Net-Zero Target
Implementing Net Zero Emissions Strategies in Higher Education Institutions :
Shoolini University’s Commitment towards Net Zero Emissions by 2028
The United Nations’ 26th Climate Change Conference (COP26), is one of the significant events
that aimed to instil accelerated action towards climate change through collaboration between
governments, businesses and civil society. Higher education institutions are critical players;
through their research, teaching and outreach, they can have a transformational impact on
society and help the world transition to net zero emissions – one of the key goals of COP26.
Implementing net zero emissions strategies in higher education institutions requires a
comprehensive approach that goes beyond simply reducing operational emissions. Universities
have the unique opportunity to leverage their intellectual capital to scale research on net zero
solutions, while also addressing their own emissions from campus operations. Furthermore,
educating individuals and businesses about the need for net zero initiatives is a significant tool
that universities can utilize to drive widespread adoption of sustainable practices. By setting
examples for how net zero can be achieved in the education sector, universities can inspire
other institutions to follow suit and contribute to the global effort to combat climate change.
To effectively implement net zero emissions strategies, universities need to create a central
department focussing on sustainability, prioritize and allocate funding towards projects that
focus on emission-reduction tools and greenhouse gas removal. This includes investing in
renewable energy infrastructure, implementing energy efficiency measures, and exploring
innovative technologies for carbon capture and storage. Not only do these strategies contribute
to carbon neutrality, but they also have the potential to significantly reduce operational costs
for colleges and universities. Additionally, integrating sustainability on campus can lead to
increased energy resiliency for the institution and the larger community, enhancing overall
sustainability and preparedness in the face of climate-related challenges.
However, it is important to note that reaching carbon neutrality solely through purchasing
carbon offsets does not provide the additional co-benefits of a secure, resilient, and sustainable
institution. Net zero emissions strategies should go beyond offsetting emissions and focus on
implementing sustainable practices throughout all aspects of university operations.
These initiatives not only have a positive impact on the environment but also inspire students
to integrate sustainability into their lives as they navigate the world. Moreover, implementing
sustainability initiatives in higher education institutions provides valuable educational and
research opportunities for students and faculty.
Universities can serve as living laboratories, where students can learn firsthand about
sustainable technologies, policies, and practices.
In line with the above, Shoolini University has demonstrated leadership in implementing net-zero emissions strategies by setting a target of achieving net zero by 2028 and declaring its
intention to divest from fossil fuels. This commitment highlights the university's dedication to
sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, while also providing valuable lessons and
insights for other institutions seeking to implement similar strategies. The university has
created energy and environment policies, sustainable investment and procurement policies to
administer the system of sustainable practice implementation and ensuring that the respective
commitments towards the same are met and has invested in solar energy, biogas, solar steam
cooking systems to lower its carbon footprint.
Towards Carbon Neutral Sustainable Campus through Mandatory Energy
and Environment Policies
The Energy and Environment Policies align Shoolini University to achieve carbon neutral
sustainable Campus by 2028 and main highlights of the policy are as follows:
Action plan:
- Installation of solar PV on grid and standalone power generation system in the university premises.
- Installation of solar water heating systems in the university premises.
- Installation of Concentrated Solar Technology based community Steam Cooking Systems for Hostels to save conventional fuels and building integrated cooking system.
- Installation of Solar Street lights for saving conventional electricity in the university campus.
- Installation of Bio-gas plants to generate power from the bio-residues like kitchen waste, cow dung or other wastes generated in the campus premises. Focus will be given to implementation of Biomass Gasification, Pyrolysis in the campus.
- Installation all energy efficient electrical or electronic devices/equipment/masonries in other to save energy in the campus.
- Measures to reduce vehicular pollution in the Campus. Restriction of heavy vehicles inside the campus during day time. For night movement of heavy vehicles necessary permission required from the competent authority.
- Promotion of shared Cab/Taxi and personal cars during office hours. Encourages faculty and students to use public transport.
- Promotion of electric vehicles/Carts in the university campus or not allowed to buy 1200 CC above cars for official uses.
- Initiation of regular annual tree plantation during Van Mahotsav (Forest Festival) in the campus and surrounding areas for CO2 emission reduction.
- Installation of bamboo based and regular waste collection dustbins instead of plastic dustbins in the university campus. This generates income to local bamboo basket makers artisans also
- Implementation of waste recycling and waste treatment plant in the campus .