Renewable Energy Pledge

Visual representation of commitment to net zero carbon events through sustainable and eco-friendly actions.

Bold Commitment to 100% Renewable Energy by 2035

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is leading the way in promoting 100% renewable energy, committing to this transition by 2035. This bold pledge reflects the university’s dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility, while also serving as an inspiring call to action beyond the campus.

“Amrita encourages other institutions, communities, and individuals to embrace clean energy solutions, extending the commitment to renewable energy far beyond the university and into the wider world for a sustainable future.”

Link: https://www.amrita.edu/unsdg-25/sdg7/renewable-energy-pledge/ (Published: March 24, 2025)

Our goal is to power all campus operations with renewable energy by 2035, aligning with global sustainability targets. The university believes that institutions of higher learning must lead the way in advocating for renewable energy and sustainable practices.

As a testament to Amrita’s commitment to 100% renewable energy, students and faculty from various campuses came together to pledge their responsibility toward 100% renewable energy and championing a sustainable future, fostering a more conscious and environmentally mindful community.

The pledge was taken on the occasion of the National Service Scheme (NSS) Energy Conservation Week, observed at Amrita from November 27th to November 30th, 2023, where students from all the campuses gathered at Amrita’s Ettimadai Campus in Coimbatore, India.

Link: https://www.amrita.edu/unsdg-25/sdg7/renewable-energy-pledge/ (Published: March 24, 2025)

Amrita conducted an Energy Conservation Week from November 27th – November 30th, 2023 with the National Service Scheme in the Coimbatore campus and nearby communities.

Key Activities at Amrita:

ECOLYMPICS – National Energy Conservation Day (December 14, 2023):

• Trivia event “Unleash Your Energy IQ!” organized by GEN-E Students Association and NSS
• Interactive educational activity from 8:00 AM to 11:59 PM promoting energy conservation awareness

NSS Debate Event (November 28, 2023):

• Organized by Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham NSS Debating Society
• Held at Anugraha Hall, AB3 from 5 PM to 6:30 PM
• Fostered discussions about energy conservation and renewable energy adoption

Drawing Competitions:

• Held for students from local communities on November 27, 2023
• Competition divided into two categories: one for students aged 5-10 years and another for those aged 11-17 years

Student Flashmob:

• Students across diverse departments of Amrita University united in a lively and energetic flashmob to promote awareness of energy sustainability

Links:

• https://www.amrita.edu/unsdg/sdg7/amrita-vishwa-vidyapeethams-student-led-programs-on-energy-efficiency-and-clean-energy-in-villages/ (Published: December 20, 2024)

Extensive Community Engagement (2023 Data)

Amrita extends its efforts beyond the campus through local community outreach programs focused on energy efficiency and clean energy education. These programs aim to raise awareness about the importance of reducing energy consumption and transitioning to renewable energy sources.

By conducting workshops, training sessions, and practical demonstrations, Amrita empowers individuals and communities with the knowledge and tools to adopt sustainable practices.

2023 Impact Metrics:

• 60 Programs conducted
• 2,000 Participants engaged
• 8 States covered
• 64 Partner NGOs collaborated

Link: https://www.amrita.edu/unsdg/sdg7/amrita-vishwa-vidyapeethams-student-led-programs-on-energy-efficiency-and-clean-energy-in-villages/ (Published: December 20, 2024)

Amrita University hosted the Civil 20 India Working Group (WG) on Sustainable and Resilient Communities with a focus on Climate, Environment, and Net Zero Targets. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by rural India, the WG conducted compassion-driven chaupals in villages across the country from February to June 2023, in collaboration with NGOs, panchayat members, and village elders.

