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Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Amrita University) is at the forefront of sustainability initiatives, implementing extensive efforts to monitor and minimize energy wastage across its campuses. The university has adopted a multi-faceted approach that integrates cutting-edge technologies and strategic methodologies to ensure optimal energy use and reduce environmental impact.

Central to these efforts is the implementation of advanced smart monitoring systems. These technologies continuously track energy consumption patterns, enabling real-time detection of inefficiencies or wastage. When anomalies are identified, the system promptly alerts relevant authorities, empowering them to take immediate corrective actions. This proactive approach ensures that energy wastage is minimized, fostering a culture of accountability and responsibility across the university.

In addition to smart monitoring, Amrita University has integrated a comprehensive energy management strategy, which includes regular audits, certifications, and a commitment to sustainable energy practices. These initiatives are designed not only to reduce the university’s carbon footprint but also to serve as a model for other institutions seeking to enhance their environmental sustainability efforts.

Building Energy Monitoring and Management System

The building energy monitoring dashboard provides real-time insights into energy consumption patterns. It visualizes current usage, analyzes historical trends, and calculates key performance indicators such as Energy Use Intensity (EUI) and Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE). Additionally, the dashboard tracks the building’s carbon footprint and generates alerts for anomalies or potential issues. By enabling remote access and control of system settings, building managers can optimize energy consumption, reduce costs, and enhance the overall sustainability of the campus. This system has achieved an annual energy saving of 379,200 kWh, corresponding to a reduction of 311 metric tons of CO₂ emissions per year.

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Carbon Monitoring System

The real-time CO₂ monitoring system provides a comprehensive overview of the campus’s carbon footprint associated with energy consumption. The dashboard displays real-time data on CO₂ emissions generated from various energy sources, including electricity, heating, and cooling. By analyzing historical data and comparing it to real-time emissions, users can identify trends, assess the impact of energy-saving measures, and make informed decisions to reduce the campus’s carbon footprint. The dashboard also provides insights into the carbon intensity of different energy sources, helping to optimize energy procurement strategies and prioritize low-carbon options. Additionally, the system generates detailed reports on carbon emissions, enabling compliance with environmental regulations and sustainability reporting.

Internal Audits

Amrita has also conducted an internal energy audit  that provided critical insights into energy. This comprehensive evaluation led to the implementation of cutting-edge measures, including an energy monitoring and management system and a carbon monitoring system, which have significantly curbed energy wastage and bolstered sustainability efforts.

External Certifications

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has set a benchmark in sustainability with its recent Platinum certification under the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Green Campus Rating System. This accolade, achieved on November 7, 2023, underscores the university’s commitment to energy efficiency as a core strategy for reducing carbon footprints.

The IGBC’s highest honor, the Platinum certification, highlights the campus’s implementation of advanced energy-efficient systems and sustainable practices. By optimizing energy consumption, integrating renewable energy sources, and promoting eco-friendly infrastructure, the campus has significantly minimized its environmental impact.

Date : November 2, 2023
Prepared by : Amrita School of Sustainable Futures

Introduction 

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable energy practices across all its campuses. As part of this commitment, the university has undertaken a comprehensive initiative to identify, evaluate, and reduce energy wastage. This report outlines the methodology, findings, and action plans derived from recent energy reviews and audits aimed at optimizing energy use. 

Objective

The primary objective of this initiative is to identify areas of highest energy wastage across campus facilities and develop targeted solutions to enhance energy efficiency. By addressing these areas, Amrita aims to foster a more sustainable campus environment while achieving substantial cost savings in energy expenditures. 

 Methodology

To identify energy wastage, the following approaches were implemented: 

  • Energy Audits and Inspections: Conducted thorough audits across academic buildings, dormitories, labs, and common areas to understand energy consumption patterns. 
  • Data Monitoring and Analysis: Installed smart energy meters and sensors in high-consumption zones to collect real-time data on energy usage. 
  • Engagement with Stakeholders: Collaborated with students, faculty, and maintenance staff to identify commonly overlooked areas of wastage and collect recommendations. 

Findings

The energy review identified key areas with the highest energy wastage, summarized as follows: 

 Lighting Systems 

  • Observations: High energy consumption due to inefficient lighting in classrooms, corridors, and common areas. Lights often remain on even in unoccupied spaces. 
  • Potential Savings: Switching to LED lighting and installing motion-sensor controls could reduce lighting energy use by up to 40%. 

 HVAC Systems 

  • Observations: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems account for a significant portion of the campus energy load. Several buildings exhibit inefficient temperature management, leading to energy wastage. 
  • Potential Savings: By adjusting HVAC schedules based on occupancy and installing automated thermostats, energy consumption could be reduced by approximately 25%. 

 Laboratory and Research Facilities 

  • Observations: Lab equipment is often left running during off-hours, contributing to unnecessary energy consumption.  
  • Potential Savings: Introducing lab protocols for equipment shutdown after hours can save an estimated 15% in energy use for these facilities. 

 Residential Areas and Dormitories 

  • Observations: Students and staff housing exhibit high standby power usage from electronic devices and appliances left plugged in continuously. 
  • Potential Savings: By introducing smart power strips and raising awareness, dormitory energy usage could be cut by up to 10%. 

 Recommendations and Action Plan

Based on these findings, the following actions are recommended: 

 Upgrade Lighting Systems 

  • Action: Replace all conventional lights with energy-efficient LED fixtures and install motion sensors in low-traffic areas. 
  • Timeline: 3 months 
  • Expected Outcome: 40% reduction in lighting energy use. 

 Optimize HVAC Operations 

  • Action: Implement occupancy-based HVAC schedules and install programmable thermostats across all campus buildings. 
  • Timeline: 6 months 
  • Expected Outcome: 25% reduction in HVAC energy usage. 

 Energy Awareness Programs 

  • Action: Launch a campus-wide awareness campaign to educate students and staff on energy-saving practices, such as turning off lights and unplugging devices. 
  • Timeline: Ongoing 
  • Expected Outcome: 10-15% overall reduction in energy wastage due to behavioral changes. 

 Implement Smart Energy Monitoring Systems 

  • Action: Install smart meters and real-time energy monitoring systems to continually assess and respond to energy usage patterns. 
  • Timeline: 6 months 
  • Expected Outcome: Data-driven insights for continuous energy optimization. 
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