Climate Action

Introduction 

Sustainability Report

At Jamia Millia Islamia (Central University) we recognize the importance of environmental sustainability and the role the university can play in formulation of policies that can mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change. Jamia Millia Islamia is committed to create awareness on climate change within the local communities and via academic linkages that faculty has with the academics from different universities around the globe.

The major impact of Climate Change in India are, wildfires because of extreme heat and moisture loss to devastating floods because of extreme rain events, and tropical cyclones because of the changing temperatures between the sea and land surface, Which is reason for major concern. Climate change has already hit India hard, causing huge economic and social losses in recent years.

In recent years, for instance, India has witnessed severe floods, cloudbursts and landslides in several states across the country, causing death and destruction. Now monsoons are more erratic with the rainfall intensity increasing in short durations causing damage to property and human life.

Experts say heavy rain events have increased threefold since 1950, but total precipitation has declined and at least a billion people in the South Asian country currently face severe water scarcity for at least one month annually. And heat waves have become more common and severe, with many cities reporting temperatures above 48 degrees Celsius in 2020.

In a study published by The Lancet Planetary Health journal last month, researchers concluded that nearly 740,000 excess deaths in India annually could be attributed to abnormal hot and cold temperatures related to climate change. Climate change related calamities and crises are slowing the pace of poverty reduction and increasing inequality nationwide. It is to cost India about 3% of its GDP.

In theory, the problems of climate change are unmistakable and well acknowledged, but in practice, in the face of development imperatives, we have not learned any lessons at all despite all types of climate-related catastrophic events. Given that India is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, It must be recognized that even geographically faraway climatic changes can have consequences for our monsoons and intensity of extreme events.

This is a grim warning for our economy and human life. Things that were predicted to happen far later in the future are now expected to happen much sooner. Now the focus should be on building climate-resilient physical and digital infrastructure along with inculcating social and behavioral changes in citizens and communities.

Policy Statement/vision

To become a Green and Sustainable Campus aligned with the objectives of Goal4SG4 agenda 2030 for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Through this policy, the university invigorates its commitment to nurture a culture of sustainability in our teaching-learning, research, curricular and extracurricular activities as well as community engagement and corporate practices.

Scope

The policy is applicable to Jamia Millia Islamia.

Cognizant Office

In case of any issues arising while interpreting the clauses of this policy document, resolution of related problems, reporting non-compliance and other special situations, please contact:

The Nodal Officer : Environment and Sustainability Cell
Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi - 110025
Email: climateaction@jmi.ac.in

Governance

The implementation of the Climate Action Policy in the university would be carried out by the Nodal Officer and officers & volunteers working with him, to be nominated by the University. The Nodal Officer and other officers will work in Honorary capacity. The Nodal Officer would monitor and report the progress of the actions taken and future roadmap, to the University’s Academic & Executive Councils on yearly basis through the “Environment and Sustainability” report of the University.

Responsibilities

Environmental Sustainability Plan

The Nodal officer shall take necessary steps in the areas as mentioned below but not limited to, for implementation of the Policy.

1- Biodiversity And Carbon Footprint
1.A Energy Conservation & Management
  • Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) shall make vigorous efforts to conserve energy by optimizing the use of light, Air Conditioners, Heaters, computers, office equipment and appliances. The Office of the Nodal Officer, Environment and Sustainability Cell shall develop detailed guidelines for each of the above aspects and publicize the same across the university.
  • All the new electrical product(s)/gadgets purchased shall be energy efficient.
  • Provisions shall be explored to seek power supply from low carbon sources and renewable energy strategies like solar energy shall be strengthened. The focus will be to reduce carbon dioxide emissions arising from our fleet, buildings, laboratories, staff, and student commuting.
  • Fleet of zero emission vehicles.
  • Solar PV system with a current capacity of 2.6 MW.

At the outset, it is important to mention that the power requirement of the University is about 11 MW, out of which about 2.6 MW is being met from solar-generated power. The University plans to augment existing solar generation, with a vision to meet the 25 % of the entire power requirement from the clean source of energy and to create the necessary infrastructure for capacity building, research, and development of innovative products to help realize the laid-down Vision of the government. Various methods are being practiced to conserve electricity and energy consumption on the campus. Currently the energy requirement of the university is 50000 kW-h and out of it 7500kW-h that roughly comes out to be 16.2 % of the total demand. By using the renewable source of energy university is annually saving more than 3000 tons of carbon

The followings are some important measures that are practised in the university:

  • The University has installed a 2.6 MW roof-top solar power plant.    
  • Solar water heaters have been installed in hostels and guest house which ensures utilization of green and renewable sources of energy for residential purposes by the students and others.
  • CFL, LED, star-rated power equipment, etc. are being used which gives better illumination and consumes lesser electricity.
  • While procuring electrical equipment stress is laid on a better star rating standard for lesser electricity consumption.
  • About100, Solar streetlights have been provided at select locations in the campus and staff residential areas 
  • Hostels for Jammu & Kashmir for girls’ students and Pink Hostel for Boys are energy-efficient buildings where LED lights are being used.
  • PNG gas used in the laboratories and university’s kitchen for heating and cooking purpose.
  • Integrated Energy Policy of the government as a roadmap to ensure clean energy availability. 
1.B Water Conservation & Management

University consumes about 280,369 m3 of water annually i.e. 768 KLD, out of it 433 KLD is required maintain low value (non-potable consumption). Most of the horticulture water demand is met by using treated wastewater from of the university and treated water from nearby Okhla Sewage treatment plant. University is operating 5 numbers of STP plant in the campus. The treatment capacity of these STPs is around 450 KLD.

