PREAMBLE: Panchakot Mahavidyalaya, is committed to protect and conserve the environment by adopting a stringent green policy. It constantly endeavors to maintain an eco-friendly green campus and inculcate the idea of sustainable development in the minds of youth and sensitize them in the management of renewable and non-renewable resources and waste for a safe and healthy environment for the present and future generations. The college recognizes that in pursuing its strategic objectives, in relation to research and teaching, it has a responsibility towards, and should aim to protect and nurture the environment. By exercising proper control over all its activities the college will aim to ensure sustainable use of resources and prevent wasteful or damaging practices. Our College will aim to manage its operations in ways that are environmentally sustainable, economically feasible and socially responsible i.e. making the College a Green Campus where environmental friendly practices and education combine to promote sustainable and eco-friendly practices. The College is striving to develop on a self-sustainable basis in the areas of power, water and cleanliness. Therefore, this policy represents an important component of the College’s broader sustainability strategy. This document sets out the College’s aims and objectives for safeguarding the environment, and details the organization and arrangements for implementing and monitoring them.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:
To promote sound environmental management policies and practices throughout the College.
To reduce and, where practicable, prevent pollution.
To adopt targets for improving environmental performance.
To ensure a sound understanding of current environmental performance.
SCOPE All the stakeholders of Panchakot Mahavidyalaya, staff, students and those who use the campus shall adhere to the green policy and code stated herein.
COMPOSITION OF INSTITUTIONAL GREEN COMMITTEE Principal (Ex-officio Chairman) Coordinator (Green Committee) Members (Faculty Members)
MEMBERS OF INSTITUTIONAL GREEN COMMITTEE 1. Dr. Saptarshi Chakraborty - Principal (Ex-officio Chairman) 2. Prof. Srimanta Kanji - Coordinator (Green Committee) 3. Prof. Pradhan Show - Member (Faculty Member)
4. Prof. Santosh Pandey - Member (Faculty Member)
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This Committee shall perform the role of overall planning, executing and monitoring of the ecofriendly initiatives of the institution.
Promote environmental consciousness and sustainability among stakeholders and the neighborhood community
Identification and implementation of alternative sources of energy and energy conservation measures
Implementation of effective waste management mechanisms
Identification and implementation of water conservation measures
Undertake and monitor green initiatives in the campus
Review and implement the suggestions arising out of Green Audit
RESOLUTIONS OF GREEN COMMITTEE
Green committee along with its Eco-club should work hand in hand with our college NSS Units.
To involve more students from different departments into this green drive.
More environmental activities like awareness programmes, rational utilization of water, energy, sanitation, etc are to be done.
For biodiversity conservation we need artificial nests of birds that visit our green campus.
Recruitment of ‘Gardener’ to ensure tending, thinning and weeding programmes are carried on for proper health of different tree species.
For sustainable life style among students and staff members we always campaign about adverse effects of junk food, solid waste minimization and how to reduce the carbon footprint and water footprints.
Establishing MOU with different NGOs or colleges for collaborative works on Conservation as well as environmental protection.
More initiatives to be taken for proper disposal of solid and liquid waste obtained from our campus.
Our students study the insects, birds and plant diversity in our college campus. In these studies faculty members of Botany and Zoology towork as mentors and guide the students.
Arranging a Training programme for staff and faculty members including different vendors on environmental protection, solid waste management, reducing carbon footprints, water footprints and special training for laboratory attendees for proper disposal of solid and liquid waste practices.
To organize workshops and seminars to sensitize stakeholders about how to reduce their ecological as well as water footprints.
E-waste is a big challenge and our committee has involved vendors for managing the e-waste as per govt. rules.
To encourage Vermi-composting, ecotourism and medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation.
Use of bio-fertilizers and bio-stimulating pest control systems.
Use of more Solar Lights
Use of more energy efficient lights
Focus of digital media to reduce paper use
ACTION TAKEN REPORT
Stakeholders made aware of the ‘Go Green Campus initiative’
Green-Campus activities linked to Academics by creating departments gardens
Organized Awareness Programs for the students, faculty and society
Chart out a yearly planner for the Institute, local community and Stakeholders through NSS
Reduced CFL and conventional light source such as bulbs and tube lights, halogen and mercury street/campus lights and get them replaced by LEDs
Solar High Mast Light installed
Conducted an Annual Green, Environment and Energy Audit
Purchased only Energy Efficient Computers and other equivalent equipment
Maintained rain water Harvestin
GREEN MEASURES OF THE CAMPUS Total Campus area: - 7.1 Acres.
Total area of Main College Building: - 0.66 Acres (approximately).
