Mumbai, 06 February 2025: The latest instalment of ACCA’s sustainability reporting series is Sustainability Reporting: Risk and Materiality, which takes a practical approach to helping businesses determine material information for sustainability reporting.

Author Aaron Saw, head of corporate reporting insights – financial, at ACCA said: ‘Many organisations have siloed management and reporting of financial and sustainability-related matters. As a result, they don’t realise they already have access to insights they need for reporting. To streamline cost and effort and to produce connected information, it makes sense to leverage existing risk-management processes to identify and manage sustainability-related risks and opportunities.’

The article sets out three steps to determine material information to be disclosed:

1. Identify the organisation’s sustainability-related risks and opportunities (SRROs)
2. Assess whether SRROs could affect the organisation’s prospects
3. Determine material information for disclosure

Each step is supplemented with illustrative, anonymised real-life examples to inspire our community of accountants, finance and business professionals to learn, adapt and improve their approaches to identifying and communicating risks and opportunities.

Given the severe operational disruptions that weather-related events are causing many businesses, the examples featured are biased towards climate-related risk. Small and medium sized entities (SMEs) also feature in the examples to demonstrate how smaller organisations approach reporting.

The article emphasises the importance for organisations to take a holistic approach in creating and communicating material information about their SRROs and recommends all organisations to:

• allocate resources to start identifying SRROs arising from the resources and relationships in the value chains on which they depend and those that their activities would affect
• provide the most relevant sustainability-related information they can and continue to improve the reporting process over future reporting cycles
• use knowledge and expertise gained in determining material information in one reporting cycle to improve the communication of material information in the following cycle.

Aaron Saw concludes: ‘We encourage everyone to work collaboratively with peers in the same industry, or within the same value chain. In this way we can further refine the approach to identifying SRROs, manage the risks or realise identified opportunities, and measure the relevant metrics and provide better information to support decision-making.’

New Delhi, 6th February 2025: As FlowerAura marks 14 years of spreading love, the brand is set to redefine Valentine’s Day celebrations with its latest digital video campaign (DVC). The brand film is a playful yet heartfelt reminder that love doesn’t always need grand gestures; sometimes, the simplest acts, like gifting flowers, make the deepest impact. With a blend of humour, fun and sentiment, FlowerAura encourages men to embrace thoughtful expression, proving that flowers remain the most timeless way to convey love.

The brand film captures everyday moments where men find it challenging to express their feelings, showcasing how a simple bouquet can turn an ordinary moment into something extraordinary. Whether it’s bringing a smile to a loved one’s face or adding a spark to relationships, FlowerAura ensures that love is celebrated and beautifully delivered.

Speaking about the brand film, Shrey Sehgal, Co-founder, FlowerAura, said, “At FlowerAura, we believe that love is best expressed through meaningful gestures. Our Ad film is a way of encouraging men to embrace the beauty of small yet impactful expressions of love. Flowers have an innate charm that words sometimes cannot capture, and through this campaign, we aim to help you earn some extra aura points this Valentine’s Day and make it truly special.”

As India’s leading online gifting brand, FlowerAura continues to bring out campaigns with which the younger audience can relate and resonate, reinforcing its promise of making gifting more meaningful. This Valentine’s Day, FlowerAura invites everyone to celebrate love in its simplest yet most profound form—one flower at a time.

On the day of love this year, make it truly meaningful and exciting with your Valentine! Choose a destination where you both can immerse yourselves in nature’s purest beauty , bond over adventures, indulge in premium hospitality and find your own rhythm in an enchanting world away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Skyview by Empyrean, a 22-acre mountain harbour located in Jammu’s Patnitop-Sanget valley is the perfect Valentine’s Day getaway offering all this and much more against the backdrop of the most romantic setting!

Here’s why you need to surprise your partner with a stay at this premium property:

Views To Take Your Breath Away
Imagine waking up to the sight of mist-kissed Pir Panjal mountains and lush, verdant valleys- all from the comfort and warmth of your elegantly designed yet cosy suite! Skyview by Empyrean offers the perfect blend of luxurious opulence and nature’s simplicity. Snuggle up, unwind, and let the magic of the hills take over.

Culinary Excellence at the Banana Leaf
What is romance without food for the soul? After all, a heart full of love needs fuel, right? At the in-house Banana Leaf restaurant, you’ll be treated to a feast you won’t forget.. Enjoy the lovingly curated menu featuring exquisite regional and global flavours Let the ambiance, flavours, and warmth of hospitality create the perfect setting for your special moments, turning your dining experience into a cherished memory that lasts forever.

A Special Package, Packed with Love
Want to sweep your partner off their feet? The luxurious property’s exclusive Valentine’s Day package offers everything you can dream of, for an unforgettable celebration! Enjoy a 1-night stay in a room of your choice on 14th and 15th February 25, wake up to a delightful breakfast for two, indulge in a private barbecue dinner under the stars. A decadent cake and a non-alcoholic sparkling beverage add a touch of sweetness to your evening, while heart-shaped balloon decorations create the perfect romantic ambiance. Complete your experience with a scenic return Gondola ride – all starting at just ₹12,999! Did your heart just skip a beat?

