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Energy-efficient Practices at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham

Inspired by the insightful deliberations and public addresses by Amrita University’s Chancellor, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, the University Management has been motivated to implement a comprehensive Energy-Efficient Building Policy. This policy aims to ensure that all university buildings adhere to the highest energy efficiency standards, aligning with Amrita’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Sustainable Campus Policy

The initiative reflects the university’s proactive approach to creating a greener, more energy-efficient campus that serves as a model for future development.

The policy implementations are provided herewith – 

  1. All new buildings and major renovations should adhere to sustainable design principles, incorporating energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and passive design strategies.

Ready-mixed concrete is used in building construction. Water demand during construction is reduced by the use of pre-mixed concrete, curing agents, and other best practices referred.

  1. Buildings must be designed to maximize energy efficiency, utilizing renewable energy sources, efficient insulation, and energy-saving technologies such as LED lighting, smart Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, and energy management systems.

Usage of energy-saving 5-star rating equipment such as Solar Geyser and LED lamps should be promoted as part of energy conservation.

All air conditioning systems on campus are programmed to maintain an indoor temperature of 24°C, in compliance with Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) standards, to ensure energy-efficient operation and thermal comfort.

Implement water-saving technologies in all campus buildings, such as low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and wastewater recycling to minimize water consumption.

Amrita’s campuses have implemented state-of-the-art water conservation systems, ensuring efficient utilization and minimal wastage.
Rainwater Harvesting: Extensive rainwater harvesting systems to collect and store rainwater, which is used for irrigation and non-potable purposes.

Water Recycling: Sewage treatment plants (STPs) recycle wastewater, ensuring it is reused for gardening, cooling systems, and flushing, significantly reducing freshwater dependency.

Construction materials sourced responsibly, prioritizing recycled, locally sourced, and environmentally friendly materials that reduce environmental impact.

Amrita University is a pioneer in sustainable construction, championing the use of rammed earth technology for building houses. This innovative approach utilizes a blend of locally sourced soil and minimal cement, significantly reducing the environmental impact compared to conventional construction methods. These rammed earth structures not only embody sustainability but also offer natural thermal insulation, providing the same cooling effect as cement houses while promoting eco-friendly living.

Promote a healthy indoor environment through proper ventilation, natural lighting, non-toxic materials, and the reduction of indoor pollutants to enhance the well-being of occupants.

Each classroom, along with faculty and staff rooms, is designed with optimal ventilation to ensure a continuous flow of fresh outdoor air, while allowing stale indoor air to exit. This natural ventilation system not only promotes a healthier indoor environment but also maximizes the intake of natural sunlight, creating bright, well-lit spaces that enhance comfort and well-being.

All new buildings should aim to achieve recognized green building certifications, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or equivalent standards, to ensure adherence to high sustainability benchmarks.

Amrita University has been diligently working on the procedures and requirements for obtaining LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification since early 2023. This dedicated effort culminated in the successful achievement of the certification in August 2024, marking a significant milestone in the university’s commitment to sustainability and environmental excellence.

Implement smart technologies such as energy monitoring systems, occupancy sensors, and automation tools to optimize resource use and reduce waste across campus buildings.

Building Energy Monitoring and Management System

The building energy monitoring dashboard provides real-time insights into energy consumption patterns. It visualizes current usage, analyzes historical trends, and calculates key performance indicators such as Energy Use Intensity (EUI) and Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE). Additionally, the dashboard tracks the building’s carbon footprint and generates alerts for anomalies or potential issues. By enabling remote access and control of system settings, building managers can optimize energy consumption, reduce costs, and enhance the overall sustainability of the campus. This system has achieved an annual energy saving of 379,200 kWh, corresponding to a reduction of 311 metric tons of CO₂ emissions per year.

Carbon Monitoring System

The real-time CO₂ monitoring system provides a comprehensive overview of the campus’s carbon footprint associated with energy consumption. The dashboard displays real-time data on CO₂ emissions generated from various energy sources, including electricity, heating, and cooling. By analyzing historical data and comparing it to real-time emissions, users can identify trends, assess the impact of energy-saving measures, and make informed decisions to reduce the campus’s carbon footprint. The dashboard also provides insights into the carbon intensity of different energy sources, helping to optimize energy procurement strategies and prioritize low-carbon options. Additionally, the system generates detailed reports on carbon emissions, enabling compliance with environmental regulations and sustainability reporting.

Establish a system for monitoring building performance in terms of energy, water usage, and waste management, with regular audits to ensure continuous improvement in sustainability practices.

Amrita has also conducted an internal energy audit  that provided critical insights into energy. This comprehensive evaluation led to the implementation of cutting-edge measures, including an energy monitoring and management system and a carbon monitoring system, which have significantly curbed energy wastage and bolstered sustainability efforts.

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