L&T to Raise ₹500 Crore via India’s First Listed ESG Bond
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is set to make history in India’s financial markets by launching the country’s first listed Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) bond. The infrastructure and engineering giant plans to raise ₹500 crore through this landmark issuance, marking a major milestone for sustainable finance in India.
This pioneering bond will be issued under the Securities and Exchange Board of India’s newly implemented ESG and sustainability-linked bond framework. HSBC has been appointed as the sole lead arranger for the issuance, which will follow globally aligned norms for ESG disclosures and impact reporting.
L&T ESG Bond: Leading the Shift to Sustainable Finance
L&T’s bond will be issued with clearly defined ESG targets and performance indicators. Among these commitments, the company aims to significantly reduce its freshwater withdrawal intensity and greenhouse gas emissions. These targets align with L&T’s broader sustainability roadmap to become water neutral by 2035 and carbon neutral by 2040.
The bond structure will be subject to third-party validation, with an external Second-Party Opinion (SPO) to ensure credibility. Post-issuance reporting will track the company’s adherence to its environmental and social objectives.
This issuance not only reinforces L&T’s leadership in responsible corporate governance but also offers investors a credible opportunity to support India’s sustainability agenda through transparent, goal-driven instruments.
SEBI ESG Framework: Enhancing Transparency and Credibility
The SEBI framework under which L&T is issuing the bond is India’s first structured approach to ESG and sustainability-linked debt instruments. It mandates companies to set measurable targets, disclose usage of proceeds, and report on environmental or social impact. This is designed to boost investor confidence and prevent “greenwashing” by holding issuers accountable for their claims.
By incorporating global ESG norms, the framework paves the way for institutional and retail investors to participate in India’s transition towards a low-carbon and socially responsible economy.
Market Impact: Setting a Benchmark
L&T’s move is expected to catalyze interest from other Indian corporates exploring sustainable financing. As environmental and social criteria become integral to investor decision-making, such bonds provide an attractive, compliance-aligned path for companies to fund climate-resilient and inclusive growth projects.
The ₹500 crore issuance is anticipated to open the floodgates for ESG-focused debt instruments in India, giving shape to a broader green capital market that supports both national climate goals and long-term economic resilience.
With this bold step, L&T signals that sustainability and profitability are not mutually exclusive — they are, in fact, the foundation for the future of Indian finance.
