In a significant step to revolutionise transportation, Container Corporation of India Ltd. (CONCOR) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) have signed an MoU to establish the “CONCOR-TERI Centre of Excellence for Green and Sustainable Logistics.” Announced at WSDS 2025, the initiative will drive research and policy innovations for sustainable logistics in rail transport, warehousing, and terminal operations.
Introduction:
The MoU was signed during the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2025, TERI’s flagship annual event, held at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, from March 5th to 7th, 2025. The event, themed ‘Partnerships for Accelerating Sustainable Development and Climate Solutions,’ provided the ideal platform to announce this strategic collaboration.
Objectives & Scope of the Centre of Excellence:
The new centre, which will be housed within TERI’s Transport and Urban Governance Division, aims to drive cutting-edge research and policy development for green logistics. The partnership will focus on:
- Developing strategies for environmentally responsible freight transportation.
- Researching and implementing innovative technologies to reduce the carbon footprint in logistics operations.
- Creating tools and rating systems to promote green warehousing and storage infrastructure, including the development of a GRIHA rating for logistics facilities.
- Exploring commercialization opportunities aligned with sustainability goals.
- Organizing events and workshops to foster industry-wide awareness on sustainable logistics.
Commitment to ESG & Sustainable Logistics:
CONCOR has long been committed to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, integrating sustainability into its operations. By partnering with TERI, the organization aims to enhance rail-based logistics efficiency, promote green infrastructure, and support policy frameworks that drive sustainable freight solutions.
Insights:
Shri Sanjay Swarup, CMD, CONCOR, highlighted CONCOR’s ESG-focused initiatives, including deployment of 130 LNG trailers for first mile last Mile service, 95% cargo movement through rail, Plan to use electric vehicles for within terminals, construction of the 1st net-zero warehouse of 130,000 sq. ft. at Sriperumbudur, and utilizing solar panels at CONCOR terminals. These efforts underscore CONCOR’s commitment to green, sustainable, and environmentally responsible logistics.
Shri Sanjay Seth, Sr. Director, Sustainable Infrastructure Programme, TERI, congratulated CONCOR and emphasized that it is at the forefront of promoting green and sustainable logistics, which can be both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. He highlighted that this collaboration will help transform CONCOR’s warehouses into 5-star-rated green infrastructure and contribute to India’s National Logistics Policy goal of reducing logistics costs from 14% to 8%. He concluded that this collaboration will serve as a platform for driving research in sustainable logistics, benefiting stakeholders, industries, and policymakers.
Conclusion:
The CONCOR-TERI Centre of Excellence for Green and Sustainable Logistics marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward greener freight transportation. By leveraging research, policy development, and innovation, this collaboration will pave the way for eco-friendly logistics solutions, reducing environmental impact while fostering sustainable economic growth.
Source: CONCOR – Press Release | Image Credit: TERI