Area of Boys Hostel: - 0.085 Acres.
Area of Girls Hostel: -0.061 Acres.
Area of Open Stage: -0.093 Acres
Area of Pumping Station: - 0.02 Acres
Area of Cycle Stand: - 0.012 Acres.
Area of Enquiry Office: - 0.095 Acres.
Area of Firing Range (NCC): - 18.52 sq. yards.
Area of Football Ground: - 0.975 Acres
Total Area of Contruction = 2.001 Acres
Green Area: 2.11 + 0.47 + 0.82 + 0.128 = 3.528 Acres College Gardening Area: - 0.165 + 0.061 = 0.226 Acre Total Deep Green covered area = 3.754 acres
Continuous Scrub Area = 0.143 Acres
Isolated Scrub Area: - 0.71 + 0.068 + 0.024 + 0.012 + 0.011 = 0.825 Acre Total Area under Scrub with Shallow Green Areas = 0.968 Acre Area under isolated Trees: - 0. 179 Acre Therefore, 52.87% areas are under deep area
13.63% areas are under Scrub with Shallow green areas
2.52% areas are under isolated trees.
POLICIES ON VARIOUS ASPECTS Water Policy
To make efficient and environmentally responsible use of water
Waste Reduction and Recycling
Rain Water Harvesting
Increase storage and conserve water in tanks, etc.
Maintain reservoirs
Awareness and Training Policy
To raise awareness among the staff and students of the College’s environmental impact, activities and performance and good practice.
To provide appropriate environmental educational programmes for staff and students.
To encourage and facilitate feedback and suggestions on ensuring good practice.
Energy Management Policy It is imperative that the members of the institution strive to conserve energy and use alternative sources of energy in order to protect the environment for the present and future generations. Keeping this in mind, the following alternative energy sources have to be harnessed for environmental sustainability.
Installation of solar high mast light for the campus
Rooftop solar panels on-grid
More use of LED lights
Use of sensor based lights
Use of power efficient and star rated gadgets and instruments
Waste Management Policy One of the key focus areas of the green policy is systematic waste management. The institution endeavours to comply with waste management legislations, reduce waste generated in the campus, reduce environmental impact through segregation, reuse, recycling and composting of waste. There shall be a systematic mechanism for solid and liquid waste segregation, characterization, minimization, collection, separation, treatment and disposal. Some policies regarding this are:
Institution shall adopt composting methods for biodegradable wastes and the compost generated from this will be used as bio-fertilizer for nurturing the flora in the campus.
The institution shall have a systematic mechanism for reducing, recycling and reusing non-biodegradable waste to minimize environmental pollution.
Waste segregation and collection at every level of the organisation has to be done through colour coded and labelled bins have to be placed in the classrooms, auditoria, cafeteria, laboratories, corridors, wash rooms and parks.
Exclusive support staff should be appointed for waste collection, segregation, treatment or disposal.
The plastic and glass waste should be given to authorised plastic waste collection centres.
Wet waste shall be treated through vermicomposting and resulting vermicompost to be used as bio fertilizer.
The institution shall have a sewage treatment plant to recycle liquid waste, and the toxic liquid waste from the laboratories should be rendered non-toxic using methods as bioremediation & phytoremediation.
Institution should manage biomedical waste of laboratory origin with utmost care and shall be disposed in a manner to contain potential infection and to protect the environment. The following norms will be implemented for the management of biomedical waste.
Laboratories shall display biosafety protocols for safe handling and disposal of biomedical waste.
Biomedical waste, other than sharps, should be collected in strong containers (labeled red) that prevent breakage.
Only trained laboratory personnel are authorized to handle biomedical waste with standard precautions.
The segregated biomedical waste should not be stored beyond the standard time limit.
Biomedical waste should be incinerated or autoclaved or treated with disinfectants to prevent any environmental hazards.
A structured plan of e-waste management shall be devised at the procurement stage itself. An Mou shall be signed with an authorized e-vendor for the timely collection and recycling of e-waste.
Green Campus Policy The institution should take initiatives to foster a culture of environment consciousness and sustainability among its stakeholders, and should maintain an environment friendly campus with adequate measure and practices.
Green Campus Certification Policy The institution shall have a long term commitment to continuous environmental improvement from the campus community. It shall strive to meet national benchmarks in environment protection and obtain green certification..
Restricted Entry of Automobiles Policy Institution shall restrict vehicular entry to a minimum in campus area to reduce pollution, and majority of areas of the campus shall be accessible by foot, bicycles or e-vehicles. Members of the institution shall be encouraged to use bicycles for commuting.
