Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has emerged as a sustainability leader through its Higher Energy Efficiency Buildings initiative—achieving 32.4% energy cost savings and exemplifying environmental responsibility as envisioned by Chancellor Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi—while directly supporting SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by transforming infrastructure with ambitious retrofits and setting academic benchmarks for alignment with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Link: https://www.amrita.edu/unsdg-25/sdg7/upgrade-buildings/
The university’s approach to building upgrades follows rigorous processes aligned with ASHRAE 90.1-2007 standards and LEED certification models. This comprehensive strategy systematically evaluates current sustainability practices, identifies areas for enhancement, and integrates cutting-edge technologies to achieve global benchmarks in energy efficiency. The university has earned prestigious certifications including IGBC Platinum certification and LEED Gold certification for its sustainable infrastructure.
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All new buildings and major renovations at Amrita adhere to sustainable design principles, incorporating energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and passive design strategies. The university’s comprehensive Energy-Efficient Building Policy ensures that:
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Amrita University hallway showcasing LED lighting installations for energy efficiency across campus.
The university has undertaken extensive LED lighting upgrades across its campuses:
This transition to LED technology significantly reduces energy consumption and maintenance costs while extending the lifespan of lighting systems.
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Energy-efficient HVAC units on rooftop symbolize green building upgrades for sustainability.
Amrita has implemented state-of-the-art heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems:
The university has conducted extensive research to optimize HVAC ducting systems through Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) analysis, recognizing that 50-65% of electrical energy in commercial buildings is consumed by HVAC systems.
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Diagram showing the structure and components of energy-efficient double glazed windows with argon gas insulation.
The university has implemented comprehensive window and building insulation upgrades:
For building insulation:
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The university has modernized its computing infrastructure:
This transformation includes replacing outdated equipment with energy-efficient models featuring energy-efficient labels and ratings.
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Diagram of a solar water heating system showing key components and water flow for energy-efficient hot water supply.
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Solar panels installed on a rooftop at Amrita University campus generating renewable energy for higher energy efficiency.
The university has significantly expanded its renewable energy infrastructure:
Amrita has pledged to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2035, demonstrating leadership in promoting clean energy solutions beyond the campus.
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The university has transformed its campus transportation fleet:
Link: https://www.amrita.edu/unsdg-25/sdg7/upgrade-buildings/
5.8G motion sensor LED batten light with remote control and removable design for energy-saving lighting solutions
Motion sensor lighting turns on automatically when motion is detected and turns off after no motion is detected, saving energy.
The university has implemented sophisticated building automation systems:
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The university has undertaken extensive in-house research to advance energy efficiency through collaborative efforts across multiple departments including Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and the School for Sustainable Futures. Dedicated PhD students actively contribute to projects that inform critical design and procurement decisions, significantly improving energy efficiency.
Research areas include:
The School for Sustainable Futures focuses on smart grids, energy-efficient IoT frameworks for energy management, sustainable water-energy nexus solutions, and development of hybrid renewable energy systems.
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Amrita’s systematic approach to building upgrades includes:
Link: https://www.amrita.edu/unsdg/sdg7/plans-to-upgrade-existing-buildings-to-higher-energy-efficiency/
Beyond campus improvements, Amrita extends its energy efficiency expertise to communities through 60 programs reaching 2,000 participants across 8 states in collaboration with 64 partner NGOs. The university has executed 40 projects in 13 Indian villages for rural electrification through smart grids, including the AmritaSphuranam project that provides sustainable solar microgrids to villages without electricity access.
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Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has been honored with the Best Green Institution Award for outstanding contributions to sustainable practices in waste management, water security, and energy efficiency. The university has been ranked 1st in India and 41st globally in sustainable development impact, including 6th globally for SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy.
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Through these comprehensive building upgrade initiatives, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham demonstrates how educational institutions can lead the transition toward energy efficiency, achieving substantial cost savings while fulfilling environmental responsibilities and inspiring broader community action toward sustainability.