Introduction

In response to the escalating call for decarbonization of value chains and the imperative to manage scope three emissions, IIM Bangalore has established the TCI-IIMB Supply Chain Sustainability (TCI-IIMB SCSL) Lab. This dedicated lab is designed to assist organizations in their journey towards achieving net-zero goals. The TCI-IIMB SCSL Lab represents a significant initiative aimed at propelling sustainability in logistics and supply chain management to the forefront.

The Center aims to serve as a hub for collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers, fostering innovation and driving positive change in supply chains worldwide. By leveraging the expertise of our faculty and partners, we seek to address the complex challenges facing modern supply chains while promoting environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic prosperity.

Through research projects, industry collaborations, and educational programs, the Center will develop and disseminate cutting-edge practices and tools to help organizations enhance the sustainability of their supply chains. Our goal is to empower businesses to adopt sustainable practices that not only reduce their environmental footprint but also create value for stakeholders and society at large.

We invite you to join us on this journey towards building a more sustainable future through responsible and ethical supply chain management. Together, we can drive meaningful change and build a more sustainable world for generations to come.

Purpose of the Lab

The newly established laboratory has been established with a clear and defined purpose.

• To be first and India’s premier centre of excellence in Sustainable Supply Chain practice, dissemination, and advocacy.
• Creating sustainable solutions for organizations and supply chains that lead to large-scale adoption and subsequent benefits.
• Advancing and disseminating sustainable supply chain management knowledge.
• To conduct research to identify and replicate good practices for sustainable supply chains.
• Cooperate and coordinate with other organizations with similar aims and objectives within and outside the country.

Vision and Mission of the Lab

Vision:
To contribute substantially and significantly to the organizations and nation’s efforts towards carbon neutrality.

Mission

• Develop and test new capabilities that provide organizations with the information, best practices, and tools they need to meet their sustainability objectives.
• Conduct research that contributes significantly to the theory and practice of Sustainable Supply Chain Management.
• Act as a forum to initiate interaction and dialogue on sustainable supply chain-related issues, challenges, and solutions among industry, government, academia, and related agencies.
• Help organizations achieve their net zero goals.

Collaborations

TCI IIMB-SCSL is dedicated to advancing sustainable supply chain management through strategic partnerships and collaborations. The lab seeks to partner with government agencies involved in climate change and transportation, as well as with national and international sustainability agencies, to create effective policies and programs. Additionally, the lab aims to collaborate with industry bodies to understand sector-specific challenges and develop tailored solutions. By fostering partnerships with academia, the lab provides a platform for knowledge exchange and practical experience for students, faculty, and researchers. These efforts underscore the lab's commitment to driving positive change and creating a sustainable future.

Following is the scope of engagement with various partners.

1. Joint White Papers
2. Joint Research
3. Joint Events
4. Capacity Building and Training
5. Joint Consulting Assignments
6. Awareness and Outreach

The centre was able to sign an MOU with the following organisations as new collaboration partners during the year:

World Resources Institute (WRI)
The World Resources Institute (WRI) is a leading global research nonprofit organisation established in 1982. WRI's activities are focused on seven areas: food, forests, water, energy, cities, climate, and the ocean. The organization's mission is to promote environmental sustainability, economic opportunity, and human health and well-being. WRI partners with local and national governments, private companies, publicly held corporations, and other non-profits and offers services including global climate change issues, sustainable markets, ecosystem protection, and environmentally responsible governance services.

T Hub
T-Hub, India's largest innovation hub, is a catalyst for entrepreneurial success, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of startups, corporations, investors, mentors, and government agencies. Since its inception in 2015, T-Hub has empowered over 2,000 startups, providing them with access to world-class infrastructure, mentorship, and funding opportunities. Through its comprehensive suite of programs and initiatives, T-Hub has played a pivotal role in transforming Hyderabad into a global innovation hub.

GIZ
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is an enterprise owned by the German government. GIZ implements sustainable development through international cooperation on behalf of Germany and other partners. GIZ is working on sustainable development projects across the globe, focused on improving living conditions through initiatives in economic development, education, environmental protection, and peacebuilding. GIZ extends its reach to over 120 countries.

Smart Freight Centre (SFC)
The Smart Freight Centre (SFC) is a non-profit organization headquartered in the Netherlands, dedicated to minimizing the environmental impact of freight transportation worldwide. Their focus is on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly CO2, from the logistics sector. SFC empowers companies to measure, manage, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their freight activities. Through their Global Logistics Emissions Council (GLEC), they foster collaboration across the industry and set the standard for emissions calculation. With a focus on efficiency and sustainability, SFC paves the way for a greener future for global freight transportation.

Bureau of Energy Efficiency

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is a statutory body under India’s Ministry of Power, with a mandate to promote energy efficiency and conservation across various sectors. BEE formulates policies, programs, and standards to reduce energy intensity in industries, buildings, appliances, and transportation. Key initiatives include the Standards & Labeling Program, the Perform, Achieve & Trade (PAT) scheme for energy-intensive industries. BEE's is the nodal agency for implementation of CCTS in India.

The Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC)

The Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC) is an autonomous organization under India’s Department of Science and Technology, established in 1988. TIFAC’s primary focus is to identify and assess emerging technologies, forecast technology trends, and develop roadmaps for national strategic advancements in science and technology. It conducts studies, provides insights for technology policy, and promotes innovations in areas such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and sustainable agriculture.

IIT Madras – CoEZET

The Center of Excellence for Zero Emission Trucking (CoEZET) at IIT Madras focuses on advancing the research, development, and deployment of zero-emission trucking solutions in India. Established to support sustainable freight and reduce the carbon footprint of the transportation sector, CoEZET collaborates with government bodies, industry stakeholders, and research institutions. The center aims to address challenges in adopting electric and alternative-fuel trucks through technology innovation, policy guidance, and pilot programs. CoEZET’s initiatives align with India’s environmental goals and the global shift toward cleaner mobility solutions.

EMPRI

The Environmental Management and Policy Research Institute (EMPRI) is a research organization established by the Government of Karnataka, India, to support environmental sustainability and policy development. EMPRI conducts research and provides scientific data on issues such as biodiversity conservation, climate change, water resource management, and forest protection. It also assists in formulating state-level environmental policies and provides training and capacity-building programs for various stakeholders. Through its work, EMPRI aims to foster sustainable development and contribute to effective environmental management in Karnataka.

People

Dr. Aditya Gupta

Dr. Mohan Krishna

Contact

For more queries, please contact: