these industries?
The most significant challenge is beginning a Sustainability journey itself as we need to realize that it has become vital for our business and a topic must for discussion at Board room in every organization. It cannot be put on halt and it’s an ever growing journey with advanced levels and maturity to be achieved. The other challenges emerging and are sector agnostic includes Product Stewardship, Biodiversity Management, Responsible Sourcing, Circular Economy Principles and Achieving Net Zero.
How do you see the future of renewable energy evolving in India, and what role do you think Suzlon Group will play in this transition, especially with technological innovations advancing ESG practices?
We at Suzlon are enablers in decarbonisation journey for several organizations. Being in renewable industry contributing ~20.7 GW of wind energy in 17 countries across six continents reducing more than ~53.11 million tonnes of CO2 emissions every year; we are not just working for strengthening our performance but also supporting numerous organizations in their carbon reduction strategy and achieving decarbonisation. With technological innovations and R&D, we are aiming to contribute effectively towards resource efficiency, and circularity which at present is a real challenge across the globe.
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