Best Practices 2

Comprehensive Green
Campus Initiatives

  • To create vast green spaces conducive to learning.
  • To implement eco-friendly initiatives for campus sustainability.
  • To promote environmental awareness among all stakeholders.

The Context

Sustainability has been a core value of Ajeenkya DYPatil University since its inception.The university embraces the principle of environmental conservation, following the belief that we have borrowed the Earth from future generations. This philosophy underpins A2. Comprehensive Green Campus Initiatives DYPU’s mission to foster environmental responsibility and sustainability across its campus, instilling these values in students and staff.

The Practice

ADYPU has implemented several initiatives to achieve its sustainability goals:

  • Curriculum Integration: Environment Studies is a mandatory course to raise awareness of environmental challenges. Students engage in competitions and projects to deepen their understanding of sustainability.
  • Open Spaces: The campus is designed with vast open spaces conducive to learning, relaxation, and cultural activities.
  • Cycling Club: The university encourages students to cycle to campus, promoting health and reducing carbon emissions.
  • Flora and Fauna: Nearly 40% of the campus is covered by green landscaping with native trees like Neem, Gulmohar, and Kadam. This greenery supports diverse species of butterflies, birds, and animals, enhancing the ecosystem.
  • Water Conservation: ADYPU is a zero-water discharge campus, recycling wastewater through sewage treatment plants for use in horticulture and sanitation. Annual audits ensure these systems operate efficiently.
  • Energy Conservation: Solar plants with a capacity of 830-860 KVA meet 50-80% of the campus’s lighting needs. Solar panels are installed on rooftops , and solar water heaters are used in hostels to reduce energy consumption.
  • Water Harvesting: The campus includes three natural lakes and rainwater harvesting systems, which provide recycled water for maintaining campus greenery year-round.
  • Tree Plantation Drives: Annual tree-planting events involve students, staff, and dignitaries, helping keep the campus 2°C cooler than surrounding areas.
  • Solid Waste Management: Dustbins for segregated waste are placed across campus. Fallen leaves are composted, and food waste from the canteen is repurposed to feed animals.
  • E-Waste Management: E-waste from all departments is collected, stored, and sold to authorized recyclers for responsible disposal.
  • Butterfly Garden: ADYPU’s butterfly garden creates a thriving ecosystem, promoting biodiversity and environmental education.
  • Pet-Friendly Campus: The campus welcome pets, hosts cattle such as cow thereby fostering a compassionate and inclusive environment for animals where various student clubs play an important role.
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: Charging stations are available to encourage the use of eco-friendly transportation, reducing campus carbon emissions.

Evidence of Success

ADYPU’s efforts have been recognized with the Green and Pollution Free Campus Awards in 2018 and 2021. These awards demonstrate the university’s success in promoting a sustainable, environmentally conscious campus.

Problems Encountered and
Resources Required

Challenges included bureaucratic delays in obtaining permissions, especially for installing solar panels. Maintaining green spaces requires regular upkeep, which poses budgetary challenges. Continuous education and security personnel are needed to protect the campus’s green areas.

Impact

ADYPU’s commitment to sustainability has cultivated deep environmental awareness, reduced its ecological footprint and set an example for sustainable practices in higher education.