In today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles are no longer just buzzwords; they are essential pillars that guide sustainable development across all sectors. For NGOs like Tisser, which are deeply committed to social impact and environmental stewardship, integrating ESG into our core operations is not just a responsibility—it’s an opportunity to drive lasting change.
Understanding ESG: What Does It Mean?
Environmental criteria consider how an organization interacts with the environment. This includes how it manages waste, its carbon footprint, and its efforts to conserve natural resources. For Tisser, this means ensuring that our operations—from sourcing raw materials to producing handicrafts—are as eco-friendly as possible.
Social criteria examine how an organization manages relationships with employees, suppliers, communities, and stakeholders. At Tisser, we place a strong emphasis on the social dimension by empowering local artisans, particularly women, through training, fair wages, and creating opportunities for economic independence.
Governance involves the internal system of practices, controls, and procedures an organization adopts to govern itself, make effective decisions, and comply with laws. Good governance at Tisser means transparency in our operations, ethical business practices, and ensuring that our mission aligns with our day-to-day activities.
Why ESG Matters for NGOs
NGOs, by nature, are at the forefront of addressing societal challenges. However, the impact of these efforts can be significantly amplified by embedding ESG principles into their operations.
Enhanced Credibility and Trust: As stakeholders become increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability, NGOs that adhere to ESG principles are seen as more credible and trustworthy. This, in turn, can attract more supporters, donors, and partners.
Long-term Sustainability: By focusing on environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and sound governance, NGOs can ensure their projects and initiatives are sustainable in the long run. This not only benefits the communities they serve but also ensures the longevity of the organization itself.
Attracting Partnerships: Corporates and institutions are increasingly looking to collaborate with organizations that have a clear ESG strategy. For Tisser, aligning with ESG principles opens doors to partnerships with like-minded organizations that share our commitment to creating positive change.
Tisser's Commitment to ESG
At Tisser, we are deeply committed to integrating ESG principles into every aspect of our work. Our initiatives are designed to not only preserve the rich heritage of rural craftsmanship but also to promote sustainable development and empower marginalized communities.
Environmental Stewardship: We are actively involved in projects that reduce environmental impact, such as our circular economy initiatives in the textile value chain. By upcycling and recycling post-consumer textile waste, we contribute to reducing waste and conserving resources.
Social Impact: Tisser’s focus on social impact is evident in our collaborations with women artisans across India. We provide them with the tools, training, and market access needed to build sustainable livelihoods, fostering socio-economic growth in rural areas.
Governance and Transparency: We ensure that our operations are governed by ethical practices, transparency, and accountability. This commitment to good governance strengthens our relationships with stakeholders and ensures that we remain true to our mission.
The Road Ahead
As we move forward, Tisser remains committed to enhancing our ESG efforts. We believe that by embedding these principles into our operations, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future for the communities we serve. Through our continued focus on environmental stewardship, social impact, and sound governance, Tisser aims to be a leader in sustainable development within the NGO sector.
