RFP 2025: GreenShift: Collaborating for a Low-Carbon, Water-Wise, Climate Resilient Cities

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Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) is seeking collaboration on projects under its CSR initiatives, aimed at addressing critical urban environmental challenges. This campaign welcomes innovative, scalable proposals focused on technology-driven solutions in areas such as circular economy models for mobility and EV batteries, sustainable waste management, water conservation, and carbon neutrality. Projects should be designed for implementation in major Indian cities and contribute to long-term environmental sustainability.

MBRDI: Overview & Key CSR Initiatives

Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India bridges automotive technology with sustainable, socially responsible engineering, positioning itself as a leader in shaping the future of mobility. In line with this commitment, it integrates advanced technology and employee engagement into its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, aligning closely with the brand’s global sustainability vision: Ambition 2039, aimed at achieving net carbon neutrality across the entire value chain by 2039. Focused on three key pillars—Sustainable Mobility, Environmental Sustainability, and Need-Based Interventions—MBRDI is committed to creating equitable and lasting impact. Some of the notable initiatives include Clean Green Nandi (waste management and waterbody rejuvenation), urban afforestation, 95KW solar panel installation in schools, and Blue Green Bengaluru (water resilience program).

Main Objective of the Campaign:

To drive transformative urban environmental initiatives that promote circularity in mobility, reduce environmental degradation, support water resource management, and accelerate progress toward carbon-neutral cities through sustainable and inclusive practices.

Who is the Target Audience/Who is it Relevant For?

This is relevant for environmental NGOs, circular economy innovators, and implementation organizations with expertise in waste, climate, or sustainability interventions.

NGOs/Private Training Organizations Eligible to Execute CSR Projects:

• Registered NGOs, social enterprises, or private organizations

• Those with experience in environment-focused or sustainability programs

• Those capable of delivering high-quality outcomes

Key Outcomes/Takeaways:

• Urban impact in areas like e-waste management, air quality, water conservation, or carbon neutrality

• Demonstrable practices with measurable outputs

Selection Criteria / Process:

• Prior experience in executing urban environment or circular economy projects

• Sound Theory of Change and Logical Framework

• Robust execution and evaluation strategy

• Emphasis on innovation, replicability, and sustainability

• One-time approaches are discouraged; proposals must present a clear long-term value proposition

• Proposals must be justified with strong need assessments and quantifiable KPIs

• Proposals must include quantifiable impact indicators and use pre- and post-intervention assessments as a standard evaluation method.

• Tree plantation projects are discouraged for this RFP.
  
  

Campaign Timelines:

Start Date: May 16, 2025
End Date: June 4, 2025

Target Sectors, Beneficiaries, and Areas of Intervention:

• Target Sector: Urban Environment & Circular Economy

• Beneficiaries: Inclusive urban populations

• Priority Aspects: E-waste, circular economy, air/water quality, replicable models
  
  

Target Geographies:

• Preferred Cities: Bengaluru, Pune

• Also Considered: Hyderabad, Delhi

• Excluded: Tier 2 cities
  
  

Project Timelines:

Duration: 18–24 months

Indicative Budget: ₹75 lakh to ₹1.5 crore

In case of any queries or clarifications please reach out to mbrdirfp@sattva.co.in