Internal Quality Assurance Cell

Crescent Sustainability Initiatives

Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)

SDG 13 – CLIMATE ACTION
PART – I
sdg13

B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology: Pioneering Climate Action and Sustainable Practices

B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology (BSACIST) is actively addressing the pressing challenges of climate change through a multifaceted approach that encompasses research, education, and the implementation of low-carbon energy solutions. Recognizing the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable populations, the institute is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices across its campus.

A cornerstone of BSACIST’s sustainability efforts is its investment in renewable energy, particularly through the installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) plants. With a total capacity of 650 kWp, these solar installations significantly contribute to the institute’s energy needs while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The solar plants are designed for captive consumption, generating clean energy that offsets approximately 474 tons of CO2 emissions annually—equivalent to the carbon absorption of around 21,545 trees. This initiative not only supports the institute’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality but also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7, which advocates for affordable and clean energy.

In addition to renewable energy initiatives, BSACIST has implemented comprehensive measures for carbon footprint assessment and environmental education. The institute has established a Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS) in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, enhancing its commitment to monitoring and improving air quality. Furthermore, the institution organizes events such as the Indian Social Science Congress, focusing on interdisciplinary discussions around environment, energy, and health, thereby fostering a culture of sustainability and awareness among students and faculty.

Through these initiatives, BSACIST is not only contributing to climate action but also setting a benchmark for other educational institutions. The institute’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its ongoing efforts to minimize carbon emissions, promote renewable energy, and engage the community in environmental stewardship, ultimately paving the way for a greener future.

Carbon Neutrality at BSACIST: A Comprehensive Approach to Sustainable Campus Management
Benchmarking Carbon Efficiency:

Redefining Institutional Environmental Performance B. S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology (BSACIST) has implemented a comprehensive carbon management strategy that significantly reduces its carbon footprint through innovative and sustainable practices. The institute’s total carbon emission stands at 7,369 tons per year, with a per capita carbon footprint of 1.05 tons, which is remarkably lower than the national average of 1.58 tons per capita. This represents a 33.54% reduction from the national average, demonstrating the institution’s commitment to environmental sustainability and carbon reduction.

Green Infrastructure – Strategic carbon offsetting through Ecological Interventions:

The carbon offsetting strategy at BSACIST is multifaceted, leveraging green areas and renewable energy initiatives to mitigate carbon emissions. The campus boasts 19 acres of green spaces, including tree-covered areas, lawns, and Beema Bamboo plantations, which collectively absorb 747 tons of CO2 annually. This represents 10.13% of the total carbon emissions, with the green areas covering 37.86% of the campus. The solar infrastructure plays a crucial role in this carbon reduction effort, with 650 kWp of solar photovoltaic plants installed across campus buildings, offsetting approximately 474 tons of CO2 emissions annually – equivalent to planting 21,545 trees.

Figure XVII (3.13) -1 : Green Areas – 19 Acres (37.86% of the Total Campus)

Figure XVII (3.13) – 2 :  Beema Bamboo Plantations

Holistic Emission Management : Integrated Technological and Operational Strategies

The institute’s carbon management approach extends beyond green spaces and solar energy. The comprehensive strategy includes multiple energy-efficient technologies and sustainable practices across various campus operations. Transportation emissions are carefully managed, with detailed tracking of petrol and diesel consumption. Electricity consumption, which accounts for the largest portion of carbon emissions (5,251,791 kg CO2), is being systematically reduced through energy-efficient technologies, including high-performance building envelopes, efficient lighting systems, and advanced HVAC technologies. The institute has also implemented water conservation measures and waste management strategies that contribute to overall carbon reduction.

Innovative Technologies and Collaborative Sustainability : Beyond Traditional Approaches

Innovative technologies and collaborative approaches further enhance BSACIST’s carbon management efforts. The implementation of zero-export devices for solar power management, solar water heating systems, and energy-efficient building designs demonstrate a holistic approach to sustainability. The solar water heating systems, with a total capacity of 39,500 litres, are estimated to save approximately 24 lakhs in power consumption annually. Additionally, student-driven projects, such as solar street lighting installations, showcase the institute’s commitment to engaging the academic community in sustainable practices.

