IIT Mandi conferred with Green University Award in COP 28 UAE

NEW DELHI: Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi) has been conferred with the Prestigious Green University Award in COP 28 UAE for its “comprehensive commitment to sustainable practices and its holistic approach towards environmental initiatives”.

The award was conferred by Green Mentors, a non-governmental organization holding special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in the United States.

IIT Mandi director Laxmidhar Behera said: “This achievement is the result of the unwavering efforts, commitment, and groundwork carried out by the faculty, staff, and student community through various activities.”

The director said that the institute’s vision is to raise awareness among young students and campus residents about environmental issues, conservation of nature and natural resources.

“IIT Mandi is actively engaged in conducting Environmental Audits, implementing Green Audits, and promoting vegetarian food options on campus. This involves evaluating the campus's environmental impact and assessing the net carbon footprint of various units within the institution,” the director said.

Behera further said that the institute’s goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve zero carbon emissions within the next 10 years.

The initiatives have been implemented to assess its environmental impact around the campus area and to instill environmental consciousness among the campus community.

The institution aims to create a model framework for an eco-conscious campus and explore revenue generation through carbon trading, the institute said.

“At the global level, this recognition was attributed to the prestigious CoP 28 platform. The award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Institute community,” it added.