Sahen Ahuja
Co-Founder and CEO of SustainInsight, UAE
Sahen Ahuja is the Co-Founder and CEO of SustainInsight, dedicated to driving tech-driven solutions and fostering a greener future. Backed by SBC funding and with experience as a Corporate Analyst at JPMorgan Chase & Co., he leverages strong analytical skills and a first-class BSc in Accounting and Finance from Warwick Business School to create meaningful environmental impact through innovative business leadership.
1.How can businesses avoid the trap of focusing too much on ESG compliance, to the detriment of financial performance and innovation?
Sustainability and financial performance are not mutually exclusive—when approached strategically, they reinforce each other. The key is to shift ESG from a compliance checkbox to a core business strategy. Companies that embed sustainability into their strategy can unlock efficiency, cut costs, and gain a competitive edge.
For example, in the Middle East, where regulations are rapidly evolving, businesses that are proactively adopting AI driven sustainability solutions like SustainInsight—can not only meet compliance requirements but also optimize resource use, lower emissions, and improve operational performance.
By embedding sustainability into business models, companies can future-proof themselves while enhancing profitability.—whether through green financing, circular economy initiatives, or low-carbon technologies.
At SustainInsight, we’ve seen firsthand how businesses and their suppliers benefit when sustainability efforts translate into tangible financial gains. The key is integrating ESG into decision-making, rather than treating it as a separate, burdensome function.
2. How can businesses ensure that their ESG initiatives are not just “window dressing” but are integrated into their core business model and operations?
For ESG to make a difference, it must be built into the company’s strategy and everyday operations—not just treated as a box-ticking exercise. It starts with leadership. When companies set clear ESG targets linked to business performance, it becomes a real value driver.
Instead of just pledging commitments, businesses need to track real-time data, measure their impact, and integrate sustainability into procurement, supply chain decisions, and overall strategy. Transparency is key. At SustainInsight, we have been supporting organizations from early to later stages of their sustainability journey through our expert consultancy and AI-powered platform to help set ESG targets and achieve the same. Our solution automates ESG data collection, tracks emissions, and ensures precise reporting. Additionally, our sustainability rating system provides contractors and suppliers with a clear benchmark, evaluating their performance across key areas such as Environment, People, and Economy.
At the end of the day, ESG should be about more than compliance—it should drive innovation. Companies that embed sustainability into their core operations don’t just meet regulations; they stay ahead of the curve, improve efficiency, and create long-term value.
3. How can the Middle East overcome the challenges of implementing ESG compliance in markets where regulatory frameworks are still developing or lacking?
The Middle East is making rapid strides in ESG, but regulatory frameworks are still evolving. The key to overcoming this challenge is a proactive, industry-led approach rather than waiting for regulations to catch up. Businesses should take the initiative by adopting globally recognized ESG standards and integrating sustainability into their core strategies.
Ultimately, companies that embed ESG early will be ahead of the curve when regulations tighten. Those that see ESG as a business driver rather than just a compliance requirement will gain a competitive edge, attract investment, and future-proof their operations in the region.
Collaboration is essential. Governments, businesses, and financial institutions must work together to accelerate ESG adoption—whether through green financing, policy incentives, preferential contracts, or investor-driven sustainability mandates. By bridging the gap between regulatory expectations and industry best practices, we help both sectors drive meaningful and measurable change.
This is one of the reasons we at SustainInsight have been working closely with private and public sector entities in measuring, reporting, and improving ESG performance—even in markets where compliance is still evolving. Our rating system ensures that organizations cannot just track ESG efforts but actively enhancing their sustainability impact in alignment with international benchmarks.