Policy on Divesting Investments from Carbon-Intensive Energy Industries at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
Invest in renewable energy and divest from carbon-intensive sources to achieve a just climate future.
Bold Commitment to Fossil Fuel Divestment
In line with Chancellor Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi’s vision for a sustainable and climate-resilient campus, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is firmly committed to divesting from carbon-intensive energy industries, particularly coal and oil. This bold step underscores the university’s dedication to reducing energy consumption, minimizing its carbon footprint, and driving the transition to clean, renewable energy.
Key Achievement (2023 Data): “In alignment with our sustainable campus policy, 0% of funding in 2023 was sourced from carbon-intensive energy industries.”
A comprehensive Disinvestment Policy for Carbon Intensive Energy Industries was integrated in the Sustainable Campus Policy Pack in 2023. This signifies the university’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and its role in addressing climate change.[1][2]
The Sustainable Campus Policy was formulated first and issued in 2020, with the last update on November 11, 2023. This policy broadly covers:[2]
Sustainable Water Policy
Sustainable Energy Management Policy
Sustainable Waste Management Policy
Sustainable E-Waste Management Policy
Divestment from Carbon-Intensive Energy Industries Policy
Bio-Diversity Management
Sustainable Transportation Policy
Sustainable Land Use Management
Sustainable Construction and Demolition Waste Management Policy
Construction of Buildings
Green Building
Green Building Certification
Sustainability Reporting and Accountability
By divesting from fossil fuel industries, the university aims to redirect its investments towards renewable energy sources and other sustainable initiatives.[1]
Silhouette of an oil pumpjack representing the oil industry related to carbon-intensive energy.
The university’s divestment policy outlines a clear roadmap for phasing out existing investments in coal and oil industries within a specified timeframe. Funds generated from this divestment are strategically reinvested in renewable energy projects, energy-efficient technologies, and other sustainable development initiatives.[1]
This approach not only reduces the university’s carbon footprint but also promotes innovative solutions to address climate challenges.[1]
Reinvestment in Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technologies
solar panels and wind turbines in a clean energy setup
solar panels and wind turbines in a renewable energy facility
Renewable Energy Source Installations – 4 MW Solar Capacity:
Amrita University is committed to installing 4 MW of renewable energy capacity through solar power systems across its campuses. This initiative is a significant step toward reducing the carbon footprint and achieving 100% renewable energy by 2035.[1]
The 4 MW installation powers a substantial portion of campus operations, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.[1]
Low Carbon Energy Tracking Achievements (2024):[2]
5.24% excess generation of clean energy of the campus’s total energy demand
311 metric tons of CO₂ emissions reduced by implementing solar water heater
Carpooling is heavily promoted within the campus
45% car fleet is based on Electric vehicle or CNG
300 tons of carbon emission neutralized from waste recycling
Construction of Shared workspaces in campus naturalized over 550 metric tons of CO₂ emissions
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Support for Low-Carbon Innovation (2023-2024 Data)
ESG stocks outperform industry peers across sectors, notably leading in Food and Beverage and Energy sectors with over 30% better returns.
Amrita Technology Business Incubator (TBI) – Low-Carbon Startups
As part of its commitment to divesting from carbon-intensive industries, Amrita actively supports low-carbon innovation and sustainable entrepreneurship:
2023 Achievements:
30+ startups centered on developing low-carbon innovations nurtured
8 pitchfests hosted across all campuses
Over $1.5 million raised in funding for low-carbon startups
Collaboration with Technology Enabling Center to expose students to carbon-intensive business practices and inspire sustainable alternatives
Featured Low-Carbon Startups (2023):
Greenamour Ventures: Eco-packaging and sustainable living solutions using reused materials for cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals industries
Tranquility IoT & Big Data Solutions (TIBS): Developed indigenous solutions including:
Automated Irrigation Control System (reduces water wastage)
Smart Meter Wireless Adaptor (real-time energy monitoring)
Pressure, Temperature, and Vibration Sensors (sustainable monitoring)
MiQasa: Pioneer in home automation with low-carbon technology solutions
“The Emerging Tech Startup of the Year 2017” by Entrepreneur Magazine India
Top 42 Fundable Startups in India (India Fund Fest 2017)
Acquired by Smartron (backed by Sachin Tendulkar)
Blinc Smart Homes: Designs smart switches and plugs prioritizing low-carbon innovation for sustainable infrastructure
Harnessing Research to Achieve Carbon Neutrality (2023 Progress)
Infographic explaining why green finance matters, highlighting environmental protection, economic growth, and risk management benefits.
