It is high time that organizations take full responsibility for their commitment towards sustainability not just through words but through actions !

Amit Pandey, our next pathbreaker, ESG Manager at Edelweiss Alternatives,  leads the development and implementation of ESG policies, frameworks, and practices across the firm’s portfolio companies and investment strategies.

Amit talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about one of his most exciting and challenging projects, India’s first Bubble Barrier project in Agra, a special technology that traps plastic waste in rivers before it flows into the ocean, helping keep our water clean. 

For students, ESG has tremendous potential to create a positive social and environmental impact, while generating attractive financial returns for organizations. Be a part of it !

Amit, can you share your background with our young readers?

I was born in Bangalore and grew up in Jamnagar, where I finished my schooling. My father served in the Air Force, which taught me the value of discipline and hard work.

In 2015, I became an electrical engineer, but I soon realized that it wasn’t the right career for me. I took a year off to explore different fields and discovered my interest in sustainability—a field that focuses on protecting the environment and using resources wisely.

After COVID-19, I shifted my focus to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)—helping businesses become more responsible toward the environment. I worked at PwC, where I helped different companies improve their sustainability efforts. Later, I joined Edelweiss Alternatives as an ESG Manager, where I help businesses make eco-friendly decisions and create a greener future.

In 2024, I was honored with the “ESG Rising Star” award at the ESG & Cleantech Summit & Awards for my contributions to sustainability.

My journey shows that it’s okay to change paths and follow your passion. If you care about the planet, there are many ways to make a difference!

What did you do for graduation/post graduation?

I did my graduation from A D Patel Institute of Tech, Anand, Gujarat, India (Bachelor of Engineering, Electrical Engineering), and post-graduation from Symbiosis Institute of International Business, Pune, Maharashtra, India (MBA, Energy and Environment)

What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional, and unique career in ESG?

To follow my passion, I joined Symbiosis University in 2017 to study Energy and Environment. During my studies, I interned at Mahindra Sanyo Special Steel, where I learned about waste management – how to handle and reduce waste in industries. After completing my degree, I got a job at Geocycle, a company that focuses on waste management.

One of the biggest projects I worked on was India’s first Bubble Barrier project in Agra – A major milestone that reinforced my commitment to environmental solutions.This project helped stop plastic waste from entering rivers and was done with the help of UNEP, GIZ Germany, and the Agra Municipality.

I could witness the rising importance of sustainability in business decisions. Moreover, society played a major role in my decision.

Seeing industries’ shift towards environmental responsibility have inspired me to be part of the change.

My professors at Symbiosis University have guided me toward deeper insights in Energy & Environment.

Prasad Giri, Sustainability Manager during my Internship period at Mahindra Sanyo Special Steel and Sharmistha Nandi, my boss during my first job at Geocycle helped shape my perspective.

Leaders and professionals at PwC and Edelweiss Alternatives also encouraged me to take up ESG-focused work.

The COVID-19 Pandemic deepened my focus on ESG, as businesses became more conscious of sustainability.

One of the major turning points was when I realized that engineering wasn’t my passion and shifted towards sustainability.

Subsequently, I joined Symbiosis for an MBA in Energy & Environment, which formally introduced me to my field.

I started my career in waste management (Geocycle) and moved to ESG (PwC & Edelweiss Alternatives), where I saw a broader impact on corporate sustainability.

Winning the “ESG Rising Star” award in 2024, affirmed my contributions and expertise in the field.

How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Or how did you make a transition to a new career? Tell us about your career path

I took a year-long break to explore my interests after getting my engineering degree and discovered sustainability—a field focused on protecting the environment and world as we see it. To gain the right skills, I pursued an MBA in Energy & Environment at Symbiosis University in 2017. During my internship at Mahindra Sanyo Special Steel, I got hands-on experience in waste management, which confirmed my interest in this field.

After my MBA, I joined Geocycle (Lafarge Holcim Cement), where I worked on waste management projects. 

I worked in the waste management industry, helping industries dispose off their waste in a sustainable manner. My job was to find eco-friendly ways to manage industrial waste by converting it into alternative fuels and raw materials to be used in cement plants instead of dumping it in landfills.

As Marine Litter Mitigation Expert, I was part of an international project across four countries, working to develop innovative methods to collect and dispose off plastic waste. This project, led by GIZ (Germany’s development agency), focused on identifying key areas with high plastic pollution and finding sustainable solutions to tackle the problem.

After COVID-19, I noticed businesses were focusing more on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)—a broader approach to sustainability. I transitioned into this field and joined PwC as a Sustainability Assurance Associate, helping companies improve their environmental impact. 