Adventures For the Daring Duo
For fun-loving, adventurous couples who crave excitement, the mountain harbour offers an adrenaline-packed lineup of activities to choose from! Race each other in archery challenges , speed through thrilling ATV rides, glide down the magic carpet, or take on Asia’s longest zig-zag zipline. Elevate your experience with India’s highest Gondola ride (in terms of ground clearance). Ramp up the thrill factor with each activity you tick off and create memories that will last a lifetime!

A Local touch
Who doesn’t love receiving gifts, especially something handmade with love ? Treat your partner to a shopping spree at Hands of Gold, Skyview’s very own artisanal boutique store where you’ll find beautifully handcrafted souvenirs. From exquisite pashmina shawls and Kashmiri saffron to organic Himalayan honey, there’s plenty to explore and take home for your loved ones too!

This Valentine’s, leave a piece of your heart at Skyview and carry back priceless memories of your time spent amidst the charm and beauty of the mountains!

New Delhi, February 6, 2025: Magicbricks, India’s leading real estate platform, has revealed significant growth in residential demand and supply across key areas in the National Capital Region (NCR), particularly in locations near IT parks, industrial zones, and commercial hubs. These strategically located regions, benefiting from superior connectivity and infrastructure development, are attracting homebuyers and investors alike.

According to the latest insights, Techzone 4, Greater Noida has recorded a remarkable 449% Year-on-year (YoY) increase in supply, while Sector 89, New Gurugram has reported a 300% YoY growth in residential supply during Q4 2024 (October–December 2024). Other promising investment destinations include Yamuna Expressway (Noida), Sector 68 (Gurugram), and Sector 1 (Greater Noida West), all of which are gaining traction due to their proximity to employment hubs.

Modern homebuyers are increasingly prioritizing projects that reduce commute times and enhance work-life balance. This preference has driven demand in areas such as Sector 93 (Gurugram), Sector 79 (New Gurugram), and Sector 150 (Noida-Greater Noida Expressway), which have witnessed a 10% rise in residential demand over the past year. Similarly, Techzone 4 (Greater Noida) and Yamuna Expressway (Noida) have experienced a 9% increase in demand during the same period.

These areas are also a promising destination for investments as they are experiencing capital appreciation. In the past one year, residential prices in Yamuna Expressway (Noida) have increased by 50%, while Sector 79 (New Gurugram) has observed capital appreciation of 43%. Sector 37C and Sector 68 (Gurugram) have also experienced 39% and 36% capital appreciation respectively in the past one year.

In terms of specific projects, Ashiana Amarah has emerged as the most searched project in Sector 93, Gurugram on Magicbricks platform due to its proximity to Cyber City, Udyog Vihar, and Golf Course Extension Road. Around Yamuna Expressway, Oasis Grandstand is most searched, largely due to its strategic location near upcoming IT and industrial zones. Similarly, CRC Joyous (Techzone 4, Greater Noida) and ACE Parkway (Sector 150, Noida) are most searched in their respective areas due to their connectivity with Noida’s IT hubs.

These trends underscore NCR’s evolving real estate landscape, with developers focusing on strategic locations that combine lifestyle convenience with robust infrastructure, ensuring strong returns for both end-users and investors.

6th Feb 2025: People are moving just outside India’s two major population centres of Delhi and Mumbai, pushing up house prices upwards in the process.

The research comes from eXp Realty India, which analysed annual property growth across 50 regions of India, and found that in five regions prices have risen by double digits since the start of last year.

Gurugram near Delhi was the fastest growing region of India in 2024, where prices increased by a staggering 16.5% since Q1 of last year. They far outstripped price growth in Delhi itself, which stood at just 1.1% over the same period.

It’s similar to Navi Mumbai, a planned city next to Mumbai, which is the second fastest growing city in all of India, at 14.7%. Mumbai itself has only seen prices rise by 2.0%.

Prices filter out from Mumbai

Prices in Mumbai are roughly double its Navi Mumbai counterpart, at 26,364 rupees per square feet versus 13,808, so it’s more affordable for people to buy in the latter area.

The cost of property broadly reduces as you venture further from Mumbai, as the second highest price in India is in nearby Thane (18,008), followed by Navi Mumbai (13,808).

Other regions close to Mumbai, like Mira Bhayander (13,753), Panvel (12,591) and Kalyan Dombivali (10,042) also have far lower house prices than Mumbai.

Gurugram pricier than Delhi

The situation is different when it comes to Delhi, as the neighbouring Gurugram is more expensive, at 13,808 rupees per square feet, compared to 10,187 in Delhi.

Gurugram is oustripping Delhi due to its growing status as a major corporate and financial hub, attracting a large number of multinational companies as well as high-income earners.

