About ICWMR

IPCA Centre for WorldSpheres Management Research (ICWMR) is a collaborative initiative between the Indian Pollution Control Association (IPCA) and TERI School of Advanced Studies (TERI SAS). It serves as an autonomous and neutral research and advisory platform that brings together a wide range of stakeholders to deliberate and agree on joint actions. The centre provides evidence-based inputs to government bodies, industries, and policymakers on scientific waste management, climate change, and environmental issues, while also fostering synergies with key actors in the field.

Beyond research, ICWMR actively engages in consultancy, training, and ecosystem-building, positioning itself as a science-driven knowledge hub. Its work spans areas such as waste management, carbon management, water sustainability, nature-based solutions, and biodiversity, making it a multidisciplinary centre dedicated to advancing sustainable resource use.

About the WorldSpheres Systems Approach

The WorldSpheres systems approach reflects a holistic way of understanding and managing the environment by recognizing the interconnections between the Lithosphere (soil), Atmosphere (air), Hydrosphere (water), and Biosphere (living systems). At the center of these interactions is Human and Society, whose actions influence and shape these natural systems.

Looking at all the components of the system, the Centre aims to address environmental challenges more effectively by combining research, collaboration, and evidence-based solutions for sustainable development.

Thrust Areas of ICWMR

ASSESS

SkiLLS

STRIDE

CAP

The Centre has organised its work in the following four verticals:

1. ASSESS (Assessment & Simulation of Suitable Environment Strategies for Sustainability)	Thematic Lead: Dr Atul Kumar, Scientist B Email: atul.kumar2@terisas.ac.in The vertical undertakes scientific research and consultancy to enable data-driven decision-making for government agencies, policymakers, corporates, and industry stakeholders. It focuses on developing evidence-based insights through footprint assessment, advanced modelling and simulation, area-wide monitoring, recycling technologies, and data analytics to support sustainable resource management and environmental decision-making.
2. SkiLLS (Skilling Learning and Leveraging for Sustainability)	Thematic Lead: Ms Garima Kaushik, Scientist C Email: garima.kaushik@terisas.ac.in The vertical conducts capacity building programmes catering to the need of diverse set of stakeholders. For this, it regularly interacts with industry, governments, and NGOs to identify the need and gaps that exists in which capacity building is required. The vertical works on bridging these gaps through trainings, workshops, panel discussions, webinars, and other capacity building programmes.
3. STRIDE (Sustainable Trade and Resilient Industrial Development with Environment)	Thematic Lead: Dr Divya Soman, Scientist B Email: divya.soman@terisas.ac.in The vertical provides consultancy services to the corporates and industries on developing sustainable business strategies and incorporating Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to achieve net zero targets; complying with regulatory reporting requirements; improving brand reputation; and building business resilience.
4. CAP (Communication, Archiving and Promotion)	Thematic Lead: Ms Priya Gandherva, Manager Email: manager.icwmr@terisas.ac.in The vertical oversees the communication and dissemination of the Centre’s work to both internal and external stakeholders. It is involved in crafting and implementing innovative content, managing social media presence, updating the website, and compiling knowledge products.

Focus Areas

Ecological, water and carbon accounting through audits, meta-analysis of research data and decision-making tools
Ecological, water and carbon accounting are crucial aspects of assessing and managing the impacts of business activities on the environment. We help the corporates and industries in generating a comprehensive environmental audit, water and carbon accounting of their activities, processes and facilities using advanced modelling softwares, decision support systems and other scientific tools. Some of the tools used for these accounting is Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The accounting will help you in making informed decisions by aligning the business strategies with your sustainability goals and complying with regulatory reporting requirements.

Corporates/ industries working in the manufacturing, processing and distribution sector benefit largely from this service.

Research-led solutions for material recycling, waste treatment, resource management and environmental risk management

Waste management is posing a serious challenge in terms of environmental, economic, social, and health-related problems. At ICWMR, we provide evidence-based solutions following desk-based research in the field of material recycling and waste treatment for resource conservation and sustainable waste management. Further, we also guide towards effective supply chain management to reduce their environmental impacts, improve resource consumption & energy efficiency, and attain overall waste management. We also carry out environmental risk management of various activities and processes using some of the advanced deterministic modelling methods to estimate environmental footprints.

Technical consultancy for improving ESG performance, carbon mitigation, BRSR and other regulatory reporting