Driving Sustainability: The Role of Eco-Friendly Vehicles in BSACIST’s Green Transportation Initiative

The integration of eco-friendly vehicles into the university’s transportation system highlights a practical application of BSACIST’s sustainability values, encouraging a shift toward cleaner mobility solutions while reducing overall campus emissions.

Figure XVII (3.13) – 3 :  Eco-Friendly Conveyance @ Crescent


CARBON FOOTPRINT
Carbon foot print / Capita
Activity DataTypeunitGHGEmission factorQuantityCO2 emission /year
TransportationpetrollitresKgCO2e2.19613002855
 diesellitres 2.653814611010872
Electricity kWhKgCO2e1.243764925251791
Paper consumption kgKgCO2e0.6832190014958
Water consumptionwater supplycumKgCO2e0.8160611128489
Solid waste kgKgCO2e3.7259560960372
Total CO2  Emission Per Year KgKgCO2e  7369336
Over all carbon foot print / year Ton   7369
Total population (avg)     7000
Carbon Foot Print per capita in Ton1.05
National average per capita1.58 Ton/Capita/Year
Actual CO2 emission1.05 Ton/Capita/Year
% of CO2 emission – on National avg.66.63%
% of CO2  reduced from National avg.33.37%
CARBON OFFSETTING

Total Carbon Emission : 7369 tons/year

    

Classification of Green Areas

Area

Unit

CO2  (avg.) absorption rate  t/year

Total CO2  absorption ton/year

Area of Tree – ref Google Map

2

Acre

160

336

Lawn & plant area

14

Acre

15

211

Beema Bamboo

2.5

Acre

80

200

Total green area in acre

9

Acre

  

Total CO2 Absorption

   

747

% of CO2   offset within the campus

   

10.13%

     

% of Green Area

 

 

 

37.86%

10 % of Carbon foot print is offset by the above environment – friendly measures in campus.

 

Calculation:

Carbon Offsetting

 

Total trees green area                                                 –           19 Acres

Total Co2 absorption ton/year                                                 –           747 tones

Over all carbon foot print/year (Co2 Emission)                           –           7369 tones

% of Co2 → offsetting within campus

                            (747 / 7369 X 100)                                      –           10.13%

Bal: 90% to be offset by planting more trees or trading

% of Linear area (19/50 Acres – carbon foot print)                 –           38%

 

Carbon Footprint

 

Total CoEmission per year: Kg                                       –           7369336

Over all carbon foot print / year =      7369336

                                                            ————                     –           7369 tones

                                                               1000

Total Population (Avg.)                                                           –           7000 (students)

Carbon foot print per Capita in Ton =   7369 

                                                               ——–                       –           1.05

                                                             7000

National Avg. per emission                                                     –           1.58 / ton / capita / year

Actual Co2 Emission                                                               –           1.05 / ton / capita / year

% of Co2 Emission on National Avg.  1.05 X 100   / 1.58                   –           66.46%

                                                             

% of Co2 reduced from National Avg. 100 – 66.46                –           33.54%

SUPPORT TO GOVERNMENT

Inauguration of “Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS)”

Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board & B.S.Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science & Technology Jointly organized and implemented Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS) in the Campus on 28th October 2020.

The Project was inaugurated by Mr. D.Vasudevan, District Environmental Engineer, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and Dr. A.Peer Mohamed, Vice Chancellor.  Dr. A.Azad, Registrar, Alhaj V.N.A.Jalal, Senior General Manager, Dr. N.Raja Hussain, Deputy Registrar took part in the inauguration.

Renewable Energy – Solar Power Plants

In modern times, the generation of energy is disproportionate to the demand. Therefore, conservation of energy is a pivotal requirement to meet the demand. The minimal use of energy and finding alternative sources ensures its continuous supply for a long time. With this aspect in mind, energy conservation is done by using the most modern techniques.

As a part of its ‘Green Campus’ initiative, our Institution has set up a 550 kWp grid tied Rooftop Solar PV Power Plant on its academic buildings. The plant is located in the vacant roof space of various buildings.

The outputs from all the plants are connected to the institute grid through local AC distribution boards. This output can be used anywhere in the campus. Available diesel generator set is being used to create the local grid during load shedding.

