IIT Gandhinagar gets International Green University Award 2023

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar (IITGN) has won the International Green University Award 2023 by the Green Mentors, USA, for its holistic approach to sustainable practices.

P K Chopra, registrar of IITGN received the award on September 15, 2023, at the 7th NYC Green School Conference held at Cornell University, USA, on the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly session in New York City.

The award acknowledges universities worldwide that have integrated sustainability into their core values, operations, and academic programmes for community and student engagement and have implemented sustainable practices such as energy-efficient infrastructure, renewable energy solutions, waste reduction and recycling programmes, and sustainable transportation initiatives, explained an official statement from the institute.

The award recognises the institute’s remarkable efforts and outstanding achievements in promoting environmental sustainability and instilling eco-conscious values among students.

“The institute fosters a sustainable learning environment with a range of environmental awareness and conservation initiatives, including plogging drives, training sessions for different stakeholders, passive shading and orientation design, extensive use of natural light, eco-friendly sewage treatment plants, rainwater harvesting systems, biogas and composting systems, solar panel installations, use of water-saving aerators in all the washbasins and faucets, efficient waste management, and implementation of e-office system to reduce usage of papers for official communication, among others,” IIT Gandhinagar added.

Upon receiving the award, professor Rajat Moona, director, IITGN, said, “This award is a testament to the untiring passion, commitment, and hard work of our campus development office and the entire IITGN community, which take pride and joy in living in harmony with the environment and fostering environmentally conscious lifestyle. This award has further strengthened our commitment to champion the cause of environment conservation and sustainability.”