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

At our University, we are committed to creating a sustainable and eco-conscious environment. Alongside our pursuit of academic excellence, we strive to inspire students to become responsible individuals who contribute positively to society. Recognizing the urgent need to address growing ecological concerns, we focus on promoting eco-friendly practices and sustainable living. Our efforts go beyond raising awareness, as we actively implement practical measures to conserve the environment. Through the collaboration of various departments, the University’s Science Club, and dedicated committees, we have undertaken several initiatives and organized activities aimed at reducing our carbon footprint and fostering greener practices. These actions reflect our dedication to building a campus and community that values and protects the environment.

Green Development and Community Outreach:

Our University has adopted six villages—Saragao, Dulla, Piprahi, Bhesamuda, Nawapara, and Kosmi—in Chhura, Gariyaband District, Chhattisgarh, with the aim of empowering the underprivileged and fostering self-sufficiency through green and sustainable practices. We are committed to driving economic and social advancement by piloting initiatives that benefit the community. For example, the University has provided training to the residents of these villages in advanced methods of paddy cultivation, vermin-composting, and other sustainable practices. Through these community development efforts, we aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need and fulfill our shared responsibility towards humanity.

Our Environmental Policy

1. Awareness is created among students and management about environmental policies.
2. A pollution-free campus is maintained by prohibiting tobacco, pan masala, and related products.
3. Tobacco-free campus signboards are displayed at key locations as per government regulations.
4. Solar energy is utilized across the University campus to promote renewable energy usage.
5. Purified drinking water facilities (RO aqua-guard) are provided to encourage the safe and sustainable use of potable water.
6. Rainwater harvesting systems are implemented by collecting rainwater from rooftops to recharge groundwater.
7. The campus is kept vehicle-free by promoting ‘University Transportation,’ reducing fuel consumption and pollution.
8. The use of ICT is maximized to minimize paper consumption, promoting a "Paperless Office" culture.
9. Solid waste is managed through vermicomposting, with the compost used as fertilizer on the campus.

Our campus incorporates thoughtful initiatives to promote sustainability and environmental harmony. Seating arrangements have been built under the shade of trees to help reduce noise pollution and create a peaceful environment. To maintain cleanliness, "Use Me" dry and wet dustbins are strategically placed throughout the campus. The protection and nurturing of the campus's flora and fauna are prioritized, reflecting our commitment to biodiversity conservation. Additionally, a periodic "green audit" is conducted to ensure the campus remains green, sustainable, and environmentally friendly.

Our institution is committed wholeheartedly to the cause of the environment, regularly taking up Tree Plantation Our institution is committed whole-heartedly for the cause of the environment. initiatives both on campus and beyond. The University organizes regular tree planting drives and poster competitions on environmental themes to raise awareness about nature and natural resources. Collaborating with various departments, cells, and committees, teaching and non-teaching staff members, along with students, actively participate in these activities. Additionally, the Science Club unit of ISBM University celebrated World Ozone Day on the 16th of September in the Seminar Hall, reaffirming its dedication to spreading awareness about global environmental challenges through Green Workshops/Conferences/Programs/Awareness Programs The University also prioritizes Paper Reuse as an effective way to conserve natural resources, save energy, minimize greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce the growing load on landfills. Paper recycling is a regular practice, and a dedicated drive was conducted to collect waste paper and recycle it for various purposes within the University.

In a constant endeavor to make the University campus more environment-friendly and to adopt sustainable practices, several infrastructural additions have been implemented, with further improvements underway.Waste Management has been prioritized by initiating paper waste management through digitalization and reducing paper usage. Efforts are focused on reusing and recycling used papers in the library and various offices. The waste generated by the University is managed efficiently using modern e-waste management techniques. The burning of dry leaves and branches is strictly prohibited, and compost pits have been prepared on campus for organic and green waste, which is reused as manure. Vermi-compost pits are also utilized to create compost from biodegradable waste, relying on natural decomposition facilitated by earthworms and bacteria to produce high-quality manure. Additionally, the University has established mechanisms for the scientific disposal of solid waste, ensuring that biological and chemical wastes are treated appropriately before release. These efforts collectively support a cleaner, greener campus and sustainable waste management practices.

Objectives of the Practice

1. To raise environmental awareness among students, fostering better environmental management, greater sustainability, and an improved quality of life for all campus stakeholders.
2. To strive for a pollution-free campus to the greatest extent possible.
3. To safeguard all stakeholders from the adverse effects of environmental pollution by planting more trees and protecting the existing ones.
4. To maintain a cool and clean campus by implementing effective energy conservation strategies.

Our University is highly conscious about energy conservation and has implemented several strategies to reduce energy consumption. On every floor, staff and students are trained to switch off lights and fans when not in use. Air conditioners are only used during months when temperatures are uncomfortable, and they are set to 25 degrees Celsius.
Additional energy-saving strategies include:
1. Restricted entry of automobiles to reduce fuel consumption and pollution
2. Encouraging the use of bicycles or battery-powered vehicles for transportation
3. Creating pedestrian-friendly pathways to promote walking
4. Imposing a ban on the use of plastic to minimize waste and pollution
5. Landscaping with trees and plants to improve the campus environment and provide natural cooling.

The Context:

A clean environment is essential for human health and efficiency. The primary goal of this practice is to impart knowledge, raise awareness, and foster an attitude to effectively handle environmental issues and challenges.

The Practice:

1. The University has developed a beautiful campus with lawns, providing a pleasant and green environment.
2. The University has preserved the existing flora within the campus, promoting biodiversity and contributing to a greener space.
3. Signboards/posters are displayed throughout the campus to encourage initiatives like a plastic-free campus, reducing noise pollution, and promoting environmental awareness.
4. The University regularly organizes international conferences, workshops, and other events focused on environment-related issues, fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange.
5. To save electricity and reduce energy consumption, LED bulbs are installed in University buildings and throughout the campus.
6. Digital Attendance for staff members is operational, reducing paper usage and promoting efficient management practices.

Evidence of Success:

1. Periodical tree plantations have enriched the flora and fauna on the campus, transforming it into an eco-friendly environment.
2. An awareness campaign promoting a plastic-free campus, supported by signboards and display boards, has significantly contributed to reducing plastic use on campus.
3. A course on environmental awareness is taught at both the Graduation and Master's levels, ensuring that students are equipped with the knowledge to address environmental issues.

Problems Encountered and Resources Required:

A. Green Campus initiatives are challenging as residents in the surrounding areas require motivation and support to actively participate.
B. The Green Campus initiative is an expensive practice, requiring expert advice and significant investment of resources. A dedicated green budget needs to be prepared for systematic investment.
C. There is a lack of trained manpower to sustainably maintain green practices across the campus.
D. Lesser awareness among the community regarding environmental issues exacerbates the challenges in implementing effective green practices.