These chaupals, a traditional Indian village gathering format, were designed to resonate with the local culture and provide a relatable platform for discussions on energy sustainability. Villagers were trained and educated on essential topics like:

• Efficient energy usage
• Alternative energy sources
• Benefits of adopting sustainable energy practices

By addressing these issues from a rural Indian standpoint, the sessions emphasized cost-effective and locally implementable solutions such as:

• Solar-powered lighting
• Energy-efficient cooking methods
• Reducing dependency on traditional fuels

The involvement of panchayat leaders and elders ensured the sessions were rooted in the community’s social fabric, fostering trust and active participation. These efforts not only created awareness but also inspired action among villagers, empowering them to take small yet impactful steps toward energy sustainability and self-reliance.

Link: https://www.amrita.edu/unsdg/sdg7/amrita-vishwa-vidyapeethams-student-led-programs-on-energy-efficiency-and-clean-energy-in-villages/ (Published: December 20, 2024)

Amrita University actively collaborates with local communities surrounding its campuses to promote energy efficiency as a cornerstone of sustainability and resilience. Through a range of training and awareness programs, the university equips community members with practical knowledge and tools to adopt energy-efficient practices in their daily lives.

Program Locations (2023):

• Villages surrounding Ettimada, Tamil Nadu
• Amritapuri, Kerala
• Vengal, Chennai
• Bogadi, Mysore
• Kochi, Kerala
• Faridabad

Program Components:

• Workshops and interactive sessions conducted in local languages to ensure accessibility
• Focus on topics such as reducing energy consumption, utilizing energy-efficient appliances, clean energy, and exploring renewable energy solutions like solar power
• Initiatives designed to address the unique needs and challenges of the local population, making sustainable practices relatable and actionable

Amrita also extends its efforts to nearby schools, conducting awareness campaigns to educate students about the importance of energy efficiency. By fostering understanding and engagement among younger generations, the university helps build a culture of sustainability that benefits both current and future communities.

The university also partners with local organizations and government bodies to implement clean energy solutions in underserved areas, fostering inclusive development and environmental stewardship.

Link: https://www.amrita.edu/unsdg/sdg7/amrita-vishwa-vidyapeethams-student-led-programs-on-energy-efficiency-and-clean-energy-in-villages/ (Published: December 20, 2024)

Group of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham staff and students gathered in a university corridor, potentially representing a community pledge or initiative.

The Civil 20 India Working Group on Sustainable Resilient Communities – Climate, Environment and Net Zero Targets, hosted by Amrita, has signed Memorandum of Understanding with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to advance initiatives in energy sustainability. This partnership underscores a collective commitment to fostering sustainable energy solutions and enhancing community resilience in the face of global energy challenges.

Event Details: Sikkim, India, April 29-30, 2023

The working group in collaboration with Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and UNESCO Chair on Experiential Learning for Sustainable Innovation and Development, signed MoUs with the following CSOs:

Organization	Focus Area
CAN South Asia (CANSA)	Climate and energy advocacy across South Asia
Vasudha Foundation	Sustainable energy, energy policy, and climate solutions
Energy Swaraj Foundation	Solar energy adoption and decentralized energy systems
Agrani Bharat Abhiyan	Renewable energy projects and sustainable development
Gram Vikas	Rural development with energy components
WOTR (Watershed Organisation Trust)	Sustainability focus, including water-energy nexus

Energy sustainability is at the heart of global development goals, focusing on transitioning to renewable energy sources, promoting energy efficiency, and ensuring equitable energy access. By working with CSOs, the C20 Working Group aims to amplify grassroots-level impact, empowering communities to adopt cleaner and more efficient energy technologies.

Collaboration Priorities:

Link: https://www.amrita.edu/unsdg/sdg7/amrita-vishwa-vidyapeethams-student-led-programs-on-energy-efficiency-and-clean-energy-in-villages/ (Published: December 20, 2024)

In a significant move towards promoting energy sustainability, renowned energy expert and Solar Man of India, Chetan Singh Solanki, presented a Solar Clock to the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA). This initiative is aimed at raising awareness about the importance of renewable energy and solar solutions in meeting the region’s energy demands while encouraging sustainable practices.