Ban on Plastic Usage Policy The institution shall follow 'zero single use plastic usage' policy in all the campus facilities. Efforts shall be made to curb the usage of other forms of plastic of less than 50 microns. Tangible alternatives shall be sought to single use disposable plastics from the concept of reuse to compostable products.
Landscaping with Trees and Plants Policy There shall be campus landscape design and maintenance plan as a part of the institutional strategic plan that contributes to pollution free campus ecosystem. Adequate attention shall be given to develop lawns and parks and there shall be no compromise on green space during infrastructural development. Documentation of flora shall be maintained. A separate space shall be allocated for herbal garden for ornamental and functional purposes.
Clean and Green campus Policy Institution shall take conscientious effort to make members aware about the significance of clean and green campus. There shall be a campus manager to monitor the cleanliness of the campus, and adequate manpower shall be recruited for the upkeep and cleanliness. Moreover, efforts shall be made to adopt green cleaning practices.
Quality Audit Policy Utilising the national benchmarks of green campuses, the institution shall have an internal mechanism for auditing green and sustainability initiatives.
Quality Audit - Green campus Policy Green audit shall be carried out to improve the environmental condition of the institution. An audit of implementation and effectiveness of green practices has to be done annually. The incremental green coverage of the campus shall also be assessed. This audit shall be carried out to measure institutional practices such as waste management, energy saving practices and water management.
Quality Audit- Environment Environment audit shall measure the effects of institutional practices and activities on the environment related to five categories: i) Air issues ii) Water issues iii) Waste iv) Biodiversity and v) Environmental Management System. A systematic audit shall be conducted once a year to improve the institutional ecosystem and reduce adverse environmental effects.
Quality Audit- Energy Policy The energy audit shall identify, measure and report energy utilization, energy conservation and power efficiency in the institution. It shall be used to understand patterns and areas of energy consumption for improvement of energy saving measures.
Green Practices in Academic and Administrative Processes The institution is responsible for protecting the environment by introducing green and sustainable practices in all academic and administrative processes. The following avenues of healthy practices shall be pursued:
The administrative sections shall gradually move towards paperless operations through an e- governance mechanism.
Online communications to be encouraged at all levels using the official e-mail, internal servers and webpage.
Online payments and fee transactions shall be promoted.
Online admission process shall be adopted for all programmes.
E-verification of certificates and documents for students and alumni shall be initiated.
Establish a data centre for faculty, student and cloud based education management.
Component of online based examination shall be increased gradually.
Learning management system shall be set up to promote online and blended learning.
The college shall reduce paper and printing costs by publishing e-handbook, e-prospectus, e-journals and e-magazines.
E certification shall be considered for conferences, workshops, FDPs, value added courses, curricular festivals, cultural and sports activities.
Students and staff shall be encouraged to register and use National Academic Depository.
Environment Promotional Activities Beyond Campus The institution has a social responsibility to display sensitivity to issues like climate change and global warming. It is responsible for spreading environmental consciousness in the neighbourhood community. The conservation and protection of the environment is the cooperative effort of the institution and local community. The following environment promotional activities shall be undertaken beyond the campus:
Awareness campaigns on protection of biodiversity, environment, water bodies
Awareness campaigns energy and water conservation, alternative sources of energy, waste management and zero use of plastic
THE INSTITUTION HAS FACILITIES AND INITIATIVES FOR:
Alternate sources of energy and energy conservation measures
Solar High Mast Light
LED lights
Star rated gadgets
Applied for on-grid solar panels
Management of the various types of degradable and non-degradable waste
Identification of vulnerable places
User friendly collection bins at vulnerable places
Signage boards at important places
Sensitization of students and staff regarding waste and its management
Trained waste management staff
Segregated as required
E-wastes outsourced to agency for proper disposal
Form - 2 & 3 certificate obtained from competent authority for e-waste
Water conservation
Rain Water Harvesting
Drain along the plinth to collect water
Plantation of trees
More tanks installed
Reservoirs maintained
Green campus initiatives
Paperless transactions in official work
Paperless transactions in library
Automated college exams
Plastic Free Zone
Thermocol Free Zone
Gardens
Herbal Garden
Bicycles encouraged
Earthen Pots
glass bottles and glass for all departments
Disabled-friendly, barrier free environment
Separate washroom for divyangjan with hand rails
Rest area
Ramp
Hand Rails
Crutch
Braile initiatives
Wheel Chair
Signage board
GEO-TAGGED PHOTOS Alternate sources of energy and energy conservation measures
Management of the various types of degradable and non-degradable waste
2020, Panchakot Mahavidyalaya