Dr. Suraj Tandon,
Head-ESG,
EverEnviro Resource Management Private Limited ,
As the world faces mounting environmental challenges and calls for greater corporate responsibility, Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) professionals are becoming indispensable in guiding organisations toward sustainable futures. The integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles has moved from being a passing trend to an essential component of corporate strategy.
However, implementing effective ESG strategies requires more than just a top-down directive; it demands the expertise of EHS professionals who understand the intricacies of environmental impacts, workplace safety, and long-term sustainability.
Over the past few years, the role of ESG has evolved from a niche concept to a mainstream business priority. Investors, regulators, and consumers now expect companies to demonstrate tangible commitments to sustainability, ethical governance, and social responsibility.
According to a McKinsey report, businesses that prioritise sustainability are twice as likely to outperform their competitors in terms of financial returns. This shift in business thinking is not just about compliance; it’s about capitalising on opportunities for innovation, resilience, and long-term growth.
The importance of ESG has only intensified in the face of global environmental crises, such as climate change, resource scarcity, and biodiversity loss. Organisations are increasingly held accountable for their carbon footprints, waste generation, and social equity practices.
EHS professionals are at the heart of this transition, providing the knowledge and leadership needed to implement sustainable practices that help companies meet these evolving expectations.
At their core, EHS professionals are responsible for mitigating environmental impact, ensuring the health and safety of employees, and ensuring organisations comply with regulations. However, in the age of ESG, their role has expanded significantly. They are now instrumental in shaping the ESG agenda within their organisations, working closely with leadership teams to define sustainability objectives and translate them into actionable strategies.
One of the most significant contributions of EHS professionals is their expertise in risk management. Identifying environmental and social risks early on helps companies avoid costly fines and reputational damage.
For example, EHS experts are key to reducing emissions, optimising waste management, and promoting energy efficiency, all of which are critical components of a company’s ESG strategy. Their knowledge of environmental laws and regulations ensures that companies comply and stay ahead of the curve, anticipating upcoming changes and adapting accordingly.
Data-driven decisions are vital in today’s business world, and EHS professionals are increasingly relied upon to provide the insights that drive ESG strategies. Data collection and analysis have become integral to monitoring sustainability performance, from tracking carbon emissions to assessing water usage and waste management practices.
Studies like life cycle assessments (LCAs), Environment & Social Due Diligence and environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA) allow organisations to evaluate their entire supply chain, from raw materials to final product disposal and to get beter prepared for the environmental and Social risks.
Effective ESG reporting, backed by reliable data, ensures transparency and fosters trust among investors, customers, and other stakeholders. As companies face growing pressure to disclose their ESG practices, EHS professionals ensure that sustainability metrics are accurately reported. Their role in sustainability reporting — from carbon footprint calculations to health and safety records — is critical in demonstrating a company's commitment to its ESG and sustainability goals.
The implementation of a successful ESG strategy goes beyond the EHS department. As ESG considerations become more ingrained in business operations, EHS professionals must collaborate with other departments—such as finance, legal, marketing, and supply chain—to drive a cohesive sustainability agenda. They provide technical expertise in sustainable sourcing, green technologies, and carbon reduction strategies while working with other leaders to integrate these practices into the company’s core operations.
An example of successful cross-departmental collaboration is the growing use of green bonds and other financial instruments to fund sustainability initiatives. EHS professionals, working alongside the finance team, help ensure that sustainability projects are funded and executed with measurable outcomes. This synergy between departments is key to creating a robust and effective ESG strategy that extends from boardrooms to production floors.
The Path Ahead for EHS Professionals
The future of business lies in companies that can balance profitability with responsibility. EHS professionals are at the helm of this transformation, driving sustainable practices across industries. Their evolving role is about more than compliance; it’s about embedding sustainability into every aspect of business and creating long-term value through innovation.
As businesses face the challenges of climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality, EHS professionals will continue to be the leaders shaping the future of corporate responsibility.
With the growing importance of ESG, EHS professionals will increasingly be tasked with fostering corporate culture change, ensuring that sustainability is ingrained in the company’s DNA. This requires proactive leadership, deep technical knowledge, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes. By embracing this broader role, EHS professionals can lead organisations toward a more sustainable, equitable, and profitable future.
As the world accelerates towards a more sustainable future, the role of EHS professionals in shaping ESG strategies cannot be overstated. These experts help companies comply with environmental laws and improve safety and also play a critical role in advancing corporate sustainability initiatives.
By driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and ensuring transparency, EHS professionals are leading the charge in corporate sustainability and helping businesses realise the full potential of their ESG commitments.
The Journey Into Industry
Dr. Suraj Tandon is a distinguished EHS and Sustainability professional with over 14 years of expertise in ESG practices across major industrial hubs. Holding a Ph.D. and M.Tech in Environmental Sciences from Sambalpur University, Odisha he specializes in Reclamation and Remediation Technology.
As Head of ESG at EverEnviro Resource Management, he oversees India's largest Bio-CNG manufacturing operations generated by processing organic waste like Municipal Solid Waste, Press Mud & Paddy Straw. He is also overseeing other verticals of the organisation which includes Waste-to-Energy projects, Construction & Demolition projects along with Carbon Credit initiatives.
Previously, he held key roles at Sembcorp Energy and GMR Energy, driving sustainability and safety advancements in the Industrial hubs. Dr. Tandon has also served in renowned organizations like Jindal, Bhushan and Skipper Limited, earning accolades such as the Environmental Excellence Award from the Orissa State Pollution Control Board, Environment Best practices Award, Safety Sword of Honor and NSC Safety Shield award.
A published researcher, he also served as Guest Faculty in Orissa University of Agriculture & Technology. As an active member of Lions International, he remains dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability.
