IIT-Chennai has been awarded Platinum certification accreditation by Green Building Group of India. The indian Green Building Group is an assessment and certification scheme developed by the Confederation of indian Industry to promote sustainable, environmentally friendly practices in educational institutions and corporate campuses in the country.
In this context, the indian Institute of technology (IIT Madras), chennai has been recognized by the Green Building Group of india as one of the largest and highest rated green campuses in the country. The Platinum rating indicates that the institution has demonstrated excellent natural resource efficiency and environmental responsibility. Also, it not only reduces operational costs but also conserves valuable resources. With this IIT chennai has got the best rating of 82 points out of 90.
IIT chennai has installed a solid waste incineration facility on its campus capable of processing two tonnes of mixed waste per day. Other waste is taken to landfill. IIT chennai Director Prof. V. Kamakody inaugurated the facility on september 19, 2023.
Explaining the significance of the platinum rating, IIT chennai Dean (Planning) professor Lizzie Phillip said, "It is commendable that IIT chennai, which is one of the largest campuses in the country with an area of 611 acres, has achieved this feat. This recognition is a benchmark for how other educational institutions should act in adopting green practices." said. Speaking about the solid waste incinerator, professor Lizzy Philip said, "Currently, this educational institution generates approximately 4 tons of solid waste per day. The waste is separated at the collection point. The organic waste separated in this way is converted into compost or anaerobic digestion. While a 'biodigester' with a capacity of one ton is already operating here, 2 Another tonne capacity 'biodigester' is being set up. The biogas produced here is used for cooking in the hostel. The inorganic waste is further segregated and sold for recycling. However, 300 to 400 kg of mixed waste is sent to the landfill per day. With these facilities, our campus is 'zero waste'. It will be a zero Waste Discharge Campus.We are working on setting up a recovery system for the energy recovered from the incinerator, he said.
Elaborating on the impact of the facility, Project Coordinator, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT chennai, Prof. R. Vinu says, "The facility is capable of handling unsegregated waste up to 40 percent moisture content. Food/packaging waste, semi-consumed food waste, cups, cards, large packaging boards. , used for incineration of used bedding/foam. By incinerating the mixed waste, the institute reduces Co2-eq GHG emissions by 2 tons. The institute also benefits from reduced waste disposal costs. In the future, whether through energy extraction, gas engine, or boiler-turbine system, There are plans to generate electricity," he said.
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