Upgrading Buildings to Higher Energy Efficiency
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.
A rigorous process is implemented to facilitate energy-efficient retrofitting, ensuring the upgraded building achieves a significantly higher level of energy efficiency. These practices align with the standards set by ASHRAE 90.1-2007 and the LEED certification models.
Commitment to Sustainability Excellence
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 thereby achieving 32.4% of energy cost savings.
Bridging Gaps Through Innovation Adoption
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.
Engagement with Certifications and Accreditations
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.
In-house Research to Enhance Energy Efficiency
The University has undertaken extensive in-house research to advance energy efficiency through collaborative efforts across multiple departments, including Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and the School for Sustainable Futures. Dedicated PhD students are actively engaged in various projects, contributing to this endeavor. These research initiatives have played a pivotal role in informing critical design and procurement decisions, significantly improving the University’s energy efficiency while achieving substantial energy cost savings.
- Replacing all lights with energy-efficient LED bulbs.
- 1200 LED replacement in 2023 in the old building
- 1000 LED lights in newly built spaces
- Installing motion sensors and timers in common areas.
- 100% of energy consumption is reduced through sensor-based workspace automation
- Installing energy-efficient HVAC systems with VFDs to meet ASHRAE 62.1-2007.
- 40% of the buildings have HVAC systems adhering to ASHRAE 62.1-2007.
- Retrofitting windows with double-glazing or shading devices with U-Value of U-1.39 BTU/HR-ft2-F.
- 35% retrofitting with Double Glazing Unit with an average exterior fenestration U-Value of U-1.001 BTU/HR-ft2-F. The average includes 12,000 window panes with a cumulative average U-Value of U-1.39 BTU/HR-ft2-F
Energy Efficiency Plan
- Using energy-efficient computers and power-saving modes.
- 40% CRT Monitors
- 60% LCD Monitors
- 100% Hard Disk Drives
- 100% LED Monitors
- 80% of the systems are equipped with Solid-State Drives
- Integrated with low-power processors
- Introducing electric or hybrid shuttle vehicles.
- 0 electric shuttle vehicles
- 0 CNG-powered vehicles
- 60% increase in electric shuttle vehicles
- 40% increase in CNG-powered vehicles
- Installing EV charging stations powered by solar energy.
- Solar-Powered Mobile Telemedicine Unit for Accessible Healthcare
- 0 solar-powered telemedicine unit
- 3 solar-powered telemedicine unit
Energy Efficiency Plan
- Installing solar water heaters.
- Solar water heaters
- 50% of hot water needs are met by waste heat recovery from air conditioners
Energy Efficiency Plan
- Retrofitting buildings with insulation to improve energy performance.
- 7% of the buildings were insulated
- 58% of the buildings are insulated
Energy Efficiency Plan
- Installing solar panels on rooftops to generate clean energy.
- No solar panels
- Diesel-run generators
- Solar panel capacity – 4MW
Energy Efficiency Plan
- Using a campus-wide energy monitoring and automation system to achieve higher energy cost savings.
- Limited monitoring systems
- Building Energy Monitoring and Management System in all buildings
