Best Practices 2021-22

Title:

Going Green on Campus

Context:

To ensure that there will be enough water, materials, and other resources available for our children's generation, the sustainability of our Green Campus initiative is our key concern. The greatest difficulty, however, lies in effectively putting the education for environmentally friendly growth into action so that it can be more productive. The involvement of all staff and students is crucial for every new initiative to keep the correct balance of economic, social, and environmental factors in mind.

Objective:

Reduce energy consumption through the implementation of energy-efficient lighting and equipment.

Implement waste reduction and recycling initiatives throughout the campus.

Plant trees and shrubs to reduce air pollution and improve air quality.

Introduce composting programs to reduce food waste and create nutrient-rich soil.

Establish a sustainable building policy to encourage the use of green building techniques.

Educate the campus community on sustainable practices.

The Practice:

Numerous initiatives have been supported by our college to save the environment and preserve its natural resources. Our college has a largely plastic-free campus that is also smoke-free. Our college has an electronic library and a mostly paperless workplace. Vermicomposting has helped the college find a solution to its waste disposal issue. Vermicomposting pit is used to create compost for campus gardens out of the solid waste the college. Additionally, the institution has put in LED lighting in the libraries, classrooms, and other areas.

Obstacles faced:

Limited resources: Implementing green initiatives often require significant upfront investments to secure the necessary resources, such as solar panels, rainwater collection systems, and green building materials.
Lack of Awareness: Many people are unaware of the importance of sustainable practices and may be resistant to changing their habits and behaviors.
Cost: Many green initiatives require significant upfront costs, which can be a challenge for campuses with limited budgets.

Impact of the practice:

The impact of a green campus can be wide-reaching and profound. Green campuses help to create healthier and more vibrant communities by reducing air pollution, conserving natural resources, and providing educational opportunities. Green campuses can also help to reduce energy and water consumption, create green jobs, and support local food and agriculture. In addition, green campuses can increase campus pride and foster a sense of community. Furthermore, green campuses can help to reduce the university’s long-term operating costs, while providing a healthier, more sustainable environment for students, faculty, and staff. Finally, green campuses can help to increase the university’s visibility and public image, as well as generate positive media coverage.

Resources required:

A number of awareness programmes are required to educate and prepare more people for the implementation of green practises. Going green requires not just financial investment, but also a strong commitment from all the beneficiaries.