Environmental and Social Risk Assessment and Management Systems
Requires that every project/investment must implement an ESMS according to NIIF’s SRI Framework to manage environmental and social risks. This system should be integrated at an appropriate level within the organisation’s hierarchy.
Environmental Risks and Management
Mandates that projects/investments must identify, assess, and manage environmental risks and impacts, aiming to reduce them to As Low as Reasonably Practicable (ALARP). This includes considerations like resource efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, waste management, biodiversity impacts, and more.
Human Resources Management
Involves managing human resources throughout the investment lifecycle, ensuring compliance with labour laws and standards, and providing safe and fair working conditions. It covers aspects such as employment practices, non-discrimination, grievance mechanisms, and extending these practices to the supply chain.
Social Risks and Management
Requires that projects/investments address social risks and impacts, such as land acquisition, displacement of people, effects on vulnerable groups, and cultural resources. It also emphasises compliance with national and international standards and calls for meaningful engagement with affected parties and stakeholders.
Governance of E&S Risks and Management
States that strong governance structures are essential to support effective ESG Policy oversight and implementation. This includes resource allocation, supervision, monitoring, reporting, training, and ensuring gender inclusivity. Governance must also address grievance mechanisms, including ethics, human rights violations, and modern slavery, among other issues.
NIIF’s Sustainability and Responsible Investing (SRI) Policy, as endorsed by the Board in October 2025, came into effect on October 29, 2025. It will apply to all future investments and projects and does not apply retrospectively
NueGo, GreenCell Mobility’s electric intercity bus brand, undertook India’s first all-electric bus journey from Kashmir to Kanyakumari in October 2024, covering 4,039 km across 11 states and over 200 cities. The expedition demonstrated the viability of electric mobility across diverse terrains— from the Himalayan foothills to the southern coastline.
Flagged off by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in Nagpur, the journey was recognised by both the Asia Book of Records and the India Book of Records as the longest electric bus expedition.
This initiative demonstrated the operational reliability and long-distance performance of electric public transport, helping build confidence in the scalability of clean-mobility solutions.
GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL) has received LEED Platinum Precertification under the LEED v4 BD+C rating system, recognising its application of green building principles such as energy-efficient systems, water conservation, sustainable site planning, and enhanced indoor environmental quality. Administered by the U.S. Green Building Council, the precertification affirms GVIAL’s alignment with global sustainability standards and its potential to achieve full LEED Platinum certification once complete.
Facing with severe water stress in Zaheerabad, Mahindra & Mahindra partnered with ICRISAT and the Groundwater Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh, to devise a long-term water resilience strategy. The plan combined rainwater harvesting, recharge pits, check dams, and treated wastewater reuse to systematically replenish underground aquifers. Over two decades, this integrated watershed development raised the water table from a critical depth of 137 metres to a far more accessible 18 metres- a substantial recovery of nearly 120 metres. Agricultural productivity also improved significantly, with crop yields rising between 15–40% as groundwater became more readily available.
In Bengaluru’s innovation corridor, QpiAI, a YourNest Fund III portfolio company, is advancing the convergence of artificial intelligence and quantum computing to address complex challenges in supply-chain optimisation, drug discovery and smart city development.
As one of the participants in India’s National Quantum Mission, QpiAI is building the country’s first fully homegrown 25-qubit quantum computer, supported by AI-driven control systems and hybrid software platforms. Its industry-specific solutions, such as QpiAI Pharma for molecular modelling and QpiAI Logistics for supply chain optimisation, are already showing real-world impact. With 11 patent filings and projects such as the Amaravati Quantum Valley, QpiAI is positioning India to move towards quantum technologies.
As part of AJUHI’s sustainability mission, Athaang has implemented Cement Grouted Bituminous Mix (CGBM) technology to enhance the durability and riding quality of the main carriageway. Developed in collaboration with scientists from the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), this road construction technique leads to a significant improvement in performance, sustainability, and cost efficiency.
The adoption of CGBM has reduced resource consumption, minimising the use of bitumen and enhancing resilience against extreme weather events. Improved road conditions have led to safer and more comfortable commutes, reducing accident risks and enhancing user experience. Furthermore, the development and implementation of CGBM technology in collaboration with CRRI demonstrates a commitment to global best practices, regulatory compliance, and scientifically backed innovation
NIIF holds an annual ESG summit to bring together professionals from across India’s growing ESG community. NIIF’s third summit was held in New Delhi in February 2025, with 90+ professionals coming together to discuss how responsible investing will shape India’s growth story.
The objective of NIIF’s ESG Summit is to facilitate cross platform learning, foster a collaborative spirit and collectively address challenges and opportunities.
Through this summit, NIIF aims to spark meaningful conversations on key issues in this field, including ESG integration, climate risk assessment, capacity building and sustainability.
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