ESG performance ESG brings about the transparency and accountability of the business firm and provides a social license to phase out negative externalities of energy consumption; water usage; greenhouse gas emissions; waste management; air and water pollution thus demonstrating their commitment to sustainable growth. We provide technical consultancy on environmental, social and governance parameters for improving ESG performance of corporates by conducting materiality assessments and stakeholder engagement, generating the ESG scores and thereby improving transparency and enhancing the company's reputation. We deliver solutions tailored to the specific needs and goals of your organization to help integrate ESG considerations into financial decision-making and attract sustainable investors.
Carbon mitigation A well-crafted carbon accounting and management strategy helps companies make better decisions to meet their business responsibility. With India's commitment to a long-term low-carbon development strategy and net zero targets by 2070, the drive to carbon neutrality and net zero dominates the decision-making of an organization. We provide consultancy in Low Carbon Strategy and Communication Reporting by setting emissions reduction targets and implementing carbon mitigation initiatives to align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), global indices, and reporting initiatives. We provide strategic guidance on renewable energy adoption and energy efficiency measures, supply chain emissions reduction, and carbon offsetting strategies.
Business Responsibility and Sustainable Report (BRSR) BRSR is a seamless integration and alignment of the various regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements in terms of environmental, social and governance parameters to be followed by companies operating within India. The dedicated team at ICWMR helps you generate BRSR reports linking it to the sustainable goals thereby highlighting the responsible conduct of business and transparent disclosure of the non-financial parameters. We offer guidance on aligning with best practices and global standards and integrating relevant sustainability factors into BRSR. We help develop appropriate data collection strategies, ensure data accuracy, establish relevant performance indicators, and identify key metrics to measure impact and progress towards sustainable goals and long-term value of the organisation.

Carbon neutrality through Nature-based Solutions (NbS)

We help in carbon neutralization of the corporates and human settlements (both urban and rural) to attain net-zero carbon through the Nature-based Solutions (NbS). The team at ICWMR carefully designs the best NbS for you based on the emission potential of activities and at the same time inform avenues to generate income and/or cost saving. We undertake projects on behalf of your agency to generate certified carbon credits and add to the carbon mitigation, better branding, and corporate image.

Training and capacity building

We believe that investing in training and skilling of people is the most effective way of bringing efficiency. We design and deliver training and capacity building programmes for trainers, government and regulatory agencies, industry leaders, students, and working professionals on varying themes including sustainable waste management, entrepreneurship, collecting data for disclosures, carbon trading and markets, life cycle assessment, etc. Along with this, we regularly conduct outreach/ awareness activities such as conferences, seminars, webinars, and workshops to deliberate and discuss on critical environmental issues.

Improving brand reputation, profits, and business resiliency for corporates

Improving brand reputation, profits, and business resiliency for corporates
Consumers and stakeholders increasingly value and demand responsible business conduct. By demonstrating a commitment to environmental and social responsibility through BRSR reporting, companies can build trust and credibility with their target audience. This brings about positive brand perception, and a competitive advantage in the market. Business resiliency helps mitigate potential risks associated with climate change, resource scarcity, regulatory changes, and reputational risks.

Carbon Finance, Carbon Markets, and Sequestration Strategies

We assist organisations in navigating voluntary and compliance carbon markets, developing carbon finance strategies, and designing scientifically robust sequestration pathways. This includes support for carbon credit certification, market readiness assessments, and integration of sequestration into overall decarbonisation plans.

Biodiversity, and Climate Risk Assessments

We conduct rigorous assessments of biodiversity loss and climate-related risks across project sites, industrial zones, and natural ecosystems. Our work identifies vulnerabilities, quantifies ecological exposure, and provides science-backed mitigation strategies, helping organisations meet regulatory requirements, protect natural capital, and build long-term resilience against biodiversity and climate-driven disruptions.

Urban Environmental Management

We provide research and consultancy support for sustainable urban environmental governance, including city-level waste management systems, urban ecology, green infrastructure planning, and environmental monitoring. Our work bridges scientific evidence with practical urban policy to support inclusive, low-carbon cities.

Social, Economic and Environmental Impact Assessment of CSR projects

We conduct comprehensive impact assessments of Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, evaluating their social outcomes, economic value generated, and environmental consequences across affected communities and ecosystems. Our assessments provide corporates with credible, evidence-based documentation of their CSR impact, enabling transparent reporting, stakeholder communication, and alignment with national and global sustainability frameworks.

Policy Analysis

We undertake in-depth analysis of existing and emerging environmental, waste, and climate-related policies. Our research identifies gaps, evaluates implementation effectiveness, and provides actionable recommendations that inform evidence-based policy reform, supporting governments, industries, and civil society in navigating a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

Project Design Documents (PDDs) and Full- Spectrum Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) for Carbon Credit Generation

We support organisations in developing robust Project Design Documents and end-to-end MRV frameworks required for carbon credit certification under voluntary and compliance markets. From baseline setting and emission reduction quantification to third-party verification readiness, we ensure that carbon projects are scientifically credible, market-ready, and aligned with internationally recognised standards.

Key Activities

Assessment of ecological, water and carbon footprint	Water resources and waste management
Policy Research, Advisory and Advocacy	Environmental Auditing and Risk Assessment
Technical consultancy for corporates and pollution control	Technical consultancy for improving ESG performance, carbon mitigation, BRSR and other regulatory reporting
Consultancy for nature-based solutions and Carbon Neutrality	Resource Assessment, Baseline Studies and Gap Analysis
Social, Economic and Environmental Impact Assessment	Biodiversity, and Climate Risk Assessments
Carbon Finance, PDD Development and MRV Systems	Training and capacity building