Reducing Carbon Footprint

Reducing Carbon Footprint Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) shall continue to make vigorous efforts to further conserve energy by optimizing the use of light, Air Conditioners, Heaters, computers, office equipment and appliances. The following specific policies are noted:

(A) Clean Energy & Optimized Consumption

(i) Energy Efficiency
The University will optimize electricity consumption by energy efficiency actions in buildings and infrastructure systems. JMI shall continuously strengthen and further explore renewable energy sources. The annual target for combined energy reduction, achieved through optimizing consumption and utilizing renewable energy credits, is set at 1%. However, the Sustainability Committee may revise the target annually to make it more relevant & challenging.

(ii) Campus Efficiency Audits
JMI shall carry out at least one energy audit every year to identify areas for improvement in energy efficiency (buildings, lighting, appliances) and also to ensure compliance to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

(iii) Upgrade Infrastructure
JMI shall invest in energy-efficient buildings, lighting systems (LEDs), auto control systems, energy efficient HVAC systems, and appliances.

(B) Sustainable Transportation/Mobility
The University will implement transportation programs and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction strategies that reduce the environmental impacts from commuting, fleet and business travel (by different modes). Efforts will be made to increase use of public transport systems and non-motorised transport (NMT).

(i) Clean Fuel/Zero Emission based vehicle fleet
At least 25% of all vehicle fleets used by the University administration (both purchased and leased) shall be electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid or any other clean fuel technology based by 2030. This will be gradually increased to 100% of the clean fuel/zero emission based vehicle fleet.

(ii) No Vehicle Day
JMI will announce a Weekly No-Vehicle Day and actively encourage students, faculty, and staff residing within a 5-kilometer radius to participate. This initiative will significantly contribute to reducing the annual use of privately owned fossil-fuel-based vehicles by employees and students.

(iii) Sustainable Transportation Options
JMI shall develop and implement a comprehensive plan to promote sustainable commuting options like cycling, walking, public transportation, carpooling, and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

(iv) Virtual Meetings
Wherever possible, all efforts should be made to minimize travel of external members of committees, examiners by arranging online meetings through video conferencing.

(v) Reduction of in campus vehicle movement
Pedestrian and cycling friendly infrastructure to be further improved within the campus by 2025 following best practices/guidelines (internationally and nationally). Targets/incentives to be set by the Sustainability Committee to promote use of public transit lines and NMT by employees and students.

(C) Promoting Green Buildings Design New Buildings
(i) At a minimum, all new building projects, other than residential projects, shall be designed, constructed, and commissioned to at least meet the standards of Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC+) and preferably SuperECBC.

(ii) Ensure that all new construction and renovation projects adhere to water-efficient design standards and green building practices.

(iii) All residential/staff housing projects shall meet the compliance requirements of EcoSamhita (Residential Energy Conservation Building Code)

(iv) All new buildings shall at a minimum achieve a GRIHA ‘Three star’/USGBC LEED “Gold”. Additionally, whenever possible within the constraints of program needs and budget, all new buildings shall strive to achieve certification at a GRIHA ‘Five star’/USGBC LEED “Platinum” rating.

(v) Building renovations: Major Renovations of buildings are defined as projects that require 100% replacement of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and replacement of over 50% of all non-shell areas (interior walls, doors, floor coverings, and ceiling systems). Major renovations shall try to at least meet the ECBC minimum compliance standards.