Shiv Nadar IoE — Chennai

Campus Overview

Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence (IoE), Chennai is a young and dynamic campus that opened in 2022, bringing the Shiv Nadar University model of research-intensive, holistic education to Tamil Nadu. Located in the vibrant city of Chennai, the campus benefits from exceptional access to South India's civil society networks, technology ecosystem, and cultural heritage.

The Chennai campus's participation in the SPC Initiative reflects the institution's commitment to making sustainability a lived reality rather than an aspiration.

Fairtrade Designation Stage: Step 1 — Steering Committee Formation

Campus Context

Chennai offers a uniquely rich context for Fairtrade work:

• Agricultural proximity — Tamil Nadu's agricultural communities produce tea, silk, spices, and handicrafts, making supply chain stories immediate and local
• Artisan networks — Chennai and surrounding districts are home to thriving artisan communities whose livelihoods are directly affected by trade practices
• Civil society strength — Tamil Nadu has a robust civil society sector with deep expertise in fair trade, cooperative development, and ethical supply chains
• Technology innovation — The city's tech ecosystem provides tools for supply chain transparency and digital trade documentation

Steering Committee

The steering committee for the Chennai campus is currently being formed.

Edit this page to update as the committee forms.

Planned Activities

Phase 1 (2024–2025)

1. Campus Baseline Assessment — Survey of current procurement practices, student and staff awareness levels, and existing sustainability commitments
2. Stakeholder Mapping — Identify all key players: suppliers, local Fairtrade producers, civil society partners
3. Awareness Launch — Campus-wide event introducing Fairtrade principles
4. Pilot Programme — Select one campus café as a Fairtrade pilot

Phase 2 (2025)

1. Draft and adopt campus Fairtrade Policy
2. Expand Fairtrade products to all dining outlets
3. Launch student research projects on local supply chains
4. Connect with Chennai-based artisan communities via HCL Trust My E-Haat

Local Partnerships

The Chennai campus is developing relationships with:

• Tamil Nadu Cooperative Silk Federation — for ethical silk procurement
• Nilgiris Tea Co-operatives — for Fairtrade tea sourcing
• Chennai-based artisan collectives — via HCL E-Haat network

Connection to HCL Trust My E-Haat

The Chennai campus is closely integrated with the HCL Trust My E-Haat initiative, which connects artisan producers in Tamil Nadu with conscious consumers. Students participate in:

• Documenting artisan stories
• Conducting economic impact assessments
• Designing digital marketing materials for artisan products
• Organising E-Haat celebration events on campus

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