New Delhi, 6th January, 2025 – Today, Space Matrix announced its commitment to joining the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) membership program as a Cornerstone member. Space Matrix joins like-minded companies from across the globe that are committed to enhancing buildings and communities to help people thrive.

The membership program at IWBI convenes, celebrates, and fosters collaboration with companies and organizations who are leading the movement to advance human health in buildings and communities around the world. This dynamic framework allows Space Matrix to tap into IWBI’s expansive resources and knowledge and demonstrates Space Matrix’s alignment with IWBI’s mission.

“Joining the IWBI membership program as a Cornerstone member signifies our unwavering commitment to our people and the Space Matric community. This program strengthens our resolve to integrate health and well-being at the core of our design solutions, driving us to deliver spaces that not only inspire productivity but also nurture the well-being of those who use them,” said Arsh Chaudhry, CEO of Space Matrix.

“The IWBI membership community’s steady growth complements a growing global commitment to people-first places,” said Rachel Hodgdon, president & CEO of IWBI. “Health and well-being are investments that we know pay dividends in times of struggle and of success. We’re excited and humbled to work alongside these global leaders to advance this movement toward a better and healthier future for everyone, everywhere.”

As a Cornerstone member, Space Matrix will leverage IWBI’s programs to enhance its design approach and integrate WELL principles into its projects worldwide. This membership will enable Space Matrix to access IWBI’s comprehensive resources, collaborate with global thought leaders, and further its mission to create people-first spaces that contribute to healthier and more sustainable communities.

Space Matrix has certified over 2.1 million square feet of projects for WELL Certification and employs over four WELL AP accredited professionals. Further demonstrating its leadership in the field, Space Matrix recently signed the International Healthy Building Accord at the IWBI RECHARGE Summit 2024 in Bangalore, India. Notable achievements include the Space Matrix Gurugram Office (Beta Lab) Platinum WELL certification and precertification of Space Matrix Bangalore, Chennai offices, a testament to the company’s commitment to creating healthier, people-first workplaces.

Mumbai, 6th February, 2025 – Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today released the third edition of its consumer survey in a white paper titled Evolving home energy consumption: Intentions, actions and hurdles to greater home energy efficiency. It surveyed 13,000 people from 11 countries across the world, with 1,000 respondents from India, uncovering global attitudes toward household energy efficiency, sustainability and smart home technology.

Gap between awareness and action

Home energy consumption is the main driver of home emissions and has increased steadily over recent years with the spread of energy-consuming devices and appliances. This trend, coupled with skyrocketing energy costs and dramatic real-life impacts of climate change, has driven awareness of home energy consumption.

Given this, the report focuses on behaviors, barriers and readiness to adopt energy-saving solutions. Notably, this year’s results highlight a wide gap between awareness and action. 82% of respondents consider energy efficiency “somewhat important” or “very important,” whilst 84% said energy efficiency is the top desired home improvement, and 70% responded that reducing their carbon footprint is ‘important’ to them.

However, only a few are taking the most impactful actions to reduce their energy consumption; just 44% regularly adjust their ambient temperatures, despite this being one of the highest-impact actions. At the same time, 58% of homeowners turn off lights as their primary strategy for saving energy, while lighting only comprising around 5% of electricity bills. The second-most popular method, unplugging unused chargers (48%), also has minimal impact — saving only $0.26 per charger annually.

Home energy technology

The report reveals another overemphasis on lighting when it comes to the types of home energy technology consumers have in their homes, with 52% of consumers believing that smart lighting enhances energy efficiency. While 24% own smart lighting, only 21% have a smart thermostat, with less than half (46%) acknowledging its energy-saving benefits, despite evidence showing it could reduce bills by up to 30% annually.

For the first time, the survey explored attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI). Despite predictions that AI and automation could help mitigate up to 10% of global GHG emissions, 44% of respondents said they would never rely on AI for household tasks, 35% don’t fully understand it, and 41% want to actively avoid it. In addition, 52% believe smart home technology is too expensive, even though connected homes can achieve energy savings of up to 22%.

The survey also shows an awareness gap for more traditional home technology: 30% of respondents don’t know what their electrical panel does, and 16% don’t know its location. The electrical panel is at the heart of the home’s power system and acts as the gatekeeper for ensuring the safety of electrical devices and appliances, therefore this lack of knowledge poses potential serious safety risks if the condition of the panel is ignored as homes become more electrified.

Ms. Sumati Sahgal, Vice President, Retail, Schneider Electric India, said, “While there is an intent from consumer for increase energy efficiency, there is a crucial gap between awareness and action. While a majority of consumers recognize the importance of energy efficiency, the most impactful solutions remain underutilized. As India moves towards a more sustainable and electrified future, it is imperative to empower homeowners with the right knowledge of how to bring efficiency in their energy consumption. At Schneider Electric, we are committed to bridging this gap by offering innovative, connected solutions like WISER that offers easy and scalable automation for enhanced comfort and convenience along with advanced energy management capabilities.”