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Pune : More and more educational institutions in the tech capital of the country have been adopting sustainable practices in their campuses. On one hand these green practices being followed by the institutes serve to reduce carbon footprint by resulting in huge energy savings and on the other hand they lead by example for the future generations to follow suit.
The International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Bangalore which got Platinum Ranking by Green Mentors for 2021-23, uses electric vehicles in the campus, has RWH pits, uses solar panels for lighting up common areas and recycles 100% of its sewage water.
“We have installed 31,000 ltrs of solar water heating systems to save power units and 360,000 ltrs underground tanks are available to store roof top rain water. Non- operational borewell is connected to receive rain floor water to increase ground water level. We also have a “Zero Discharge” policy and recycle 100% of sewage water. Around 90,000 Litres of recycled water is used for flushing & gardens,” explains Jagadish P Patil, Chief Administration Officer, IIITB.
The Green School Bangalore (TGSB), located in Varthur, which won the Planet for Her Award 2021 in the 5th Green School Conference held in U.S.A, believes in reusing school stationery, using recyclable uniform materials and involves students in every green activity in the campus.
“Our students are aware of why the environment should be protected as they are actively involved in activities like composting where they are taught practically how composting practices can effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We also have an Eco farm where the students grow vegetables. The excess vegetables are sold and they learn agro- economics,” apprises Usha Iyer, Founder Director, The Green School Bangalore (TGSB).
How much is the saving therefore which these green practices result in?
“The academic block power consumption dropped by 9% after LED lighting. In 2019 April month power consumption in academic block was 86303 units vs 78,562 units in 2022 even after addition of 50,000 sft Labs, Auditorium & Sports complex. We have also earned Rs 4,000/- & Rs 6,000/- in April & May-2022 respectively from waste segregation sales,” adds Jagadish P Patil.
“Being conscious of eco-friendly choices of dyes and pigments is a big step towards sustainable endeavours. At our institute we believe in using natural dyes, upcycling and recycling of fabrics which results in huge saving in the cost of raw materials and working out on the final product costing procedure sensibly,” explains Avi Keswani, Director, LISAA School of Design.
“Annual energy costs can be in lakhs. Solar power reduces or eliminates these costs as soon as they are installed,” says Usha Iyer.” They also offer long-term savings. Also, solar panels installed can benefit the community at large. During the holidays, we sell/provide the extra electricity produced to the grid. After all, our own demands are less during holidays. This excess electricity can be used by other consumers. So, besides reducing our own carbon footprint and dependence on fossil fuels, we are able to reduce the community’s dependence too,” she adds.
Going forward, these institutes are tirelessly continuing to do their bit to reduce carbon footprint. IIIT-B is planning to install 600 KWp solar power plant in FY 2022-23 to generate 35% of its. power requirement. TGSB plans to install bio toilets, bio gas fuel and a waste management plant too. If other institutes too follow suit in adopting sustainable practices, we can surely gift our children a greener Earth to live in.