A. Advancing Rural Electrification through Smart Grids and Renewable Energy
As of 2023, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has made significant progress in its mission to provide sustainable energy solutions to rural India:
40 active projects across 13 villages
Continues to lead in rural electrification using smart grids and renewable energy technologies
AmritaSphuranam project: Successfully implemented multiple smart grid systems providing reliable, renewable energy to villages with focus on integrating solar power
Mothakara Village, Wayanad, Kerala (Since 2014):
Solar-powered microgrid electrified the village of 260 people
Continued training to local community in 2023 for management and maintenance
Can be monitored remotely from Amritapuri campus
Komalakudi, Kerala:
Micro-hydro generator fully operational for over two years (as of 2023)
Provides 24/7 electricity to eight homes, streetlights, and community centers
Access to reliable electricity allows over 50 students to pursue studies without interruption
Munnar:
New micro-hydro plant installed providing power to 60 homes, streetlights, and learning center
Solar rooftop systems ensure electricity availability even when hydro generator is offline
2023 Expansion:
Water distribution systems implemented in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Bihar, Uttarakhand, and Maharashtra
B. Amrita’s Patent-Winning Solar Electric Car (Patent Awarded: July 4, 2023)
Amrita University developed a groundbreaking, patent-winning solar electric car:
Technical Specifications:
500W solar panels generating enough energy for 25-30 km daily range
Annual range: 7,500 km on renewable energy
14 kWh/30 kWh battery pack offering 250-400 km range on single charge
Average cruising speed: 50 km/h
Top speed: 100 km/h
Full charge time: 5-6 hours using standard household wall socket
Accommodates up to four passengers including driver
10 kW electric motor with 15 kW peak power output
The project involved retrofitting a Maruti car with new motor, motor controller, batteries, battery management system (BMS), and solar panels, making this solar electric vehicle both cost-effective and accessible.
Fossil fuel free pledge badge representing commitment to divest from fossil fuels in Amrita University.
Civil 20 India 2023 – Global Partnerships with CSOs
The Civil 20 India working group on Sustainable and Resilient Communities – Climate, Environment and Net Zero Targets held extensive policy dialogues and consultations with 4000+ CSOs to develop policy recommendations submitted to G20.
Key Events in 2023:
Event Name
Date
C20 Dialogues – Technology Integration, Finance and Adoption Strategies for Addressing Net Zero Emissions Management
08/02/2023
Online Webinar – Net Zero Emission Targets – Energy Storage Systems in Battery Electric Vehicles
25/02/2023
International Symposium on R&D of Autonomous Mobility and Electric Vehicle Technology
10/03/2023, 11/03/2023
C20 Policy Dialogues – Transitioning to Renewable Electricity and Renewable-Integrated Grids
17/03/2023
C20 Policy Dialogues – Decarbonising Infrastructure towards Net Zero Emissions
23/03/2023
Decoding Results Based Climate Finance (RBCF): Strategies for Success
07/04/2023
Financing a Just Energy Transition Through Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform
Amrita University’s Prof. Maneesha V Ramesh (UNESCO Chair on Experiential Learning for Sustainable Innovation and Development) and Prof. Bhavani Rao (UNESCO Chair on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment) were guest speakers during COP28 in Dubai, UAE.
This demonstrates Amrita’s commitment to including divestment from fossil fuels and advancing sustainable, inclusive solutions to climate change.
Policy Recommendations to G20 on Climate Finance (2023)
Infographic illustrating key aspects of sustainable finance and ESG principles.
Avoiding Financial Risk
Amrita University led the global working group for C20 India 2023 on Sustainable and Resilient Communities – Climate, Environment and Net Zero Targets by inspiring over 7,000 NGOs to prioritize divestment from carbon-intensive energy sources and adopt sustainable energy practices.
Special policy recommendations submitted to G20 for climate finance to reduce their financial risk from disinvestment from carbon intensive energy industries.
Climate Finance for Inclusive and Effective Climate Action:
G20 should establish national policies that promote collaboration between public, private, and nonprofit sectors in climate finance
Governments should increase emergency funding mechanisms for most vulnerable communities affected by climate-related disasters
Member countries should upscale specific financing for mitigation and adaptation for climate change
G20 must consider measures to integrate climate risk assessments into funding and project implementation
G20 must develop country-specific climate adaptation metrics and standards to guide investment decisions
The university’s divestment commitment and sustainable practices have earned recognition through prestigious certifications and rankings, demonstrating leadership in addressing climate change through responsible investment practices while inspiring broader societal transformation toward a low-carbon economy.
Through this comprehensive divestment policy integrated in 2023, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham demonstrates institutional leadership by achieving 0% funding from carbon-intensive energy industries and redirecting capital toward renewable energy, low-carbon innovation, and sustainable development initiatives that serve as a model for educational institutions worldwide.
