Vice Chancellor, NICMAR University Pune, Maharashtra
NICMAR University, Pune, recipient of the Third Prize under the Sustainability in Curriculum & Research category at the Sustainability Karma Campus Leadership Awards 2026, is recognised for specialised sustainability MBA programmes, advanced digital tools, a Living Lab, industry exposure, research and green-skills development.
NICMAR University has developed specialised MBA programmes in Environmental Sustainability and Sustainable Energy Management to bridge the growing skills gap in the global transition towards Net Zero. The curriculum combines advanced technologies with industry collaboration to prepare future sustainability professionals.
Students gain practical experience through tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), @Risk, VisiLean, artificial intelligence, IoT and Python, complemented by industrial visits, workshops and strategic partnerships with leading organisations. The University’s Living Lab enables students to apply classroom concepts on greenhouse gas emissions and sustainability to real campus infrastructure.
The initiative also promotes inclusive education through an Economically Weaker Section (EWS) Fee Waiver programme for women, while encouraging research, carbon auditing and industry-focused innovation that strengthens India’s green workforce.
Description
The initiative integrates advanced sustainability education with industry partnerships, research and experiential learning to prepare students for leadership roles in the green economy.
Key activities include:
- MBA programmes in Environmental Sustainability and Sustainable Energy Management.
- Training in Life Cycle Assessment, Carbon Accounting and ESG reporting.
- Practical learning using BIM, SimaPro, @Risk and VisiLean.
- Industrial visits to renewable energy, water and waste management facilities.
- Faculty-led and student research on sustainability and Net Zero.
- Sustainability activities through the Fulcro Club and SAtTVA Club.
Objectives
The initiative aims to:
- Integrate sustainability into construction and infrastructure education.
- Deliver industry-oriented green skills and technical competencies.
- Promote research in renewable energy, circular economy and Net Zero.
- Strengthen academia-industry collaboration.
- Prepare graduates for emerging sustainability careers.
Innovation
The initiative combines specialised sustainability education with advanced digital technologies, industry collaboration and experiential learning. By integrating tools such as ArcGIS, BIM, SimaPro and Power BI with dedicated MBA programmes and a Living Lab approach, it equips students with practical skills required for the green economy.
Outcomes
The initiative has strengthened sustainability education and graduate employability.
Key achievements include:
- Graduates placed as Sustainability Consultants, ESG Auditors and Renewable Energy Project Managers.
- Student and faculty research published in international journals.
- Increased industry engagement through strategic partnerships and field exposure.
- Enhanced practical skills in sustainability technologies and carbon management.
- Greater participation in research, consultancy and sustainability projects.
Scalability
The initiative offers a comprehensive model for integrating sustainability into higher education and professional training.
Its scalable components include:
- Specialised sustainability-focused MBA programmes.
- Living Lab approach for experiential learning.
- Industry partnerships and collaborative research.
- Advanced digital tools for sustainability education.
- Green skills training aligned with emerging industry needs.
- International conferences and knowledge-sharing platforms.
By combining academic excellence with industry engagement and practical learning, the model provides a replicable framework for universities seeking to develop future-ready sustainability professionals.
