The TCI-IIMB Supply Chain Sustainability Lab at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), in partnership with Transport Corporation of India Ltd (TCI), has achieved a groundbreaking milestone. Its innovative platform, the Transportation Emissions Measurement Tool (TEMT), has become the first in India to receive the prestigious ISO 14083 certification, marking a significant step forward in enabling Indian companies to meet global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting standards.
The ISO 14083 certification underscores TEMT’s ability to accurately measure and report emissions from freight transportation, empowering organizations to quantify, manage, and reduce their carbon footprint. The platform’s recognition comes at a critical juncture, as the transportation sector accounts for 14% of India’s total GHG emissions, with freight transportation contributing nearly 40% of these emissions. Without interventions, transportation emissions are projected to quadruple by 2050, potentially reaching 1.17 billion tonnes of CO₂.
TEMT is a comprehensive online platform designed to calculate emissions across various transport modes, including road, rail, air, maritime, and inland waterways. Certified under ISO 14083, it integrates India-specific emission factors to ensure relevance and accuracy. Organizations can compare emissions from different transport modes for a specific origin-destination pair, calculate emissions for past and future shipments, and track their performance over time. Outputs are available in PDF and CSV formats, facilitating seamless reporting and analysis.
With TEMT’s user-friendly interface, businesses can develop tailored sustainability strategies, paving the way for a low-carbon future. As emission tracking becomes increasingly essential for meeting regulatory requirements and achieving sustainability goals, TEMT offers Indian organizations a robust, globally recognized solution.
In a move to bolster sustainability in logistics, the API for TEMT’s emission factors has been integrated into the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP), a flagship initiative by NICDC Logistics Data Services Ltd. (NLDSL). ULIP, developed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in India’s logistics sector.
Shri Girish Kumar Surpur, CEO and Director of NLDSL, lauded the collaboration, stating, “The integration of TEMT’s Carbon Emissions API into ULIP empowers logistics players to measure their environmental impact accurately. This tool enables companies to make informed decisions, including modal shifts, to reduce emissions and foster a greener logistics ecosystem.”
ULIP’s integration of ISO 14083-certified emissions data provides businesses with the tools to seamlessly calculate and manage emissions, aligning their operations with global sustainability benchmarks.
The TCI-IIMB Supply Chain Sustainability Lab, established in 2023, is a trailblazer in sustainable supply chain management. Located at IIM Bangalore, the lab focuses on decarbonizing transportation, advancing the circular economy, and promoting sustainable procurement. It conducts cutting-edge research, publishes thought leadership articles, and offers consulting services on carbon mapping, mitigation, and management.
As a unique center of excellence, the lab collaborates with industry players to develop actionable solutions and provide assessments such as supplier sustainability certifications. Its initiatives aim to drive awareness and advocacy for sustainable practices across India’s supply chains.
The ISO 14083 standard, established by the International Organization for Standardization, provides a unified framework for calculating GHG emissions from transport operations. Applicable to multiple modes of transportation, it outlines detailed methodologies for data collection and reporting, ensuring consistency and transparency.
By achieving this certification, the TCI-IIMB Supply Chain Sustainability Lab positions itself as a leader in sustainable logistics solutions, offering Indian businesses a competitive edge in global markets where stringent emission reporting standards are increasingly prioritized.
The TCI-IIMB Supply Chain Sustainability Lab’s achievements reflect the growing importance of sustainability in India’s logistics and transportation sectors. With TEMT’s certification and its integration into ULIP, Indian companies now have access to world-class tools that not only enhance compliance with global standards but also drive meaningful progress toward decarbonization.
This initiative underscores the role of technology and collaboration in addressing the pressing challenges of climate change, setting the stage for a more sustainable future for the nation and the planet.