At PwC, my role shifted from operational sustainability (like in Geocycle) to consulting and assurance, focusing on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting. Sustainability Assurance is about verifying and validating the ESG data that companies publish in reports, websites, and public disclosures.

Can you explain the concept of Sustainability Assurance? 🤔

Imagine a company says, “We reduced our carbon emissions by 40%” in its annual sustainability report. How do investors, regulators, or the public trust that number? That’s where PwC’s sustainability consultants step in! We audit, verify, and validate ESG data to ensure it’s accurate, reliable, and aligned with global standards like GRI, SASB, and TCFD.

How Do PwC Consultants Work with Customers?

  1. Data Collection & Validation – We check a company’s emissions, energy use, diversity numbers, and other sustainability metrics by reviewing documents, site visits, and interviews.
    2. Gap Analysis – If a company lacks proper ESG data tracking, we identify the gaps and suggest improvements.
    3. Improving ESG Disclosures – We help companies enhance their sustainability reports, ensuring their data is transparent and meets compliance standards.
    4. Risk Assessment – We assess climate risks, social impact, and governance factors that could affect business performance.

How This Role Was My Switch to ESG 

At Geocycle, I worked hands-on in waste management and sustainability projects. Moving to PwC was my transition into ESG consulting, where I saw how companies manage sustainability at a corporate level. This role helped me understand ESG risks, reporting frameworks, and how businesses integrate sustainability into their strategies.

So, instead of managing waste or emissions directly, I was now advising companies on how to measure, report, and improve their sustainability efforts—helping them move from claims to credible action!

Later, I moved to Edelweiss Alternatives as an ESG Manager, where I now work with businesses to develop ESG strategies, reduce waste, and promote sustainability.

My journey taught me the importance of exploring new fields, gaining practical experience, and learning from mentors. In 2024, I was honored with the “ESG Rising Star” award, which reinforced my belief in following my passion.

How did you get your first break?

Getting my first job in sustainability was not easy—it was a real test of patience and determination! During my MBA placement interviews, I had to wait a long 9 hours just for my turn. When I finally entered the room, the interview was tough—they grilled me with questions for 2 hours to see if I had what it takes. But I didn’t give up, and after all that, I got selected!

The real challenge began after I joined Geocycle. I went through one month of intense training, where I learned about waste management, sustainability, and how industries can be more eco-friendly. As part of the training, I had to visit cement plants in Rajasthan—and trust me, it was HOT! Imagine working in 40+ degree Celsius temperatures, walking around giant machines, and seeing how things worked in real life. It was exhausting but also super exciting because I was learning something new every day.

This experience was my first real step into the world of sustainability. It taught me that hard work, patience, and never giving up can open doors to great opportunities. Even though it was challenging, I knew I was on the right path, and that made all the effort worth it!

What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?

My journey into sustainability wasn’t smooth—I faced many challenges along the way.

1️. Finding My Passion: After completing my electrical engineering degree, I realized I didn’t enjoy it. This was scary because I had spent years studying it! Instead of forcing myself into a job I didn’t like, I took a year off to explore different fields, read about new industries, and talk to experts. That’s how I discovered sustainability.

2️. Tough Job Selection Process: Getting my first job in sustainability through campus placement was a big challenge. I had to wait 9 hours for my interview, followed by an intense 2-hour grilling session. Instead of panicking, I stayed confident, prepared well, and focused on answering logically. My patience and determination paid off!

3️. Intense Training & Fieldwork: After getting selected, I had to go through a month of rigorous training, including a week-long visit to cement plants in Rajasthan’s extreme heat (over 40°C!). It was exhausting, but I stayed strong, drank lots of water, and focused on learning as much as possible. This experience taught me to adapt and push my limits.

4️. Switching Career Paths: After working in waste management, I realized that businesses were shifting focus toward ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). I knew I needed to grow, so I took the risk of switching to ESG by joining PwC, where I learned new skills and worked on sustainability projects for different industries.

Lesson Learned

Each challenge helped me grow. I learned that staying curious, working hard, and not being afraid of change can lead to amazing opportunities. Sometimes, the toughest situations prepare us for success!

Where do you work now? 

I work as an ESG Manager at Edelweiss Alternatives, where I help businesses become more environmentally friendly and socially responsible. My job is like being a sustainability detective—I figure out ways companies can reduce pollution, save energy, and treat their workers better while still making a profit.

At PwC, I worked as a consultant, which means I helped different companies check and improve their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reports. My job was to verify if the sustainability data they shared was true and to help them improve their reporting. Think of it like being a sustainability detective—checking facts, identifying mistakes, and guiding companies on how to be more transparent. 

