Eco friendly campus even in the escalation in the ambit of concrete structures
1. Title of the practice: Eco friendly campus even in the escalation in the ambit of concrete structures
2. Objective of the Practice
- To conduct an extensive environmental assessment to pinpoint and prioritize energy efficiency enhancements across our campus buildings and facilities.
- To develop and execute a holistic waste management strategy that encompasses recycling, composting, and the proper disposal of hazardous materials, thereby reducing waste and fostering a circular economy.
- To expand our reliance on renewable energy sources like solar panels to power up campus infrastructure, diminishing our dependence on non-renewable energy.
- To enhance our campus greenery and landscaping to nurture biodiversity, enhance air quality, and offer serene retreats for students and staff.
- To encourage sustainable modes of transportation, like biking, walking, and carpooling, and provide the necessary infrastructure, such as bike racks and pedestrian paths, to support these eco-friendly choices.
- To infuse sustainability into our academic offerings, offering courses and workshops on environmental topics to enlighten students and staff about the significance of sustainability and encourage them to adopt greener practices in their daily lives.
3.The context:
In the urbanized environment of a university or college campus, the challenge of creating an eco-friendly space amidst the proliferation of concrete structures is paramount. This involves various strategies, including the development of green spaces like rooftop gardens and urban parks, which provide much-needed respite from the concrete jungle and contribute to improved air quality. Energy-efficient buildings with features like solar panels and efficient lighting reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable transportation options such as biking, walking, and carpooling are encouraged, supported by infrastructure like bike lanes and walkways. Effective waste management practices, water conservation measures, and the promotion of biodiversity within the urban landscape are also crucial elements. Renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines contribute to reducing the campus’s reliance on non-renewable energy, while environmental education and awareness campaigns foster a culture of sustainability among students and staff. Collaboration with local organizations and government agencies and a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation are essential for creating a truly eco-friendly campus.
3.The Practice:
St. Philomena’s College earmarks and standpoints as stature of the green campus are evident and discernible to illustrate the eco-friendly institution and endeavour for the sustainability of environment and promote waste management as an instrumental for global cause. The institution conducts various awareness programs to create plastic-free campus and adheres to the waste recycling.
Solid- Waste Management:Dustbins are placed in prominent places like classrooms, academic section, cafeteria, and administrative space of the institution with instructions. The wastes generated in the campus are paper, metals, dry leaves, wooden wastes, glass, wrappers, and organic wastes from canteen. The garbage pails for collection of solid wastes are located at prominent places in the campus. Our objective is to create awareness and encourage every individual in campus to be responsible and committed to be the integral part of the green campus. Plastic wastes are handed over to Mysuru City Municipal Corporation for the appropriate disposal. There is an incinerator to manage the combustion as waste treatment to burn the wastes produced in the campus. Pits are ensured timely and effectively to manage dried leaves of the campus embedded with numerous trees.
Water conservation facilities available in the Institution: Rain water harvesting Bore well /Open well recharge Construction of tanks and bunds Waste water recycling Maintenance of water bodies and distribution system in the campus.
The institution has implemented several best practices to create a greener campus. Firstly, by restricting automobile entry and promoting the use of bicycles and battery-powered vehicles, they encourage sustainable transportation options. This is complemented by pedestrian-friendly pathways that prioritize safety and eco-friendliness. Furthermore, their landscaping efforts enhance the aesthetic appeal of the campus while contributing to a greener environment. Collectively, these initiatives demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and a holistic approach to greening the campus.
5.Evidence of Success:
The institution’s endeavours to protect and enhance the environment and harness energy have yielded tangible results, supported by a series of audits and recognitions. The Green, Energy, and Environment audits have provided evidence of successful implementation of sustainable practices. This is further corroborated by the institution’s clean and green campus recognitions, which serve as external validation of their commitment to environmental stewardship. Additionally, the institution’s involvement in beyond-campus environmental promotional activities underscores their dedication to spreading awareness and influencing positive change beyond their immediate environment. These results collectively indicate the institution’s successful integration of sustainable practices and its ongoing efforts to promote environmental responsibility, both within and beyond its campus boundaries.
6.Problems Encountered and resources required: As we strive to implement sustainable practices and improve our campus environment, we have encountered several challenges along the way. One significant issue is the limited availability of financial resources to support large-scale sustainability initiatives. Additionally, changing entrenched behaviours and attitudes towards sustainability can be a daunting task, requiring significant time and effort for education and awareness campaigns. Infrastructure limitations also pose a challenge, particularly when it comes to retrofitting existing buildings with energy-efficient features or installing renewable energy systems. Moreover, coordinating efforts across various departments and stakeholders within the institution can sometimes be challenging, requiring effective communication and collaboration. To address these challenges, we require increased funding for sustainability projects, as well as additional personnel and expertise to drive implementation forward. Education and training resources are also essential to foster a culture of sustainability within our campus community. Lastly, investment in infrastructure upgrades and technology will be necessary to overcome existing limitations and achieve our sustainability goals effectively