Best Practice # 2
Real-Life Approach Toward Environmental Sustainability
Objectives: The goal is to promote environmental sustainability by embracing the 7 R's: Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Repair, Regifting, Recycle, and Recover. The college aims to protect and manage natural resources responsibly, ensuring a healthy environment for future generations.
Context: The college's large rooftop has the potential for rainwater harvesting and solar energy generation. The campus is also enriched with diverse greenery, which can be documented for its sociomedicinal properties. There are also significant opportunities towards sustainability; on the one hand there is ample scope for afforestation and on the other hand there is opportunity for recycling, particularly in managing old electronic devices like computers.
The Practice: The college has implemented various sustainability projects:
1. Rainwater Harvesting: A 500-feet deep recharge pit replenishes groundwater rather than merely storing rainwater for surface use. This initiative aims to restore the natural aquifer balance and counter groundwater depletion.
2. Solar Energy: A 1KW solar photovoltaic (PV) panel was installed to power the Microbiology Department. This is the first step toward fully embracing renewable energy across campus.
3. Electronic Recycling: For over five years, the college has repaired and reused computer equipment instead of discarding it. This reduces electronic waste and conserves financial resources.
4. Solvent Recycling: The Chemistry Department recovers solvents through distillation, enabling reuse rather than repurchase.
5. Waste Management and Energy Efficiency: Biodegradable waste is processed in a biocompost pit, and LED lights have replaced tube lights to reduce the campus carbon footprint.
6. Afforestation and Plant Conservation: The campus has an active afforestation program, with new tree species added regularly. Students adopt and nurture plants, fostering conservation values. Botanical documentation is conducted through herbarium sheets, and the diverse tree population supports various bird species and scientific studies.
Evidence of Success: The campus has seen cost savings through electronic recycling and is recognized
as a green zone in an urban area. Its sustainability efforts have contributed to a balanced environmental
ecosystem.
Problems Encountered: The primary challenge is securing adequate funding, especially for large-scale projects like rainwater harvesting and solar panel installation. As a government institution with low student fees, financial constraints are a major barrier to expanding sustainability initiatives