International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Professor Neha Wankhede, Dr. Namrata Deshmukh
Abstract: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations have become very important in the Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) sector as investors place greater emphasis on sustainability, transparency, and long-term value creation. Despite the growing adoption of ESG reporting frameworks, significant inconsistencies persist in how REITs measure, disclose, and standardize ESG information, limiting comparability and investor confidence. This study examines the processes, frameworks, and challenges associated with ESG reporting and standardization in the REIT sector. Using a descriptive research design based on secondary data, the study reviews academic literature, regulatory guidelines, global ESG frameworks, and ESG disclosures of selected Indian REITs, including Mindspace Business Parks REIT, Brookfield India REIT, and Embassy Office Parks REIT. The findings shows that while structured governance frameworks and clear ESG policies improve reporting consistency at the firm level, the absence of uniform, REIT-specific ESG standards remains a key challenge. The study point outs the need for stronger standardization, improved regulatory guidance, and sector-specific disclosure norms to enhance transparency, reduce greenwashing risks, and support informed investor decision-making in the REIT market.
