Inspired by the Amrita’s Chancellor’s call to reduce Carbon emissions, our university is committed to building a climate-positive, carbon-neutral future under its “Sustainable Campus Policy.” In 2023, we embarked on impactful initiatives to enhance energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and implementing robust carbon management strategies. By prioritizing sustainable practices and investing in innovative technologies, we aim to create a more environmentally responsible institution.
Energy efficiency plan which help reducing the grid dependency to a 30% the following by 2025 as per the sustainable campus policy:
Our large academic buildings are equipped with 306 kWp of rooftop solar PV panels, which harness the power of the sun to generate a substantial amount of clean, renewable electricity. Annually, these panels produce an impressive 567,228 kWh of electricity, significantly reducing our reliance on traditional energy sources and contributing to a more sustainable future.
An inverter system plays a pivotal role in converting the direct current (DC) electricity generated by the solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is compatible with our building’s electrical grid. This system is seamlessly integrated into our building monitoring system, allowing for real-time tracking of its performance. By monitoring key parameters such as inverter efficiency, temperature, and voltage, we can optimize its operation and ensure maximum energy output. Additionally, the integration enables early detection of potential issues, facilitating timely maintenance and minimizing downtime
The campus has embraced sustainable practices by installing sensor-based solar lighting systems at strategic locations. These energy-efficient systems harness the power of the sun to illuminate pathways, parking lots, and other outdoor areas. Equipped with advanced sensors, the lights automatically adjust their brightness based on ambient light levels and detect motion, ensuring optimal energy usage. By reducing reliance on traditional grid power and minimizing light pollution, the campus significantly contributes to environmental conservation and cost savings.
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 like Energy Use Intensity (EUI) and Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE). The dashboard also tracks the building’s carbon footprint and generates alerts for anomalies or potential issues. By remotely accessing and controlling system settings, building managers can optimize energy consumption, reduce costs, and enhance the overall sustainability of the campus building. This system achieves an annual energy saving of 379,200 kWh, corresponding to a reduction of 311 metric tons of CO₂ emissions per year.
The real-time CO2 from energy 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 can generate detailed reports on carbon emissions, enabling compliance with environmental regulations and sustainability reporting.
Smart workspaces are designed to optimize energy consumption and enhance sustainability by integrating advanced technologies and innovative strategies. These spaces utilize intelligent building automation systems to control lighting, HVAC, and other systems based on occupancy and environmental conditions, reducing energy waste.
Additionally, energy-efficient lighting and appliances are employed to minimize power consumption. Smart workspaces often incorporate renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, to further reduce reliance on traditional energy grids. By adopting these cutting-edge solutions, we are committed to creating sustainable and environmentally friendly work environments that contribute to a greener future.
Energy-efficient thermal comfort involves creating comfortable indoor environments while minimizing energy consumption. This is achieved through a combination of strategies, including high-performance building envelopes, efficient HVAC systems, and smart building technologies. By optimizing insulation, window glazing, and air sealing, buildings can reduce heat loss and gain, minimizing the need for heating and cooling. Advanced HVAC systems with energy-efficient components, such as variable-speed drives and high-efficiency compressors, can significantly reduce energy consumption. Additionally, smart building technologies, such as occupancy sensors and automated controls, can further optimize energy usage by adjusting temperature settings based on real-time occupancy and environmental conditions. By implementing these measures, we can create comfortable and sustainable indoor spaces that contribute to a greener future.
The Solar Auto Rickshaw is a groundbreaking innovation in sustainable urban mobility. This lightweight, efficient, and 100% solar-powered vehicle offers a clean and affordable transportation solution for cities worldwide. Equipped with advanced solar panels, the auto rickshaw harnesses the power of the sun to charge its batteries, eliminating the need for fossil fuels.
By reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and minimizing carbon emissions, this eco-friendly vehicle contributes to a more sustainable future. Additionally, its low operating costs and minimal maintenance requirements make it an attractive option for both drivers and passengers. As technology continues to advance, the Solar Auto Rickshaw is poised to revolutionize urban transportation and set new standards for sustainable mobility.
