19OCTOBER 2025With over a decade of experience in the supply chain management industry, Om Vijayvargiya is a seasoned leader driving the company's profitable growth. Other than SCM & logistics, his expertise spans Operations, Program Management, Lean Manufacturing, Process Automation, and digitalization.INDUSTRY INSIGHTSGREEN LOGISTICS 2025: DRIVING INNOVATION WITH HYPERLOCAL LOGISTICSAs emission norms tighten, how are companies integrating EV retrofits into fleets without disrupting operations or compromising load capacity across distribution networks?Sustainability has emerged as a critical goal for all business organizations. The government is also promoting the integration of sustainability across industries and all the industries are working in line with this initiative. Our organization also aims to become carbon neutral globally by 2040.Regarding supply chain management and logistics, we have started to act towards reducing the Scope 3 emissions. One of the effective actions to reduce these emissions is implementing the use of Electric vehicles (EVs). However, the limited availability of EVs in the commercial vehicle category poses a big challenge to effective usage in the sector. Our industry needs high tonnage capacity EVs like 9-18 tons. I believe such higher-capacity EVs will be available in India very soon. Adding to this, India has infrastructural challenges related to EV charging stations. Imagine traveling long distances in an EV vehicle without a proper charging facility. Therefore, EVs in commercial vehicles are still in the nascent stage in India, they are not currently the most viable option.Therefore the best option to tap into is CNG vehicles. These vehicles emit 48 percent less carbon compared to IC engines. We have been using CNG vehicles on some of our lanes to reduce carbon emissions. Additionally, initiatives like Network Restructuring, increased use of Returnable Packaging, and Optimized Container & Vehicle utilization further contribute to our sustainability efforts.Diesel-powered warehouses hinder sustainability. How are automated systems like HVAC and lighting helping older facilities meet energy goals without major infrastructure upgrades?Warehouses play a multifaceted role in supply chain management, serving functions such as storage, distribution, and processing of goods. From this perspective, the necessity of warehouses in modern supply chain management is undeniable. A good warehouse always facilitates the working of MHEs, a sufficient number of racks and offices. Hence, a warehouse operation is more like an industrial hub rather than merely a storage facility. Warehouses typically employ a substantial workforce in constant motion alongside MHEs. This combination can result in significant carbon emissions.Considering the huge demand for warehouses in India, HVAC and automated lighting systems are the effective choice for sustainability. Additionally, best practices to reduce carbon emissions include minimizing unnecessary movement of MHEs. Selecting a warehouse based on specific business requirements regarding size or volume can optimize operations. Expert consultation can lead to credible warehouse layouts, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. Warehouses should utilize Polycarbonate sheets on the roofs of the warehouse for a brighter environment. Roof insulation systems can reduce the warehouse temperature by 2-3 degrees compared to non-insulated roofs. Implementing sustainable energies, such as solar panel installations, offers a promising solution for reducing reliance on air conditioning and electric lighting systems. These practices not only reduce carbon emissions but make business cost-effective.Om Vijayvargiya, Head - SCM & Logistics, Schaeffler IndiaOm Vijayvargiya, Head - SCM & Logistics
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