Pachauri also serves as the head of The Energy Research Institute, a developing-country institution devoted to sustainable development.
He otained an M.S in industrial engineering in 1972, a Ph.D in industrial engineering, and a Ph.D. in economics from North Carolina State University.
In acknowledgement of his environmental contributions, Pachauri was awarded the Padman Bhushan in 2001 -- one of India's highest civilian awards that recognizes distinguished service to the nation.