Scope of the Policy

Shyama Prasad Mukherji College has a comprehensive policy on the Green and Environment Conservation. The policy aims to bring environment sustainability though various green initiatives which include monitoring, directing, and inspecting human activities, as well as implementing various measures involving a comprehensive review of all infrastructural and administrative functions, focusing on energy efficiency, sustainability, and environmental impact.

Focus Areas of the Policy:

1. Alternative Sources of Energy and Conservation Measur

1. Solar Power
2. Installation of Energy-Efficient Equipment

2. Management of Degradable and Non-Degradable Waste

1. Solid Waste Management
2. Liquid Waste Management
3. E-Waste Management

3. Water Conservation

1. Rainwater Harvesting System
2. Open Well Recharge
3. Construction of Water Storage Tanks
4. Wastewater Recycling
5. Drainage Channels to Collect Rainwater
6. Water-Saving Equipment in Washrooms/Water Coolers

Objective of the Policy

The Green and Environment policy of the institution aims to conserve energy and water resources through technological interventions, consumption reduction, and awareness among staff and students. It focuses on social outreach, collaborating with the local community to raise environmental awareness and promote good practices in and outside the campus. Emphasizing the 3 R principles—Reduce, Reuse and Recycle—it ensures biodiversity conservation within and around the campus. Regular self-assessments and certified external audits helps monitor progress in energy conservation, greenery, and water management. The policy ensures participation of the institution in various government and non-governmental initiatives to promote, protect and preserve environment. It also includes infrastructural improvements for accessibility, sustainability, climate protection, and measures for reducing the campus's carbon footprint.

Policy Initiatives

1. Alternative Sources of Energy and Energy Conservation Measures

1. Solar Energy: SPMC(W) is committed to minimizing and sustainably managing its electricity use by switching to clean energy sources. On-grid solar panels are installed on the college rooftops with a capacity to generate 101.4 KWP of electricity. Two Solar lamps also installed in the campus.
2. Energy Saving and Energy Efficient Equipment: The college is dedicated to installing environment-friendly electrical appliances to save energy and increase efficiencies. This includes using LED lighting, ceiling fans and other electrical appliances. Computers in offices and computer rooms are kept in low power mode when not in use to further save electricity.

2. Management of Degradable and Non-degradable Waste

SPMC aims to minimize the institute's environmental impact by reducing, segregating, and managing waste. Specific procedures include:

1. SPMC follows a policy of “No to Plastic”.
2. Solid Waste Management: The college has a comprehensive policy on solid waste aggregation- composting biodegradable waste, segregation of plastics bottles, collecting paper waste for recycling, subscribing to e-books and e-journals, and spreading awareness about minimizing food and plastic waste. SPMC(W) also organizes solid waste awareness programs in collaboration with various institutions. The college has a paper recycling unit as well as a composting machine.
3. Liquid Waste Management: The college ensures proper water management by maintaining leak-proof taps, constructing efficient toilets, and recycling RO rejected water for cleaning purposes.
4. E-Waste Management: SPMC (W) ensures that its technology use and e-waste generation do not harm the environment. The college collaborates with NGOs/enters into an agreement with NGOs for the collection and recycling of e-waste and organising events to create awareness about e-waste management.

3. Water Conservation

1. Rainwater Harvesting: SPMC(W) practices rainwater harvesting to replenish and recharge the groundwater table. Drainage channels are maintained to collect rainwater and recharge to underground.
2. The college constructs rain water harvesting tanks.
3. Wastewater Recycling: Wastewater, including RO rejected water, is recycled for cleaning purposes.
4. Water-Saving Equipment: Efficient toilets and water-saving equipment are installed in washrooms and water coolers.
5. Prevention of water wastage: The institution ensures that no water is wastage due to leakage of taps, pipes, tanks, or toilet flushes.

4. Green Campus Initiatives

SPMC(W) conducts tree census to identify trees, herbs and ensure green spaces in the campus and help periodic pruning. The college is home to more than 500 tree and herbes. All the trees and herbs are identified and QR coded. This green cover provides a clean environment, protects biodiversity, manages surface runoff during rains, recharges groundwater, and keeps the surroundings cooler. The college also has a dedicated a nursery and two herbal garden with numerous medicinal plants, documenting more than 50 species.

The college commits to enriching its green environment by:

1. Organizing tree plantation drives
2. Maintaining the herbal gardens
3. Composting biodegradable waste to produce manure for garden use
4. Recycling of solid and liquid waste.

Clean Campus Initiatives

SPMC(W) undertakes cleanliness activities within and around the college to fulfill the vision of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. The college actively participates in various activities and creates awareness among staff and students.These include:

1. Holding regular cleanliness drives in the campus
2. Organising workshops, activities, and programs that promote the importance of cleanliness and sanitation.
3. Segregating waste and identifying ways to reuse degradable and non-degradable waste.
4. Participating in Swachh Bharat Abhiyan activities with the help of services provided by the NSS, Garden Committee and Eco Club- the Dhruv.