GreenSetu: How India’s First GST-Native Carbon Risk Screening Platform Works

Most organisations know they need to understand their carbon exposure. Few know where to start — especially MSMEs without dedicated sustainability teams or GHG consultants. GreenSetu was built to solve this problem using data companies already have: their GST spending records.

What is GreenSetu?

GreenSetu is India’s first GST-native carbon risk screening platform, developed by RSustain Carbon Private Limited. It estimates an organisation’s carbon intensity from GST spending data — without requiring primary emissions data collection, meter readings, or on-site audits.

The Methodology

GreenSetu uses a spend-based approach aligned with GHG Protocol Scope 3, Category 1 (Purchased Goods and Services) guidance and PCAF (Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials) standards:

• Input: GST spending data by HSN/SAC code
• Model: EXIOBASE multi-regional input-output database, calibrated with India-specific energy datasets from CEA, MoEFCC, and IEA
• Output: Carbon intensity (kg CO2e per Rs 1,000 spent), Green Score (0-100), and risk tier classification

Risk Tier Classification

• Green Transition Ready (67-100): Low carbon intensity relative to sector benchmarks
• Transition Required (34-66): Moderate carbon intensity with recommended reduction pathways
• High Carbon Exposure (0-33): Elevated intensity requiring immediate attention

Who Should Use GreenSetu?

• MSMEs: First carbon exposure assessment without hiring consultants
• Banks and NBFCs: Portfolio-level carbon risk screening for lending decisions
• ESG Analysts: Quick sector-level carbon intensity benchmarking
• Supply Chain Teams: Vendor carbon risk assessment using procurement data

Important Limitations

GreenSetu outputs are screening estimates only — they are not verified GHG inventories and are not ISO 14064-compliant reporting. For compliance-grade GHG inventories, MRV systems, and verification-ready documentation, organisations should engage RSustain Carbon’s advisory services.