New Delhi: Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has released its Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) for FY 2025-26, highlighting major progress in renewable energy adoption, emissions reduction, workplace safety and sustainable business practices.
The report’s biggest milestone is BEL’s achievement of RE100 status, with all of its manufacturing units operating entirely on renewable electricity during the financial year. The defence PSU reached the target in January 2025, two months ahead of its internal deadline.
BEL Achieves RE100 Status Ahead of Target
BEL successfully transitioned all its manufacturing facilities to renewable electricity, making it one of the leading public sector enterprises in clean energy adoption.
The milestone marks a significant step in the company’s long-term sustainability roadmap and supports its ambitious target of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2035.
Scope 2 Emissions Drop to Zero
BEL reported a sharp decline in greenhouse gas emissions during FY26.
Key environmental highlights include:
- Scope 2 emissions reduced to zero.
- Combined Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions fell to 8,110 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, down from 27,130 tonnes in FY25.
- Energy intensity improved to 9.63 GJ per crore of turnover.
The company said the RE100 achievement represents a major milestone, although reducing Scope 1 emissions and addressing Scope 3 emissions remain important priorities in its Net Zero journey.
Business Performance and CSR Highlights
BEL reported a turnover of approximately ₹26,680 crore during FY 2025-26.
Other key business highlights include:
- Exports contributed around 5% of total turnover.
- 18,344 customer complaints were received during the year.
- 3,602 complaints remained unresolved at year-end, mainly due to spare-part shortages and component obsolescence.
The company also continued its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives across several sectors, including:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Skill development
- Support for armed forces veterans
BEL said a significant share of its CSR initiatives benefited vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.
Procurement and Corporate Governance
BEL strengthened its inclusive procurement practices during FY26.
Key governance highlights:
- 8.6% of the company’s procurement value came from:
- SC/ST entrepreneurs
- Women-owned enterprises
- Start-ups
- The sustainability report received reasonable assurance from Sustainability Actions Private Limited.
- No penalties or corruption-related actions were reported against BEL or its directors during the financial year.
Dividend Update for Shareholders
BEL said that if the final dividend for FY 2025-26 is approved at the company’s 72nd Annual General Meeting (AGM), the payment will be made within 30 days to shareholders whose names appear on the register as of August 13, 2026.
Water Conservation, Waste Management and Workplace Safety
BEL also reported improvements in resource efficiency and workplace safety.
Environmental and safety highlights:
- Water intensity reduced to 55.83 kilolitres per crore of revenue.
- Total waste generated stood at 1,616 tonnes.
- Large quantities of plastic waste, e-waste, batteries and metal scrap were recycled through authorised recycling channels.
The company maintained an excellent safety record, reporting:
- Zero lost-time injuries.
- Zero fatalities.
- Zero high-consequence injuries for both employees and workers.
Employee Strength and Training
BEL continued investing in employee development and workplace inclusion.
Key workforce highlights:
- Permanent employees: 7,074
- Women employees: More than 20% of the permanent workforce.
- Differently-abled employees and workers: 295
The report also noted that nearly every permanent employee received training on safety, code of conduct and related workplace policies.
In addition, BEL recorded a 100% return-to-work rate after parental leave, reflecting its employee-friendly workplace policies.
BEL Continues Progress Towards Net Zero by 2035
With RE100 status already achieved, BEL has completed one of the biggest milestones in its sustainability roadmap. The company will now focus on reducing its remaining Scope 1 emissions and gradually addressing Scope 3 emissions as part of its commitment to becoming a Net Zero company by 2035.
The report demonstrates that BEL has successfully transitioned its complex defence manufacturing operations to clean electricity while maintaining business growth and operational efficiency.
About BEL
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Established in 1954, the company designs, develops and manufactures advanced electronic products and systems for the Indian Armed Forces and other strategic sectors. BEL also serves civilian markets in areas such as homeland security, smart cities, healthcare, aerospace, communication systems and renewable energy solutions while focusing on innovation, sustainability and indigenous technology development.
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