IIT Madras campus accorded platinum certification by Indian Green Building Council

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has been awarded the platinum certification of the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). The IIT Madras said it got 82 out of 90 points during the review process of IGBC.

The ‘IGBC green campus’ is a rating system and certification developed by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to promote sustainable and environment-friendly practices at educational institutions and corporate campuses in the country.

The inspection was carried out by Earthonomic Engineers, a green certification consultant. They found out that IIT Madras is an example of mitigating the urban heat island effect in Chennai. “The extensive forest cover on the campus makes the campus 3 to 5 degrees cooler than the rest of the city, IIT Madras said.

Ligy Philip, dean (planning) of the IIT Madras, said, “The institute is spread over 611 acres. This green campus certification underscores IIT Madras’ commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible campus development. This recognition serves as a benchmark for other institutions to follow suit in adopting green practices.”

Initiatives taken up by IIT Madras

The institute has set up mechanisms to capture and utilises 100% rainwater runoff from both roof and non-roof areas. The water is directed into two lakes. IIT Madras also treats 100% of food waste and landscape waste through a combination of biogas plants and vermicomposting.

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A state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant (STP) with a capacity of 4 million litres per day (MLD) has been installed to treat wastewater generated on the campus. The treated wastewater is reused to fulfil 100% of the flushing, landscaping, and cooling tower makeup water requirements, showcasing responsible water management. Around 70% of the total campus is under vegetation cover.

Solid waste incinerator inaugurated

IIT Madras has also set up a solid waste incinerator facility which can process two tons of mixed waste daily. V Kamakoti, director of the IIT Madras , inaugurated the facility on September 19.

Project coordinator R Vinu said, “This facility can handle unsegregated wastes up to 40 per cent moisture content. It will be used to combust food and packaging wastes, partially consumed food wastes, cups, cardboard and big packaging boards, and used beds and foams. By incinerating the mixed wastes, the Institute reduces around two tons of CO2 equivalent greenhouse gas emissions.

The ash collected from the Solid Waste Incinerator can be used for making bricks/construction. In effect, it is a zero-waste discharge unit.