Sustainability as Strategy: Minal Srinivasan of Kesari Infrabuild on Green Infrastructure for MSMEs

In the era of climate urgency and sustainability-driven governance, green infrastructure is no longer a corporate luxury—it’s a competitive necessity. In this exclusive conversation with Faiz Askari, Founder and Editor of SMEStreet, Ms. Minal Srinivasan, Managing Director of Kesari Infrabuild Private Limited (KIPL), discusses how her multidisciplinary background fuels her mission to integrate environmental responsibility into India’s infrastructure narrative. From policy reform to Miyawaki plantations, Minal offers powerful insights into how MSMEs can become sustainability champions—profitably.

From Education to Sustainability Leadership: A Purposeful Transition

Faiz Askari: You transitioned from education to leading a sustainability consultancy. How did your diverse background prepare you to drive green infrastructure projects?

Minal Srinivasan: My transition into sustainability consultancy was intentional, guided by my experience in corporate sales, talent management, and executive education. These areas helped me understand leadership, strategy, and real-world business challenges. At Kesari Infrabuild, I merge these insights with environmental stewardship to create impactful, scalable green projects. It’s about designing solutions that not only meet ecological standards but also resonate with market and client needs.

Policy Gaps and MSMEs: The Role of Enabling Consultancies

Faiz Askari: What policy gaps hinder MSMEs from embracing green infrastructure, and how can consultancies like KIPL help?

Minal Srinivasan: MSMEs often face obstacles like high initial costs, complex compliance procedures, and limited awareness of the long-term financial and environmental benefits of green infrastructure. At KIPL, we focus on demystifying sustainability—helping businesses secure certifications, comply with environmental regulations, and tap into subsidies. Moreover, we advocate for MSME-friendly green policies that make sustainability a feasible business proposition, not a burden.

Urban Afforestation as an MSME Strategy

Faiz Askari: Urban afforestation is a key focus for KIPL. How can MSMEs contribute to large-scale environmental restoration while staying profitable?

Minal Srinivasan: Urban afforestation, especially models like the Miyawaki technique, offers dual value—ecological and reputational. MSMEs that invest in greening initiatives improve community engagement, attract environmentally conscious clients, and stand out in increasingly ESG-aware markets. We at KIPL assist MSMEs by providing scalable green solutions such as biodiversity parks and native species plantations, helping them meet regulatory norms while enhancing long-term profitability.

Philosophy That Powers Projects: A Legacy Mindset

Faiz Askari: Your guiding principle is, ‘The Earth is a legacy borrowed from our children.’ How does this philosophy shape KIPL’s projects?

Minal Srinivasan: This belief drives every decision at KIPL. We develop infrastructure with a long-term lens, ensuring it aligns with ecological restoration. Whether it’s planting over 300,000 trees, implementing wastewater management systems, or building urban greenscapes, our work reflects our commitment to future generations. Sustainability is not just a service we provide—it’s a value we live by.

Conclusion

As climate considerations dominate boardroom agendas, Kesari Infrabuild is setting a benchmark in sustainability-driven growth for MSMEs. Minal Srinivasan’s vision—rooted in strategic execution and environmental ethics—offers a blueprint for how businesses, regardless of scale, can thrive by being green.