Objectives of the Practice:
The College envisages Carbon neutralization initiatives in a concerted manner. The emission of carbon to the ambient air is plummeted through disciplined use of fuels for lighting, heating, cooking, maintenance of greenery on one hand and harnessing non-conventional energy on the other hand. The main objectives of this practice are:
- Reduction in carbon emission.
- Reduction of dependency on conventional energy
- Enhancement of the green coverage.
- Avoidance of use of plastic.
- Nurturing plants which emit more oxygen.
- Proper management of waste.
- Awareness on eco consciousness.
The Context:
The college being situated close to the historic kukkarahalli lake, has accorded top priority to preserve the biodiversity of the place. Lush green campus with sylvan surrounding is one of the highlights of the campus. In the sprawling 7.31 acres of land 51% is occupied by buildings, 25% is green coverage, 15% playground and 9% other utilities. The roof top comprising of 51% of the total area is available for solar panel installation. NSS units, Nature club, NCC and student council are properly motivated towards eco consciousness. The city of Mysore being situated in tropical zone has an average of 265 sunny days in a year. The solid waste generation is 0.5kg per capita in the college and 2.8 kg per capita in the hostel. There were a total of 128 trees in the campus in the year 2016.
The Practice:
- In tune with ‘Go Green’ slogan, the NSS Units and nature club have planted and
nurtured arborescent trees.
- Kerb stone low height plinths are erected to hold the rain water from running off in the
lawns which is a miniature model of rain water harvesting.
- 240 Solar panels are erected for heating water in the hostel complex.
- 587 Solar panels are erected for lighting and heating (150kv) on the rooftop of main building.
- Onus on conserving renewable energy.
- Vermi compost plant is made operational.
- 3 pits are constructed for composting green waste.
- 3 solar lamps installed to light up the avenues.
- Avoidance of the use of the CFC emitting equipment.
- Bio safety cabinet to neutralize pathogens.
- LED bulbs are fixed in a phased manner whenever florescent bulbs burnout.
- Sensor lights are installed in Principal chamber.
- Storm water is let into 3.375 cubic meter pit to enable percolation as a matter of rain water harvesting.
- Sprinklers are used for watering lawn.
- Waste water from water purifiers is let into garden.
- Ban on single use plastic in the campus.
- Use of paper in the office is minimized.
- Reuse of unused single side of papers.
- Conducting awareness Rallies.
- Creating awareness on environment through street plays, skits and distribution of pamphlets
- MoU with Shree Consultants Mysuru for safe disposal of biomedical waste.
- Provision for regular disposal of kitchen waste at the vermi compost plant.
- Disposal of food waste to piggeries.
- Regular disposal of other solid waste to the municipal waste collection agents.
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycling of furniture waste.
- Disposal of e-waste to the contractors.
- Disposal of Examination answer scripts to the agents who recycle the same.
- Restricted use of fossil fuel use motor vehicle.
- Vehicle pooling.
- Encouraging students and staff to use public transport.
- Encouraging students in using lesser paper.
- Providing study material through e-content.
- Reduction in the number of pages in answer booklets from 30 to 20.
- Conducting online examinations.
- Conducting online tests and CIA components.
- Correspondence through online means.
- Letting the toxic gases through fume hood pipes.
- Green chemistry including kitchen gardening at chemistry departments.
Evidence of Success:
- Effective neutralization of Carbon dioxide in the campus and neighborhood area.
- The verdant campus has further added to the aesthetic beauty of the place through well
manicured garden, grass carpeted amphitheatre, tall and sturdy palm trees and mango groves which house innumerable birds.
- Huge savings on electricity bill. Before the installation of solar panels, between
December 2019 & April – 2020. The college has paid an amount of Rs. 11, 73, 276
(Eleven Lakhs Seventy Three Thousand and Rupees Two Hundred Seventy Six only)
towards electricity bill. After the installation of solar panels, between June 2021 and
October 2021, the college has paid an amount of Rs. 1,45,804 (One Lakh Forty Five
Thousand and rupees Eight Hundred and four only) towards electricity bill.
- Increase in the number of students using public transport.
- Green and Energy audit reports are the testimony.
Problems Encountered and Resources Required:
- Maintenance of good ambient air quality amidst civilian habitation surrounding the campus.
- Funding the erection of rooftop solar panels.
- Waste segregation before collection.
- Convincing the students to use public transport.
- Practical difficulties in vehicle pooling.
- Bureaucratic bottle necks in axing dead woods.