ISBM University - PG Programs in India

BEST PRACTICES - 2

ECOLOGICAL OASIS: TRANSFORMING ISBM UNIVERSITY INTO A SUSTAINABLE CAMPUS

Title of the Practice –GREEN CAMPUS

Green Initiatives and Environment Friendly Campus

We believe that the best practices of our institution find validation in the fact that, each year, numerous students, their number always higher than the previous year, apply for admission in our University. Besides the pursuit of academic excellence, societal and academic reforms are meant to motivate students so that they are able to develop themselves into an educated men and women, ready to carve a niche for themselves in society. Keeping the growing ecological concerns in mind, there is a dire need for immediate action to be carried out and promote eco-friendly practices. The University firmly believes that, when it comes to environmental conservation, awareness must be followed by sustainable practices. In such endeavor, different departments, along with Science Club of the University and various associated and dedicated committees, to initiate several initiatives and organize different activities to reduce our institutional and societal carbon footprint and inculcate greener practices. The initiatives undertaken are listed below.

Green Development and Community Outreach:

Our University adopted 6 villages namely Saragao, Dulla, Piprahi, Bhesamuda, Nawapara, Kosmi in Chhura, Gariyaband Dist. Chhattisgarh. We have put in an honest effort to ensure that our less privileged brothers and sisters become self-sufficient through various green and sustainable practises University pilots such initiatives to archives economic and social advancement. For instance, the University has trained the citizens of the aforesaid village in the fields of rearing and cultivation of advanced methods of paddy cultivation, vermicomposting, and various other activities. Through such community development initiatives, we believe that we are able to make a difference in the lives of those less privileges to fulfil the responsibility of the humanity.

Our Environmental Policy

1. To create awareness regarding environmental policy among the students and management.
2. To maintain a pollution-free campus by avoiding tobacco, pan-masala, and its subsequent chewing in the campus.
3. Tobacco-free campus signboards are displayed at various strategic locations throughout the campus in accordance with Government rules and regulations.
4. To use Solar Energy across the University Campus.
5. To sensitise the students and staff regarding the safe and sustainable use of potable drinking water, we have provided purified (RO aqua-guard) drinking water facilities within the campus.
6. To implement 'Rain Water Harvesting' in campus, we collected rain water from the University roof and allowed it to percolate into the system, assisting ground water recharge.
7. To observe ‘University Transportation’ in order to keep the campus vehicle free, thereby saving on fuel and reducing environmental pollution.
8. To maximise the use of ICT and minimise the use of paper and hence promote the concept of "Paperless Office".
9. To use the solid waste through vermi-compost on the campus and use it as fertilizer.

We have built seating arrangements under the shade of trees on our campus to reduce noise pollution. To use "Use me" dry and wet dustbins in the campus are placed so as to keep the campus clean. Protection and nurturing of the flora and fauna within the campus is given considerable priority. To maintain a green campus, a "green audit" is conducted periodically.

Tree Plantation: Our institution is committed whole-heartedly for the cause of the environment. We regularly take up tree planting initiatives in the campus as well as outside. The University organizes regular tree plantations and poster competitions on environmental themes to raise awareness about nature and natural resources. In collaboration with various departments, cells, and committees, teaching and non-teaching staff members, along with students, actively participate in these tree planting drives.

Green Workshops/Conferences/Programs/Awareness Programs: The science club unit of ISBM UNIVERSITY celebrated World Ozone Day on the 16th of September, in the Seminar Hall. The event commemorated the unit's commitment to spreading awareness about global environmental challenges.

Paper Reuse:Akin to reuse, is also one of the effective ways to conserve natural resources, save energy, minimize greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce the ever growing load on landfill spaces. Thus, paper recycling is a regular exercise in the college. A drive was also carried out to collect waste paper and recycle it for various uses in the University.In a constant endeavor to make the University campus increasingly environment-friendly and follow sustainable practices, certain infrastructural additions were carried out and further are being worked upon.

Waste Management:Paper waste management has been initiated by going digital and reducing paper use. The focus has been laid on reusing and recycling the used papers in the library and various other offices in the University. The waste generated by us is managed efficiently through modern e-waste management methods. The University has banned the burning of dry leaves and branches. Compost pits have been prepared on the University premises and are being used for dumping organic waste and green waste for future reuse as manures. The University uses vermi-compost pits to create compost from biodegradable waste. The compost pits rely on natural decomposition, accelerated by earthworms and bacteria, to break down organic matter into manure. The University has also implemented a mechanism to dispose of solid waste in a scientific manner. Biological and chemical wastes are released only after necessary treatment.

Objectives of the Practice

i. To raise environmental awareness among students, resulting in better environmental management, greater sustainability, and an improvement in the quality of life for all stakeholders associated with the campus
ii. To make the campus as pollution-free as far as possible.
iii. To safeguard every connected stakeholder from the adverse effects of environmental pollution. Plant more trees and protect the ones that are already there.
iv. To keep the campus cool and clean by putting into practise energy conservation strategies in practice.

Energy conservation: Our University has been very conscious about energy conservation. On every floor, the floor supporting staff and students are trained to switch off lights and fans when not required. Air conditioners are used only during the months when the temperatures are not comfortable, and they are set at 25 degrees Celsius.
The other strategies put to use include:
Restricted entry of automobiles
Use of Bicycles or Battery-powered Vehicles
Pedestrian-friendly pathways
Ban on the use of plastic
landscaping with trees and plants

The Context:A clean environment is a basic necessity for human beings’ health and efficiency. The main aim of the practice is to impart knowledge, create awareness, develop an attitude to handle the environmental issues and challenges

The Practice:

a. The university has preserved the existing flora within the campus.
b. Signboards/posters are displayed on the campus to encourage ideas of plastic-free campuses, noise pollution, and environmental awareness.
c. The University organizes international conferences, workshops, etc. on environment related issues
d. LED bulbs are installed in the University buildings and across the campus to save electricity
e. Digital Attendance for staff member is operational.

Evidence of Success:

1. Through periodical tree plantations, flora and fauna on the campus have been enriched, resulting in the transformation of the campus into an eco-friendly campus
2. An awareness campaign for the plastic-free campus through signboards and display boards has made to make the campus plastic free
3. A course on environmental awareness at the Graduation and Master level is taught.

Problems Encountered and Resources Required:

A. Green Campus initiatives are challenging as the residents of the periphery require motivation.
B. The Green Campus initiative is a rather expensive practice. It needs expert advice and an investment of resources. The green budget need to be prepared for systematic investment.
C. Lack of trained manpower is needed to sustainably maintain green practices.
D. Lesser awareness among the community towards environmental issues aggravates the problem levels