If a Solar Power Plant is connected with DG SET and the power consumption of connected Load is lower than the power generated by solar power plant, then the excess of power generated by solar power plant will reverse back to DG SET and this will lead to permanent damage of DG SET. Zero Export device has been installed to limit the surplus amount of solar power that their systems export to the DG SET. 

INSTALLED ROOFTOP SOLAR PV POWER PLANT

Installed 550 kWp Rooftop solar plant shares all the power generated with DG set to reduce its dependence on diesel as fuel.

Most recently, a 100 kWp rooftop plant is installed in New Architecture Block and CIIC Block. This installation shall run in parallel to the existing 550 kWp solar plants.

RENEWABLE ENERGY – SOLAR POWER PLANTS

B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology undertakes initiatives to obtain energy from various natural resources.  The Institute is pioneer in establishing renewable energy sources to meet the energy requirement of the campus.

Three Roof top solar power plants of total capacity of 650 KWp (against the sanctioned demand of 1200 KW) are installed in our campus.

SOLAR PANEL INSTALLED AT ROOF TOP IN VARIOUS BUILDINGS

Google Satellite Map View

RENEWABLE ENERGY – SOLAR WATER HEATERS

Installed total capacity of 36,500 liters. This is equivalent to 365 Nos electric geysers of 2kW capacities. The power saving is estimated to be around 24 Lacs per annum.

Men’s Hostel

Ladies Hostel

RENEWABLE ENERGY – SOLAR STREET LIGHT

Installed towards staff quarters to Men’s hostel road and Architecture block area. This project was done by our III yr. EEE students along with our Estate electrical dept. team.

Near Architecture Block

Near Sports Village Road

Oxyzone Campus – Beema Bamboo Plantation

Planted bamboo saplings for 5000 run area throughout our compound to absorb dust, CO2 and to release more oxygen and to create pollution free environment. In future, Central bus stand will produce lot of pollution inside our campus, by planting bamboo, our campus become dust free zone with good oxygen supply. Our Institute is provided first OXYZONE inside our campus. Beema Bamboo Plants 2000 Nos Planted in whole campus for CO2 reduction.

Oxy Park

Oxy Park created in the campus opposite to Convention Centre

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION COLLABORATE WITH NGO – BSACIST WITH IGEN FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

 B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology (BSACIST) has forged a meaningful partnership with IGEN, an NGO dedicated to fostering sustainable development and environmental awareness. This collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of both organizations to promote responsible practices and enhance community engagement in environmental issues.

Through various initiatives, BSACIST and IGEN work together to educate students and the local community about sustainability. Workshops, seminars, and hands-on activities are organized to increase awareness about crucial topics such as waste management, renewable energy, and conservation practices. This partnership not only facilitates knowledge sharing but also empowers participants to adopt sustainable habits in their daily lives.

Moreover, IGEN and BSACIST actively collaborate on research projects and community outreach programs that address current environmental challenges. These initiatives focus on implementing practical solutions to reduce carbon footprints, promote recycling and waste segregation, and enhance the use of renewable resources within the campus and surrounding areas. By integrating academic knowledge with grassroots activism, BSACIST and IGEN are making significant strides towards a greener future.

Overall, the partnership between BSACIST and IGEN exemplifies a holistic approach to sustainability, bringing together education, research, and community engagement to drive impactful change in environmental stewardship. Together, they are setting a benchmark for other institutions and organizations in the pursuit of sustainable development goals.

PART – II: Progress Measurement

SDG13: Climate Action

4 to 5There is significant progress in effective implementation compared to the previous year
3 to 4The necessary processes/activities (Low-carbon energy use, Environmental education measures, Commitment to carbon neutral campus) have been implemented
2 to 3There is an explicit plan to address the ‘Climate Action’ and necessitated processes have been initiated
1 to 2There is an understanding and willingness to contribute effectively for achieving the UN targets of SDG 13
0 to 1There is no/partial willingness and plan to contribute for achieving the UN targets of SDG 13 Climate Action

PART – III: SDG Accord

Please find the Report: SDG ACCORD REPORT

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