How 5 Indian University Campuses Are Going Green With Solar Panels, Recharge Pits & Flowering Trees

Imagine a classroom where the Earth is not just a topic of study, but a constant companion.

Across India, a new kind of learning space is taking shape. On some campuses, solar panels tilt alongside flowering trees. Rainwater slips quietly into recharge pits. Classrooms open not into corridors, but into courtyards where the air feels lighter.

Indian universities are rethinking what it means to build, to learn, to live — not by adding sustainability as an extra, but by weaving it into everyday life. At a time when climate change feels overwhelming, these campuses offer something simple but powerful: proof that it’s possible to grow with the land, not against it.

Here’s a closer look at five institutions quietly leading the way.

1. IIT Gandhinagar, Gujarat

IIT Gandhinagar is India's first campus to receive a 5-star rating under GRIHA LD (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment – Large Developments), a national framework assessing the environmental performance of large-scale projects.

Key initiatives:

• Zero sewage discharge: All wastewater is treated on-site using anaerobic reactors and root zone treatment systems, with the recycled water used for irrigation.
  
• Energy efficiency: Buildings are constructed with fly ash bricks and cavity walls to reduce heat gain. Passive cooling techniques, such as Passive Downdraft Evaporative Cooling (PDEC), are employed to minimise energy consumption.
  
• Solar energy: A solar carport and rooftop panels generate up to 500 kWp, meeting nearly half of the campus's energy needs.
  
• Water management: Innovative rainwater harvesting structures, inspired by traditional step-wells, collect and store rainwater across the campus.
  
• Waste management: Biogas plants and compost pits process organic waste, turning it into energy and manure for landscaping.
  
• Sustainable transport: The campus promotes walkability and provides electric vehicle charging stations, along with CNG-based shuttle services.
  

2. Ashoka University, Haryana

Ashoka University integrates sustainability into its campus life and academic framework.

Key initiatives:

• LiveGreen@Ashoka: This initiative promotes sustainable living through green technology interventions, behavioural change campaigns, and operational improvements.
  
• Solar power: The campus generates nearly 0.9 megawatts of solar electricity, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
  
• Biodiversity: Home to 1,664 trees, the campus supports a mix of native and exotic plant species, enhancing local biodiversity.
  
• Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability (3CS): This multidisciplinary centre fosters research and advocacy on climate change and sustainability issues.
  

3. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Tamil Nadu & Nationwide

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham's campuses are designed with a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship.

Key initiatives:

• Water conservation: The university reuses 80 percent of its water through advanced treatment plants, supporting sustainable landscaping and agriculture.
  
• Renewable energy: Solar panels across campuses contribute substantially to energy needs, with real-time energy monitoring systems in place.
  
• Waste management: Organic composting and plastic-free zones are implemented to minimise environmental impact.
  
• Green infrastructure: Campuses feature green roofs, permeable pavements, and urban gardens to enhance environmental quality.
  
• Community engagement: Initiatives like Amrita SeRVe support rural communities with sustainable development projects.
  

4. TERI School of Advanced Studies, Delhi

TERI SAS serves as a living laboratory for sustainable practices and education.

Key initiatives:

• Green building design: The campus incorporates passive solar design, energy-efficient systems, and water and waste management solutions.
  
• Academic programmes: TERI SAS offers specialised courses in climate science, renewable energy, and sustainable development.
  
• Research and advocacy: The institution hosts events like Retopia to discuss clean energy prospects and sustainability.

5. Azim Premji University, Karnataka

Azim Premji University integrates sustainability into its campus design and academic programs.

Key initiatives:

• Sustainable infrastructure: Buildings are designed for natural cooling and lighting, reducing energy consumption.
  
• Academic focus: The BSc in Environmental Science and Sustainability programme emphasises interdisciplinary learning grounded in the Indian context.
  
• Community engagement: Students participate in environmental projects that intersect with social justice, working with underserved communities.
  
• Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability: The centre conducts research and advocacy to strengthen India's response to climate challenges.

Edited by Khushi Arora