The National Institute of Construction Management and Research (NICMAR), in Shamirpet, Hyderabad, got Platinum certification under the IGBC Green Campus Rating in November 2023. Apart from the roughly 25 trees per acre that require year-on-year maintenance and benefits derived from such certification, the campus has 90.04 per cent of its area covered by drought-tolerant or native species such as neem and bougainvillea to mitigate air pollution and improve air quality. Platinum certification “Our Hyderabad campus has been awarded a Platinum certification by IGBC, a testament to our dedication to sustainability and innovation in the construction industry,” shares Dr Anil Kashyap, Director General, NICMAR Hyderabad, “NICMAR Hyderabad scored 67 points out of 90 and received a Platinum rating for the next five years (2023-2028), which will enhance its brand reputation through demonstration of environmental stewardship, energy and water saving and improved attention in health and well-being on campus. This project was conceptualised, championed and supervised by Dr Poonam Kashyap, Director of Strategy and External Partnerships, NICMAR. Our faculty, staff and students with prior experience in architecture and construction collaborated for end-to-end inhouse project management. We are thrilled that our students will now not only carry academic certification but also real-time experience in building green campuses and creating a sustainable world for generations to come.” In agreement, Shekar Reddy, Chairman, CII Telangana, and IGBC Hyderabad Chapter, says, “The Platinum certification acknowledges NICMAR'S green efforts and sets a benchmark for other educational institutions to follow best practices to prioritise eco-conscious practices and contribute to a sustainable and green future.” Design innovation and inspiration Dr Poonam Kashyap segregates design innovation into green cover, landscape and wastewater treatment and reuse. Regarding the green cover, 47 per cent of the total site area is covered with vegetation. As for landscape, 90.04 per cent of the total area has native or adaptive species. And in terms of wastewater, the sewage treatment plant (STP) in the campus reuses treated onsite wastewater for 16 per cent of its total water requirements for gardening and landscaping to reduce freshwater consumption; an automated water supply system ensures its optimum utilisation. To further conserve water, efficient plumbing fixtures, such as low-flow or flush water fixtures, reduce the daily water requirement by 37 per cent. As for the inspiration, she says, “IGBC established the CII-Godrej Green Business Centre (GBC) building in Hyderabad, which became India’s first Platinum-rated green building in 2004. Over the years, students of various postgraduate programmes from our campus visited the site to gain awareness about green building concepts, which triggered a focus on the concept of built environment even as NICMAR’s top leadership envisioned green building certification.” Green measures Other noteworthy CO2 footprint reduction measures have been adopted within the campus. While energy-efficient lighting fixtures contribute a 93 per cent reduction in the parking area and over 40 per cent reduction in interior lighting power density, BEE star-rated, high-performance, air-conditioning systems, with regular maintenance, ensure consistent performance. For cleaning solutions, only green housekeeping chemicals are used. The project applied under IGBC's existing campus category certification so it was well optimised construction activity with low construction and demolition waste disposal. Apart from two points for electric vehicle (EV) charging in the parking area, the campus also has a dedicated bicycle network for sustainable transportation. And the student club, Hariyali, promotes awareness-related activities about sustainable transportation choices. The campus additionally features disabled-friendly ramps, toilet facilities, lodging and classrooms. Architect speak The role of architects Rupali Machindra Kale and Arya Manoj Unde in the project is noteworthy. Under the mentorship of Dr Anshul Gujarathi, Founder and Director, Eco Solutions (the green building consultant), they trained the students, leading to successful implementation of sustainability measures on the campus. “Integrating eco-friendly features into the existing campus infrastructure posed challenges,” says Dr Gujarathi. “Eco Solutions started this green initiative by training students with regard to the integrated approach of the IGBC Green Campus Certification Programme followed by vigorous compilation of documents and gap identification.” Several measures incorporated on the campus led to the following benchmarks: Energy efficiency: With over a 40 percent reduction in lighting power density, the campus demonstrates its commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.Green space integration: 47 percent of the site area to softscape reflects its dedication to a green and healthy campus environment. Organic waste management: Utilising vermicomposting pits for 100 percent organic waste management underscores commitment to sustainable practices. “These initiatives not only enhance the campus but also solidify its position as a sustainability leader in the educational sector,” observes Dr Gujarathi. “Education institutions are primary centres for knowledge and awareness,” concludes Dr Anil Kashyap. “NICMAR’s green efforts create a benchmark for other existing institutions and bring about greater involvement in sustainability initiatives, especially in the conservation of water, energy and the environment.” - R SRINIVASAN