IIT-Dharwad gets closer to net-zero in water, energy and waste | Hubballi News – The Times of India

IIT-Dharwad Moves Towards Net-Zero in Water, Energy, and Waste

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Dharwad is making significant strides towards achieving net-zero status in water, energy, and waste management. As the first smart and green campus among the third-generation IITs in India, IIT-Dharwad is committed to sustainability and innovation.

Overview of the Campus

The new IIT-Dharwad campus, located in Chikkamalligawad village, offers an ideal environment for students and faculty to engage in research and innovation with minimal external disturbances. The campus is designed with a master plan that emphasizes eco-friendliness and sustainability.

Eco-Friendly Features

Over 5,000 trees planted across the campus.
Dedicated jogging and cycling tracks.
A mini-forest with water bodies and gazebos.

This green cover has already contributed to a reduction in the campus temperature by nearly 2 degrees Celsius, enhancing the overall comfort for students and staff.

Water Management Initiatives

IIT-Dharwad has implemented several innovative water management strategies to ensure efficient use of resources. Among these initiatives is the development of five ponds using rainwater harvesting techniques.

Cascading Lakes Project

In its latest sustainability efforts, the institute is working on creating three cascading lakes aimed at maximizing rainwater harvesting. This project is expected to:

Harvest, store, and reuse rainwater efficiently.
Have a combined capacity of 117 million liters, sufficient to meet the drinking and general water needs of the campus.
Be completed within four to five months, funded entirely through CSR contributions from ICICI Bank.

Currently, approximately 2,000 students and staff reside on the campus, and the water harvested in these lakes will undergo treatment before being supplied for drinking and daily use.

Energy Sustainability Efforts

In addition to water management, IIT-Dharwad is also focusing on energy sustainability. The institute has initiated a large-scale installation of solar panels across all 16 campus blocks, which include:

Administrative buildings
Academic blocks
Knowledge Resource and Data Centre
Central lecture theatre
Centre for Instrumentation Facility
Faculty housing
Hostels
Auditorium
Canteen

Once operational, these solar units are expected to generate at least 1.8 MW of power, fulfilling over 80% of the campus’s energy requirements.

Energy Efficiency Measures

To further reduce energy consumption, IIT-Dharwad has adopted climate-responsive building designs that minimize the need for air conditioning while maximizing natural daylight. Key features include:

Solar-passive architectural techniques.
High-grade insulation.
Appropriate glazing and shading devices.
Energy-efficient indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures.
Utility equipment that meets ECBC-2017 efficiency standards.
Timers to regulate outdoor lighting for optimized power use.

Waste Management Goals

In its quest for sustainability, IIT-Dharwad aims to ensure that no wet or dry waste leaves the campus. This initiative is part of the broader goal to become a fully net-zero institution by 2030.

Strategies for Waste Management

The institute is implementing various strategies to manage waste effectively, including:

Composting organic waste generated on campus.
Recycling materials wherever possible.
Educating students and staff about waste segregation.

These measures are expected to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of the campus while promoting a culture of sustainability among the IIT-Dharwad community.

Conclusion

IIT-Dharwad is setting a benchmark for sustainability in educational institutions across India. With its ambitious goals for net-zero water, energy, and waste by 2030, the institute is not only enhancing its own campus but also contributing to the broader movement towards environmental responsibility. The innovative projects and eco-friendly initiatives being implemented at IIT-Dharwad serve as an inspiring model for other institutions to follow.

Note: The information in this article is based on the latest updates from IIT-Dharwad and aims to highlight their commitment to sustainability and innovation.

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