7.3 Institutional Distinctiveness

The college distinguishes itself through its efforts to cultivate and sensitize the students towards environmental sustainability. Globally, the impact of climate change is deeply felt, manifesting in unprecedented natural and man-made disasters, exacerbating socio-economic disparities, and leading to increasingly challenging living conditions due to rising pollution levels.

The college is situated in Delhi, one of India's most polluted cities, so the college recognizes the imperative of adopting sustainable and ecologically friendly practices.  To establish a sustainable legacy for future generations and minimize the carbon footprint - collective and individual efforts are made.

The institution's building design is an attempt to maximize natural light in classrooms, aligning with its commitment to energy conservation and environmental sustainability. Rooftop solar panels generating 101 KW of electricity and solar lights across the campus further underscore this commitment. Concurrently, the college is transitioning from energy-consuming bulbs to energy-efficient LED bulbs, contributing to reduced energy consumption.

Emphasizing green spaces, the college boasts two lush lawns, a well-maintained sports ground, and a paved walking track. Additionally, two herbal gardens featuring plants like Tulsi, Mint, Ashwagandha, Aloe Vera, Turmeric etc. contribute to the campus's eco-friendly ambiance.

Under the guidance of Dr. Sonal Bhatnagar, Assistant Professor in Environmental Studies (EVS), the college conducted an in-house tree census. Each tree is meticulously cataloged with a unique identification number, along with its common and scientific names.

 Annual events such as Hariyali Diwas and tree plantation drives, organized by the Eco Club and Gardening Committee play a pivotal role in fostering environmental sensitization. Notably, guests are honored with planters instead of traditional bouquets and mementos, encouraging eco-friendly practices.

Efficient water management is prioritized through two 10,000-liter underground tanks and natural rainwater harvesting facilities. Additionally, the playground serves as a natural rainwater harvesting conduit. The waste generated from the canteen and garden is appropriately disposed off, in a designated pit located in one corner of the college campus for composting.

To reduce paper consumption, the college has embraced digitalization in office correspondence, records, and teaching-learning activities. A centralized admission and fee payment system has significantly minimized paper usage, while paper recycling initiatives have been ongoing for over a decade, with plans for further enhancement.

We actively organize e-waste collection drives, directing the collected materials to appropriate recycling organizations. As part of our environmental initiatives, we have introduced the establishment of vertical gardens using reused plastic waste bottles from the college canteen, positioned around the college boundary wall.

The college has a Department of Environmental Studies that offers courses designed to promote environmental awareness– to students across departments. Further, various other departments also offer eco-centric courses.

Teachers across departments refer to social and ecological concerns in their lessons. The college strives to enable students to recognize the connections that can be established between their studies on the environment and real-world environmental practices. Various co-curricular activities (such as projects, workshops, seminars, webinars, conferences, screenings, and inter-and intra-college competitions) with ecologically oriented themes are frequently conducted. Every year, students are taken to Yamuna Biodiversity Park and Aravalli Biodiversity Park for field visits.

In 2022-21, the institution conducted a Green, Energy and Environment Audit by Greenvio. 

Awards and recognitions the college has received are a testament to the profound environmental awareness and commitment to sustainable living demonstrated by our administration, faculty, and students.  In 2017, our campus was honored with "The Best Managed Green Campus' ' award by the International Association of Educators for World Peace (affiliated to the United Nations). In 2020-21 the college was recognized as a District Green Champion by the Ministry of Education and Mahatma Gandhi National Council for Rural Education, for adopting and implementing best practices in the area of sanitation, hygiene, waste management, energy management, and Greenery management.  PCRC and TERI also appreciated the institution for its consistent effort towards spreading environmental awareness programs, campaigns and activities. In their letter of appreciation, dedication of the faculty members and students of the college, Eco club was acknowledged for creating environment awareness. It also appreciates the dedication of Prof Sadhna Sharma (Principal, Shyama Prasad Mukherji College, University of Delhi) along with faculty members Mrs Tripti Anand  and Dr Sonal Bhatnagar  Mission Life an initiative by Institute for Environment Conservation and Advocacy, Hyderabad awarded the institute’s contribution on World Environment Day 2023.

 

 

List of detailed activities :

 

Green energy and environment Audit

Audit Report

Awards and Appreciation

Green Policy

Policy Document on Green Energy and Environment Usage

Biodiversity

Beyond Campus Activities

Green Initiative

Paper Recycling Unit

 

distictiveness

 

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