The gifting ceremony took place during the C20 event in Sikkim, organized by Amrita in collaboration with SSDMA. The Solar Clock, a distinctive timepiece powered by solar energy, symbolizes the shift toward clean, renewable power sources. Beyond its practical function, this gift serves as a reminder of the urgent need to embrace energy solutions that reduce reliance on non-renewable resources.

Link: https://www.amrita.edu/unsdg/sdg7/amrita-vishwa-vidyapeethams-student-led-programs-on-energy-efficiency-and-clean-energy-in-villages/ (Published: December 20, 2024)

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham recognizes the critical role that education and awareness play in promoting energy efficiency and clean energy adoption. To empower local communities, the university’s students have undertaken impactful programs to educate villagers about the importance of energy efficiency and clean energy.

Key Components:

Promoting Awareness: Students actively engage with rural communities, conducting awareness campaigns and workshops to educate villagers about the significance of energy efficiency and clean energy.

Community Workshops: Students organize community workshops in villages covering topics including:

• Energy conservation
• Sustainable cooking practices
• Efficient lighting solutions
• Use of renewable energy technologies such as solar panels and biogas plants

Demonstration Projects: Students implement demonstration projects within villages including:

• Setting up solar-powered streetlights
• Installing energy-efficient appliances in community centers
• Implementing biogas plants for cooking and waste management

Skill Development: Training programs provide skills required to adopt and maintain energy-efficient practices, including:

• Solar panel installation
• Biogas plant operation
• Energy auditing techniques

Partnerships and Collaborations: Students actively collaborate with local government bodies, non-profit organizations, and industry partners to leverage resources and expertise.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Students regularly monitor and evaluate outcomes, collecting data on energy consumption patterns, behavior change, and community feedback.

Link: https://www.amrita.edu/unsdg/sdg7/amrita-vishwa-vidyapeethams-student-led-programs-on-energy-efficiency-and-clean-energy-in-villages/ (Published: December 20, 2024)

Living Algae-Based Bioelectronics for Renewable Energy

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham scientists are pioneering living algae-based bioelectronics as an innovative approach to renewable energy generation. This research represents cutting-edge work in bio-electronic devices that harness the natural photosynthetic capabilities of algae to generate clean energy.

The research demonstrates Amrita’s commitment to advancing renewable energy technologies through innovative scientific research, supporting the university’s pledge toward 100% renewable energy and serving as an inspiration for other institutions and communities to explore novel sustainable energy solutions.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Accountability

To ensure accountability and inspire widespread action, the university pledges to:

• Conduct annual energy audits to track progress toward renewable energy goals
• Publish annual reports to highlight achievements, challenges, and updated strategies, sharing insights with other institutions and communities

Link: https://www.amrita.edu/unsdg-25/sdg7/renewable-energy-pledge/ (Published: March 24, 2025)

Through this pledge, the university aims to:

• Achieve substantial carbon emission reductions, contributing to global climate goals both on and beyond campuses
• Lower operational costs and promote economic benefits of renewable energy solutions
• Serve as a catalyst for change, inspiring institutions, communities, and individuals to embrace renewable energy and sustainable practices worldwide

Link: https://www.amrita.edu/unsdg-25/sdg7/renewable-energy-pledge/ (Published: March 24, 2025)

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is proud to lead this transformative journey, extending the commitment to a sustainable, renewable energy-powered future far beyond campuses. The university calls upon others to join in building a cleaner, greener, and more resilient world.

Through comprehensive community engagement, strategic partnerships with civil society organizations, student-led empowerment programs conducted during NSS Energy Conservation Week 2023, and a public pledge toward 100% renewable energy by 2035, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham demonstrates institutional leadership in promoting renewable energy adoption not only within its campuses but also in local communities, rural villages, and broader society, serving as a model for institutions worldwide seeking to drive meaningful climate action and sustainable development.

Link: https://www.amrita.edu/unsdg-25/sdg7/renewable-energy-pledge/ (Published: March 24, 2025)

1. https://www.amrita.edu/unsdg-25/sdg7/renewable-energy-pledge/
2. https://www.amrita.edu/unsdg/sdg7/amrita-vi