At Edelweiss Alternatives, I work as an ESG Manager, but this time, instead of just reviewing reports, I am helping real businesses make real changes. Edelweiss is an investment company that puts money into different businesses. My role is to ensure these companies follow good sustainability practices, reduce pollution, save energy, and treat their employees and communities well. 

In short, at PwC, I was advising companies from the outside, while at Edelweiss, I am working inside to actually make sustainability happen!

What problems do you solve?

Imagine a big company that produces a lot of waste, but doesn’t know how to manage it. Or a factory that uses too much water and energy. My job is to help them find solutions—like using recycled materials, switching to solar energy, or making their workplaces safer. I also ensure they follow sustainability laws and meet environmental goals.

What skills are needed for your role? How did you acquire the skills?

To be good at this job, I need a mix of science, business, and problem-solving skills:


1. Sustainability & ESG Knowledge – I learned this in my MBA in Energy & Environment and through real-life projects.


2. Analyzing Data & Making Reports – Companies need proof that they are improving, so I learned how to study numbers and make reports by working on different projects.

3. Communication & Teamwork – I often meet company leaders, engineers, and workers, so I need to explain things clearly and work well with different people. I got better at this by talking to experts, working on group projects, and attending industry events.

4. Creative Thinking & Adaptability – Every company is different, so I must think outside the box to find the best solutions. I stay updated by reading, attending workshops, and learning from others.

What’s a typical day like?

No two days are the same! But here’s what a usual day looks like:
🌞 Morning: Check emails, review reports, and plan my tasks for the day.


💼 Midday: Meet with companies to understand their environmental challenges. Sometimes, I visit factories to see the problems firsthand.


📊 Afternoon: Analyze data, research new sustainability methods, and write reports.


📢 Evening: Attend industry events, discuss new projects, or learn about the latest green technologies.

What is it you love about this job? 

I love that my work helps the planet! Seeing businesses change their ways and adopt eco-friendly solutions makes me proud. Plus, I get to travel, meet interesting people, and learn something new every day! It’s like solving a big puzzle where every piece helps build a cleaner, greener future.

How does your work benefit society? 

1. Stopping Plastic Pollution – The Bubble Trap!
Ever seen plastic bottles floating in rivers? I helped set up India’s first Bubble Barrier, which acts like an invisible net to stop plastic from polluting our water. Cleaner rivers = healthier fish + safer drinking water! 

2. Making Factories Greener – Turning Smoky Monsters into Green Giants! Factories pollute the air, but I help them switch to solar power, recycle waste, and use eco-friendly materials. It’s like turning The Hulk (big & destructive) into Groot (strong & green)! 

3.Creating Fair Workplaces – No More Villain Bosses!
Imagine if schools had no lunch breaks and unfair rules—sounds awful, right? Some companies treat workers badly, so I make sure they get fair pay, safe conditions, and equal rights. Happy workers = a stronger society! 

4.Fighting Climate Change – Cooling Down Our Overheating Planet!
Earth is getting hotter, but I help companies reduce carbon emissions by using wind & solar energy. Think of it as giving the planet a giant air conditioner! 

5.Building Cleaner & Greener Cities – Minecraft in Real Life! I help design projects that reduce waste, plant trees, and make cities eco-friendly—just like crafting a greener world in Minecraft, but in real life! 

Through my work, I make sure companies grow responsibly without harming people or nature—saving the world one project at a time! 

Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!

One of the most exciting and challenging projects I worked on was India’s first Bubble Barrier in Agra. This special technology traps plastic waste in rivers before it flows into the ocean, helping keep our water clean. 

But here’s the twist—this happened in 2021, during peak COVID times! While most people were staying home, I had to live in a hotel for 45 days straight, working on the project while trying to stay safe and COVID-free.

1.Biggest Challenge? Getting workers to the site when everyone was scared of the virus. I had to convince them, arrange safety gear, and ensure proper precautions. 

2.Another Hurdle? Setting up new technology with international partners while following COVID restrictions—lots of Zoom calls, sanitization, and teamwork! 

3.The Best Part? Seeing the first batch of plastic trapped successfully in the Bubble Barrier and knowing we had created something that would protect the environment for years to come! 

It was a tough but unforgettable experience—like being on a survival mission

Bubble barrier was part of the international project which I was heading at the time in Geocycle.

Your advice to students based on your experience?

Be curious, embrace challenges, and never stop learning—your passion will lead you to greatness!

Future Plans?

I plan to expand sustainability projects and help more companies go green.
I aim to work on global environmental solutions to create a larger impact.
I want to mentor young minds and inspire future leaders in sustainability.
I’ll keep learning and innovating to make the world cleaner and greener!