Greening Nalanda University

GRIHA 5-Star Rated Master Plan

It is a popular perception that when sustainability is integrated with education, it creates the heaviest impact on the young environmental stewards of tomorrow. A nation’s growth starts from its educational institutions, where the ecology is thought as a prime factor of development associated with the environment. A clean and healthy environment aids effective learning and provides a conducive learning environment.

Buildings in the education sector contribute to over 230 million tons of CO₂ emissions per annum approximately in India. The need for water, land and resources are growing enormously as more educational and institutional developments are underway. There is growing interest in many up and coming universities today, to frame practical strategies for resource savings, energy and water conservation and waste reduction to make centers of learning deliver excellence in terms of sustainable green campuses and sustainable communities, at large.

Nalanda University is a spectacle of human imagination and innovation

The master plan of the campus is an iconic beacon that attracts global attention for adopting sustainable methods to achieve social and economic integration of the local community.

The master plan aims to combine state-of-the-art planning principles to create a carbon neutral and zero-waste campus.

Nalanda University is a heritage world-class institutional hub, which offers a superlative educational experience, in a sustainable environment. GreenTree Global has helped Nalanda University's Master Plan achieve 5 Star rating from GRIHA and also the status of a net zero energy campus.

GreenTree Global is a top green consultancy firm headquartered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. GreenTree Global is working with various stakeholders in helping them attain green certification, carbon-neutrality and net zero energy buildings through assessment and reporting (GreenTree is a BEE empanelled for providing Technical Consultancy for converting existing buildings to Net Zero Energy Buildings), and consultancy in building energy efficiency and infrastructure development projects.

Green features of the Campus

The project is nestled in more than 9 m²/capita of green cover and has been designed in a way that reduces the carbon footprints Per capita CO₂ emissions to be less than 1.19 tonnes per annum (which is less than India’s national average).

Optimised Energy Consumption

Impeccable energy-efficient implements are employed on campus to promote self-sufficiency and adoption of clean energy. The project has installed renewable energy generation source of 4450 kWP SOLAR PV and 1330 kW CHP engine. All the electrical, HVAC and plumbing equipment are designed as per standard codes and regulations. Outdoor lightning is integrated with automatic controls via BMS.

Sustainable Transportation

The campus is strategically located near a bus-stop in order to facilitate reliable commutation for students to and from the university. Within the campus, only battery-operated vehicles will be made available to commuters. The cycle-tracks, footpaths and sidewalks will be universally accessible to all.

Water Efficiency Measures

Water-efficiency on campus is realised by 100% self-reliance through internal design measures. The rainwater collected and treated throughout the year will be used to reduce portable demands. The project has provided Kamal Sagar, ‘Ahars’ (water storage system) and a water treatment system for treatment of rainwater treatment. The use of low flow faucets and flush fixtures are encouraged. Treated wastewater from STP shall be used for flushing on campus. Water meters are fixed at major consumption zones and integrated with BMS.

Construction Waste Management

In a bid to curb plastic pollution generated on site and to divert it from landfills, 5% of the plastic waste is used in construction of roads. The project has also used construction material containing recycled concrete, hollow brick, etc. to reduce our dependence on natural, virgin material.

Organic Waste Management

Project has envisioned installing a bio-methanation plant to treat 100% organic waste generated at site and during construction. A prototype has been prepared for the same.

Safety of the Workforce

All the construction measures like safety signages, safety kits for labours, adequate illumination at project site, creche facility, labour accommodation, clean and hygienic sanitation facility and clean drinking water have been provided for workforce safety.

Nalanda has a rich heritage of playing the part of a receptacle lost and preserved in time. Nalanda University is a perfect instance of moving towards a net-zero campus, while sustaining the historicity and magnificence of a centre of education. It is well integrated with benchmarked green standards of living. It will definitely pique the curiosity of professionals and students alike, world-over, especially those working in the field of climate change and carbon neutrality.