ESG Audit

Independent Verification of ESG Performance and Disclosures

An ESG audit independently examines whether a company's reported ESG data and disclosures are accurate, complete, and prepared in accordance with the stated methodology and applicable reporting framework — giving management, the board, and external stakeholders confidence that ESG claims are substantiated, not just asserted.

We conduct independent ESG audits and readiness reviews, examining data collection processes, calculation methodologies, and disclosure statements against the applicable framework, and prepare companies for the assurance engagements now mandated under SEBI's BRSR Core requirements.

Our ESG Audit Services

Pre-Assurance Readiness Review

Testing ESG data and processes ahead of formal external assurance to identify and fix gaps in advance.

ESG Data Verification

Independently verifying underlying evidence supporting reported ESG metrics and disclosures.

Methodology & Boundary Review

Reviewing the calculation methodology, reporting boundary, and consistency of ESG metrics year-on-year.

Internal Control Assessment

Evaluating the design and operation of internal controls governing ESG data collection and reporting.

Value Chain Data Audit

Reviewing the reliability of ESG data obtained from suppliers and value chain partners.

Audit Findings & Remediation Plan

Providing a clear findings report and remediation roadmap ahead of the mandated assurance engagement.

What an ESG Audit Typically Examines

Whether reported data reconciles to underlying source documents such as utility bills, HR records, and supplier invoices
Whether the calculation methodology used is consistent with the disclosed framework and applied consistently across periods
Whether the reporting boundary (which entities, sites, and operations are included) is clearly defined and appropriate
Whether internal controls over ESG data collection are adequate to prevent errors or omissions
Whether assumptions, estimates, and emission factors used are reasonable and properly disclosed
Whether prior period disclosures have been restated correctly where methodology or boundary changes occurred

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an ESG audit and ESG assurance?

An ESG audit or readiness review is typically an internal or advisory exercise to test and improve ESG data and disclosures before external scrutiny, while ESG assurance is a formal, independent engagement conducted by an accredited assurance provider (often under SEBI's mandated reasonable assurance requirement for BRSR Core) that results in a signed assurance opinion or statement.

What level of assurance is required under BRSR Core?

SEBI has mandated reasonable assurance (a higher level than limited assurance) on BRSR Core disclosures for the specified top listed entities, in a phased manner, requiring assurance providers to obtain sufficient evidence to express a positive opinion on whether the disclosures are free from material misstatement.

Who can provide ESG assurance in India?

ESG assurance can be provided by chartered accountant firms and other accredited assurance providers recognised under applicable standards (such as those issued by ICAI or international assurance standards like ISAE 3000), and companies should verify the provider's accreditation and sector experience before appointment.

Why do an internal readiness review before the formal assurance engagement?

A readiness review identifies data gaps, methodology inconsistencies, and control weaknesses in advance, allowing the company to remediate issues before the formal, often more costly and time-pressured, external assurance engagement, reducing the risk of a qualified assurance opinion or last-minute scramble for evidence.

What happens if ESG data cannot be substantiated during assurance?

If underlying evidence for reported ESG data cannot be produced or reconciled, the assurance provider may qualify their opinion, note limitations in their assurance statement, or in serious cases decline to provide assurance on the specific metric, which can raise concerns among investors, lenders, and regulators reviewing the disclosure.

Get Assurance-Ready ESG Disclosures

From readiness reviews to methodology checks, we help you prepare ESG data that stands up to independent audit and assurance.

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