Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Centre of Excellence (COE) for Green & Sustainable Logistics at TERI. This initiative aims to advance environmentally responsible logistics practices, support policy development, and drive innovation in sustainable transportation and infrastructure. The COE will be housed within TERI’s Transport and Urban Governance Division and will focus on research and policy solutions in collaboration with CONCOR.

The partnership will prioritize detailed research to develop innovative and sustainable logistics solutions, particularly in rail transportation, terminal operations, warehousing, storage management, and the greening of built infrastructure. A key objective of this collaboration is to align logistics practices with national and international environmental standards and legislative frameworks. By integrating sustainability into supply chain management, the COE will contribute to making logistics operations more efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly.

During the MoU signing event, CONCOR’s Chairman and Managing Director, Sanjay Swarup, emphasized the company’s commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. CONCOR has already taken significant steps to promote sustainability, including the deployment of 130 LNG-powered trailers for first-mile and last-mile services, ensuring that 95% of its cargo moves via rail—one of the most sustainable transportation modes. Additionally, the company is implementing electric vehicles for intra-terminal operations, reducing emissions within logistics hubs.

Another major initiative highlighted by Swarup is the construction of India’s first net-zero warehouse, a 130,000 sq. ft. facility in Sriperumbudur. This warehouse will set new standards in green infrastructure by minimizing energy consumption and maximizing renewable energy use. CONCOR is also integrating solar panels at its terminals, further reinforcing its dedication to sustainable logistics. These projects align with India’s broader sustainability goals and demonstrate how logistics companies can play a critical role in reducing the carbon footprint of supply chain operations.

Sanjay Seth, Senior Director of TERI’s Sustainable Infrastructure Programme, praised CONCOR for its leadership in promoting green logistics. He emphasized that integrating sustainability into logistics is not only environmentally beneficial but also enhances cost efficiency. The COE will support India’s National Logistics Policy, which aims to reduce logistics costs from 14% to 8% of GDP. By transforming CONCOR’s warehouses into 5-star-rated green infrastructure, the collaboration will set a benchmark for sustainable logistics operations across India.

The establishment of the Centre of Excellence marks a significant step toward making India’s logistics sector more sustainable. By fostering research, policy development, and industry collaboration, the partnership between CONCOR and TERI will help create a more efficient and environmentally friendly logistics ecosystem. This initiative will serve as a platform for stakeholders, industry leaders, and policymakers to exchange knowledge and drive the future of green logistics in India.