Building Energy Efficiency Upgrade Plan

Amrita’s Higher Energy Efficiency Buildings initiative represents a visionary approach to advancing sustainability, aligning seamlessly with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This ambitious initiative, rooted in the Chancellor’s unwavering commitment to fostering a greener, more frugal, and sustainable lifestyle, underscores Amrita University’s dedication to environmental stewardship and its role as a leader in sustainable development within the academic community.

To achieve the goals outlined in this initiative, Amrita has implemented a comprehensive process designed to promote continuous improvement and ensure compliance with both national and international standards. This process encompasses a range of strategies and processes aimed at closing gaps in existing sustainability practices while leveraging cutting-edge advancements in global sustainability innovations. By integrating these innovations, the university ensures the adoption of proven best practices that enhance energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and align with broader sustainability objectives.

The initiative systematically evaluates current sustainability practices, identifying areas for enhancement and aligning them with global benchmarks. By fostering a culture of innovation, the university actively incorporates state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies, transforming its operations and infrastructure into a model of energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. This dynamic approach ensures that Amrita remains at the forefront of sustainable practices, creating a ripple effect of positive change within and beyond its campus.

Amrita’s commitment to excellence is further exemplified by its active participation in national and international certification programs, awards, and accreditations. These engagements not only validate the university’s efforts but also serve as a platform for benchmarking its progress against global leaders in sustainability. Through these recognitions, Amrita demonstrates its dedication to implementing best practices and achieving tangible outcomes that contribute to the realization of the UN SDGs.

• Lighting
• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
• Computer Labs and Electronics

• Transportation

• Water Heating

• Building Design

• Renewable Energy
• Awareness and Automation

Energy Efficiency Plan

• Replacing all lights with energy-efficient LED bulbs.

Baseline (2014)

• 0 % LED lights

Baseline (2024)

• 1200 LED replacement in 2023 in the old building 
• 1000 LED lights in newly built spaces

Proof

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Energy Efficiency Plan

• Installing motion sensors and timers in common areas.

Baseline (2014)

• 0 % motion sensor

Baseline (2024)

• 100% of energy consumption is reduced through sensor-based workspace automation

Proof

Energy Efficiency Plan

• Installing energy-efficient HVAC systems with VFDs

Baseline (2014)

• Limited building ventilation

Baseline (2024)

• All buildings are designed to feature superior ventilation. This has also been documented by prominent ventilation company Systemair

Proof

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Energy Efficiency Plan

• Retrofitting windows with double-glazing or shading devices.

Baseline (2024)

• 35% retrofitting achieved

Proof

Energy Efficiency Plan

• Using energy-efficient computers and power-saving modes.

Baseline (2014)

• 40% CRT Monitors
• 60% LCD Monitors
• 100% Hard Disk Drives

Baseline (2024)

• 100% LED Monitors
• 80% of the systems are equipped with Solid-State Drives
• Integrated with low-power processors

Proof

Energy Efficiency Plan

• Introducing electric or hybrid shuttle vehicles.

Baseline (2014)

• 0 electric shuttle vehicles
• 0 CNG-powered vehicles

Baseline (2024)

• 60% increase in electric shuttle vehicles
• 40% increase in CNG-powered vehicles

Proof

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Energy Efficiency Plan

• Installing EV charging stations powered by solar energy.

Baseline (2014)

• 0 EV charging stations

Baseline (2024)

• 5 EV charging stations

Proof

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Energy Efficiency Plan

• Solar-Powered Mobile Telemedicine Unit for Accessible Healthcare

Baseline (2014)

• 0 solar-powered telemedicine unit

Baseline (2024)

• 3 solar-powered telemedicine unit

Proof

Energy Efficiency Plan

• Installing solar water heaters.

Baseline (2014)

• No solar water heaters

Baseline (2024)

• Solar water heaters
• 50% of hot water needs are met by waste heat recovery from air conditioners

Proof

Energy Efficiency Plan

• Retrofitting buildings with insulation to improve energy performance.

Baseline (2014)

• 7% of the buildings were insulated

Baseline (2024)

• 58% of the buildings are insulated

Proof

Energy Efficiency Plan

• Installing solar panels on rooftops to generate clean energy.

Baseline (2014)

• No solar panels
• Diesel-run generators

Baseline (2024)

• Solar panel capacity – 4MW

Proof

Energy Efficiency Plan

• Using a campus-wide energy monitoring and automation system.

Baseline (2014)

• Limited monitoring systems

Baseline (2024)

• Building Energy Monitoring and Management System in all buildings

Proof