Environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles are increasingly reshaping the business landscape, and India is no exception. Between 2019 and 2023, ESG-related jobs grew by more than 223%, marking a significant shift toward sustainable business practices. Sustainability-related positions continue to be among the fastest-growing jobs, according to LinkedIn. For example, in the United States, positions such as Environmental Health and Safety Manager and Sustainability Analyst are among the top 10 fastest growing jobs. This shift is driven by global climate concerns, consumer demand for ethical operations and stricter government regulations.

The growing importance of ESG can be attributed to the fact that it serves as a holistic framework that evaluates a company’s environmental impact, social responsibilities and corporate governance. In India, companies are increasingly prioritizing sustainability in their operations to align with global environmental goals.

The government’s focus on reducing emissions and promoting renewable energy further strengthens ESG initiatives. Today, businesses are investing heavily in sustainable practices. This is evident from the rapid increase in demand for professionals who can help businesses align with ESG goals, such as reducing carbon footprint, improving waste management and ensuring ethical work practices.

Professional paths to explore in ESG

The ESG sector in India offers various career opportunities across sectors which were explained by Pratham Barot, CEO and Co-Founder, Zell Education. Some of the key roles include:

• Sustainable development manager: These professionals are responsible for creating and managing sustainability programs within organizations. They ensure compliance with environmental regulations and help reduce the company’s environmental impact.

• ESG Analyst: An ESG analyst evaluates companies’ sustainability efforts and prepares reports for investors seeking responsible investments. Their work helps determine a company’s long-term environmental and financial sustainability.

• Specialist in governance and compliance: These professionals ensure that companies comply with ESG-related regulations. Their role is crucial in helping businesses meet legal standards while maintaining ethical practices.

• Sustainable finance professional: Creating a sustainable future requires an “all hands on deck” approach and finance plays a vital role. It is a function that plays a key role in funding and raising awareness of sustainability issues. While there is no single formula to prepare you for a sustainable finance profession, degrees in finance, environmental science, or similar subjects can provide the framework needed to succeed in the sustainability field .
• Specialist in ESG reporting and compliance: A specialist in this role ensures that organizations meet environmental, social and governance standards. They prepare ESG reports, ensure regulatory compliance, manage ESG-related risks and engage with stakeholders to improve transparency and accountability. Currently, ESG reporting frameworks are not harmonized with many national/international frameworks. This role therefore fills these gaps quite urgently.
• Impact investment analyst: An impact analyst, from an ESG perspective, evaluates investments based on their social and environmental impact as well as financial returns. They carry out due diligence, monitor ESG performance and communicate the results to stakeholders. This role requires strong analytical skills and knowledge of ESG criteria.

The sector also attracts professionals with backgrounds in law, finance, environmental science and public policy. The growth in ESG-related jobs has led to competitive salaries, with entry-level positions starting around Rs 4.5 lakh per year, and experienced professionals, especially in management positions, earning between Rs 12 and 30 lakh.

Training Requirements and Skills

Professionals entering the ESG field must be knowledgeable in various fields such as environmental science, economics, finance, and policymaking. The growing demand for ESG talent is leading to reskilling programs, allowing professionals from diverse backgrounds to transition into this field. Key skills include sustainability reporting, quantitative analysis and a strong understanding of financial markets.

The current shift towards sustainability is prompting Indian companies to actively seek out people with these skills, especially as ESG becomes central to corporate strategy and investor priorities.

The Road Ahead for ESG in India

The rapid growth of ESG-related jobs reflects a broader global shift toward responsible business practices. As India continues to promote green policies, such as those encouraging renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, the demand for ESG professionals is expected to increase further. Additionally, India’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2070 will undoubtedly continue to fuel job creation in this area. The ESG sector offers long-term career opportunities for professionals who are passionate about sustainability and corporate responsibility.

The job market for ESG professionals in India is not only thriving but also evolving, offering a promising future for those seeking meaningful careers that contribute to both environmental protection and business success.