IIT Madras gets IGBC Platinum Certification for promoting sustainable practices

Chennai: Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) on Wednesday accorded with the ‘Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Platinum Certification’ for promoting sustainable and environment-friendly practices in the campus.

With an impressive score of 82 out of 90 points, the institution will now become one of the country’s largest and highest-rated green campuses to attain this honour

The Platinum Certification indicates that the Institute demonstrated exceptional resource efficiency and environmental responsibility. This not only reduces operational costs but also conserves valuable resources.

“Green Campus certification not only leads to long-term cost savings but also enhances the reputation of institutions, attracting environmentally conscious individuals” said Prof. Ligy Philip, Dean (Planning), IIT Madras.

The ‘IGBC Green Campus’ is a rating system and certification program developed by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to promote sustainable and environment-friendly practices in educational institutions and corporate campuses in India.

Mr Philip said, “It evaluates campuses on various parameters emphasizing resource efficiency, environmentally responsible design and enhanced indoor environmental quality. Sustainable landscaping, transportation options and a strong focus on awareness and education are integral parts of this initiative”.

“This recognition serves as a benchmark for other institutions to follow suit in adopting green practices” he added.

IIT Madras has also established a Solid Waste Incinerator facility with the capacity to process two tons of mixed waste per day that otherwise goes out for landfilling.

“This facility demonstrates the Institute’s commitment towards achieving a sustainable ‘Zero Waste Discharge.” said the statement.

Speaking about the Solid Waste Incinerator facility, Prof. Ligy Philip said, “At present institute generates about 4 tonnes of solid waste per day. The waste segregation is done at source. The segregated organic waste is either composted or anaerobically digested. We have a biodigester of 1 tonne capacity already functioning and another biodigester of 2 tonne capacity is being constructed”.

“We were sending this waste to landfill site. With this facility, our campus will be a ‘Zero Waste Discharge campus. We are in the process of installing an energy recovery system from the incinerator. This shows the institute’s commitment towards sustainability” he said.

Elaborating on the impact of this facility, Project Coordinator Prof. R. Vinu, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Madras, said, This facility can handle unsegregated wastes up to 40 per cent moisture content.

By incinerating the mixed wastes, the Institute reduces around two tons of CO2-eq GHG emissions. The Institute benefits by reducing expenditure on waste disposal” Vinu said.