Table of Contents
Founder’s Note
Harsha Saxena
This edition of the IICSR Sustainability Express brings together the optimism, urgency, and realism that define today’s sustainability journey. From spotlighting Made-in-India sustainability startups driving climate innovation, to honest boardroom conversations on leadership and accountability, this newsletter reflects where intent meets action. The dialogues remind us that sustainability leadership is built through courage, inclusion, and long-term thinking, while the comic section adds a light yet truthful lens on the startup ecosystem’s funding and bureaucracy challenges.
Alongside these insights, we continue our commitment to capacity building through upcoming programs and curated global career opportunities. I invite you to read this edition in full—to learn, reflect, and engage with ideas that are shaping responsible growth and the next generation of sustainability leaders.
— Harsha Saxena
Founder, IICSR & Lynera.ai
Blogs
Made in India: Sustainability Startups You Need to Know
Made in India Startups
India is fast emerging as a global hotspot for sustainability-led innovation, with startups tackling some of the country’s most pressing challenges—from plastic waste and air pollution to water scarcity and food loss. This blog highlights how Indian sustainability startups are combining technology, circular economy models, and social impact to drive real, measurable change.
Featuring powerful examples across agriculture, clean energy, pollution control, and cold-chain logistics, it shows why these ventures matter far beyond profits. With rising investor interest and strong alignment with India’s net-zero and SDG commitments, these startups are shaping the future of responsible growth. This is a must-read for anyone interested in climate action, green entrepreneurship, and India’s role in building a sustainable planet.
#SustainabilityStartups #MadeInIndia #GreenInnovation #ClimateAction #CircularEconomy #CleanTech #AgriTech #NetZeroIndia #SDGs #ImpactEntrepreneurship
Walking the Sustainability Talk: BMA & IICSR Dialogues Shape the Next Generation of Sustainability Leaders
BMA & IICSR Dialogues
The BMA & IICSR Sustainability Dialogues brought together board leaders, finance professionals, talent experts, and emerging practitioners for an impactful conversation on what it truly takes to lead sustainability today. From boardroom accountability and gender equity to finance-led sustainability and career pathways, the discussions moved beyond theory to real-world action.
Powerful insights, including reflections on women in leadership and global best practices like Patagonia, set the tone for authentic leadership. The evening also celebrated professionals awarded certificates across IICSR’s sustainability and ESG programs. Read the full article to explore the ideas, voices, and leadership shaping the next generation of sustainability change-makers.
Comic section
The founder’s rocket tries to take off amid applause, paperwork, and rejected funding stamps.
A playful reminder that encouragement is plenty, but capital and ease of doing business still need to catch up.
Upcoming Courses
IICSR Certified Net Zero Strategist (In-person) (January’26)
Duration: 22nd-24th January 2026
Time: Full day
Mode: In-person
Book your seat and avail early benefits by joining IICSR community with access to E-Library, Events, Job openings and more:
Book your seat: https://buy.stripe.com/3cIeVc4ed8xtg711Xrcs82c
(Note: The amount is included in the fees. For making full payment to get early access to the full course materials and to avail Achala scholarship (first 10 qualified applicants), please write to [email protected])
Masters in Net Zero (Online)
Weekends only
Duration: 14th Feb to 23rd August 2026
Time: 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Mode: Fully online
Book your seat and avail early benefits by joining IICSR community with access to E-Library, Events, Job openings and more:
Book your seat: https://buy.stripe.com/3cIeVc4ed8xtg711Xrcs82c
(Note: The amount is included in the fees. For making full payment to get early access to the full course materials and to avail Achala scholarship (first 10 qualified applicants), please write to [email protected])
Certified Digital Circular Innovation Expert
Wednesday’s only
Duration: 5th February to 11th March 2026
Time: 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Mode: Fully online
Book your seat and avail early benefits by joining IICSR community with access to E-Library, Events, Job openings and more:
Book your seat: https://buy.stripe.com/3cIeVc4ed8xtg711Xrcs82c
(Note: The amount is included in the fees. For making full payment to get early access to the full course materials and to avail Achala scholarship (first 10 qualified applicants), please write to [email protected])
Jobs
Each week, IICSR curates a selection of high-impact career opportunities from around the world in the fields of sustainability, ESG, CSR, and related domains. Explore these roles and take the next step in your professional journey by applying directly through the links provided.
India
Head of ESG & Impact Advisory – Corporate Sustainability Solutions (Remote)
Translate corporate ESG commitments into measurable SDG-aligned actions and strategies.
Leverage networks to secure corporate partnerships and drive sustainability initiatives.
Assistant Vice President - Corporate Sustainability & Responsibility – SMFG India Credit
Lead CSR programs, sustainability reporting, and stakeholder engagement for financial services.
Develop impact measurement frameworks aligned with ESG standards and regulations.
USA
ESG Reporting Specialist – Remote US Sustainability Firm
Prepare ESG disclosures, sustainability reports, and investor communications for US clients.
Analyze climate data and support carbon reduction strategy implementation.
Sustainability Impact Manager – Corporate Philanthropy (US)
Manage social impact programs, ESG metrics tracking, and community investment portfolios.
Coordinate cross-functional teams for sustainability goal achievement and reporting.
Europe
ESG Data Scientist – Global Asset Management (London)
Build analytics infrastructure for ESG insights and sustainable investment decisions.
Posted: 22 Dec 2025. Develop machine learning models for climate risk assessment.
ESG Risk Manager – Specialty Insurer (City of London)
Posted: 22 Dec 2025. Shape ESG risk frameworks for operational and climate risks.
Lead policy development compliant with EU sustainability directives and regulations.
Africa
Manager: Sustainability Risk Management – Landbank S.A (Centurion, South Africa)
Oversee ESG risk assessment, sustainability reporting, and compliance frameworks.
Drive sustainable finance initiatives and stakeholder engagement programs.
Specialist, Sustainability & Wellness – Standard Bank Group (Johannesburg)
Implement ESG wellness programs, impact measurement, and sustainability strategies.
Coordinate employee engagement and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
APAC
APAC Manager Sustainable Energy Solutions – Singapore
Lead renewable energy transition projects and sustainability policy implementation.
Drive ESG compliance and energy-efficient technology adoption across APAC.
Sustainability Intern – Japfa Pte Ltd (Singapore)
Analyze ESG rating reports and develop sustainability strategies/value propositions.
Support transition programs and corporate sustainability reporting efforts.
About IICSR
The International Institute of Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility (IICSR) is a globally recognized institution dedicated to advancing Sustainability, CSR, ESG, and Responsible Business Practices through education, research, and training. With 10+ years of impact, IICSR has empowered professionals worldwide via academic programs, corporate trainings, global dialogues, and policy-driven research, in collaboration with corporates, governments, and universities.
Accreditations & Partnerships
Accredited by EAHEA (Europe), ACT (USA) and MEPSC (Govt. of India)
Programs aligned with NSQF standards
Academic credit transfer partnership with Menlo College, Silicon Valley
Offerings
Accredited diploma and master-level courses
Enterprise trainings and certifications
Research, publications, and sustainability tools
Global events and dialogues with changemakers
Lynera.ai: AI- and blockchain-powered learning platform
At IICSR, the mission is clear: to create purpose-driven leaders and enable organizations to embed sustainability at their core.