Environmental CSR Spending in India Reaches ₹17,377 Crore in 10 Years, Says Report

Corporate India's spending on environmental corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives reached ₹17,377 crore over the past 10 years, according to a report released by Sattva Consulting on July 20, 2026. The report, titled A Decade of Green Spending, found that environmental projects accounted for 8.4% of total CSR expenditure during the period.

While environmental CSR spending has recovered from pandemic-era lows, it continues to lag behind sectors such as health and education. The study also highlighted a concentration of spending among a relatively small number of large companies and identified a gap between funding allocation and areas facing the highest climate risks.

Environmental CSR Spending in India Over the Past Decade

According to the report, Indian companies spent ₹17,377 crore on environmental CSR initiatives during the last decade. This represents approximately 8.4% of overall CSR expenditure by corporates.

The report noted that environmental spending rebounded from a pandemic low of 4.4%, supported by increased focus on sustainability and climate-related issues. However, environmental projects continue to receive a smaller share of CSR funds compared to sectors such as health and education.

Climate Goals and Corporate CSR Contribution

The report stated that achieving the objectives of Viksit Bharat 2047 and India's Net Zero 2070 target could require investments of around $10 trillion in climate solutions. It added that environmental CSR spending remains modest when compared with the estimated $2.5 trillion required to meet India's nationally determined contributions by 2030.

According to the study, CSR capital offers companies an avenue to support climate resilience, sustainable development, and environmental protection initiatives. The findings underline the scale of investment needed to support India's long-term climate commitments.

Projects Where Environmental CSR Funds Are Being Spent

Based on an analysis of high-value projects worth more than ₹50 lakh during 2023-24, the report found that funding was concentrated in a limited number of categories. Water management accounted for 15% of high-value project spending, renewable energy represented 12%, and biodiversity-related initiatives contributed 11%.

Together, these 3 segments attracted 38% of the funding allocated to major environmental projects. In contrast, air quality initiatives received only ₹14 crore, accounting for 5% of the high-value project funding pool.

Large Companies Drive Environmental CSR Participation

The report found that only 22% of companies allocate CSR funds towards environmental initiatives. Participation increases significantly among larger firms and becomes nearly universal among the biggest corporate contributors.

Environmental CSR spending is heavily concentrated, with 68 companies accounting for more than 40% of total environmental CSR expenditure. Among the 4,792 largest companies analysed, European-headquartered multinational firms recorded the highest participation rate at about two-thirds, compared with 54% for Indian companies.

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Conclusion

The Sattva Consulting report highlights both the growth and concentration of environmental CSR spending in India. Companies spent ₹17,377 crore on environmental initiatives over the past decade, although the sector still trails health and education in CSR allocations.

Most funding has been directed towards water management, renewable energy, and biodiversity projects, while areas such as air quality received comparatively limited support. The report also found that environmental CSR activity remains driven by a relatively small group of large companies, despite increasing interest in sustainability-related initiatives.

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