The rainwater harvesting is also given high priority in Total Water Management of the university. Jamia has already installed 19 numbers of Harvesting Structure that can annually harvest 39, 520 m3 of water. Approximate 14% of Water used is harvested and 45.7 % of wastewater is reused after treatment.

University has a well laid out Solid Waste Management Plan and it practices segregation at source. Dust bins for Wet and dry waste are provided at several locations. Jamia generates around 5000 kg/d of MSW out of it 1150 kg is garden waste. The biodegradable waste from garden , kitchen and canteen is composted within the institute and the developed manure is used in gardens.

1.C Conservation of Flora and Fauna

Campus of Jamia Millia Islamia is located in south Delhi near the bank of river Jamuna. Spread in more than 250 acres of land, Jamia campus has substantial green canopy spreading to each corner. Thousands of large and small trees, shrubs and ornamental plants are the jewels of the Jewels of Jamia. The green campus of Jamia serves as lungs for the entire locality of Okhla. According to a Botanical survey of Jamia conducted in 2019-2020, around 10 acre of the university is covered under forest. The total number of trees and shrubs is more than 9000. Jamia is proud to have a home of around 130 species of large shrubs and trees, and nearly 45 species of small shrubs and herbs. University annually plants 500-1000 trees sapling to maintain and increase the coverage of green umbrella of the university

The green area of the university is spread over 65% of the land, making it one of the greenest universities of the Capital.

JMI campus is very rich in fruit trees dominated by Mango, Wood Apple, Jamun, Mulberry, Peach, Fig, Guava, Papaya, Wild Orange, Lemon, etc. Other important trees of horticulture importance include Tamarind, Curry leaf, Kainar, Kachnar, Semal, Karanda, Moringa, Jatropha, Hina, Jungle Jalebi, etc. Medicinal plants include Balam Khira, Neem, Bakain, Arjun, Cassia species, Ficus species (Pilkhan, Goolar, Bargad, Pipal, Benjamina, Buttercup, Fiddle-leaf, creeping fig), Baheda, Lisora, Maulsari, Eucalyptus, Kala Bansa, etc. Ornamentals include Putranjiva, Resham Rui, Tecoma, Karanj, Palash, Gul Mohar, Marodphali, Plumeria species, Bottle brush, Red and Yellow Allamanda, Ashoka, Sita Ashok, Champa, Bougainvilleas, Har Shringar, Calliandra, Kaner, Golden shower, Garlic creeper, Cacti, Rose species, etc. and numerous ornamental seasonal plants. Among large woody plants are Shisham, Silver Oak, Teak, Eucalyptus, Acacia and Bamboo species, Willow, Chir, etc. Campus has got huge number of palms such as Royal palm, Fishtail palm, Ponytail Palm, Acacia palm, Areca palm, Chinese fan palm, Traveller palm, Date palm, etc.

Huge diversity in Jamia flora has greatly helped to maintain diversity of fauna and keep a balance in various ecosystems of the varsity. Common squirrels are spread throughout the campus; chameleons and mongoose could be seen in the rocky forest patches. Among birds, Rock Pigeons, Green Pigeons, Parrots, Peacocks, Crows, Hornbills, Woodpeckers, Sparrows, Babblers (7-sister Birds), Barbets, Hoopoe, Common Mynah, Owls (common and barn), Laughing Doves, Nightangle, Bee eaters, Black Drongo, Kingfishers, Magpie Robin, Sunbirds, Red-wattled Lapwing, Red-napes Ibis, Eagles, Shikra, Pariah kites, Starlings (Brahmini and Rosy), Treepie, Munias, Ashy Prinia, Asian Koel, etc.

According to a Botanical survey of Jamia conducted in 2019-2020, around 10 acre of the university is covered under forest. The total number of trees and shrubs is more than 9000. Jamia is proud to have a home of around 130 species of large shrubs and trees, and nearly 45 species of small shrubs and herbs. University annually plants 500-1000 trees sapling to maintain and increase the coverage of green umbrella of the university

The green area of the university is spread over 65% of the land, making it one of the greenest universities of the Capital. Huge diversity in Jamia flora has greatly helped to maintain diversity of fauna and keep a balance in various eco systems of the varsity. The policy aims at the objectives:

  • To take necessary action for protection and increasing the existing rich flora and fauna of the Campus
  • Actions will be taken for cataloging and preserving trees in the campus
  • Provisions of Tree protection Act shall be followed
  • The Greens shall be regularly looked after Horticulture Department
  • Green house for planting vegetables for campus and campus residents.
  • Herbal gardens and nurseries in the university campus.
  • Various labs like molecular lab, genome research labs for further R&D 
1.D Conservation Curbing Carbon Emissions

Universities are in a unique position to accelerate the innovation and change required to curb GHG emissions. But this is more than just a challenge to curb emissions on campus. It is an opportunity to engage at all levels with an issue that will be critical to the 21st century low-carbon economy that today’s students face.

  • Annual Estimation of Carbon Emissions on regular basis
  • Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction program 
1.E Eco-friendly Construction Practises
  • Energy Efficient buildings
  • Use of renewable energy
  • 100% roof top solar implementation 

Sustainable procurement means making sure that the products and services being purchased are as sustainable as possible, with the lowest environmental impact and most positive social results. In order to effectively procure items, the following green procurement guidelines are to be followed

All user departments shall review the consumption of existing products/ equipment so as to minimize the purchases.

All user departments shall frame specifications that encourage/require

  • Supply of the products created from sustainable, renewable, or recycled resources and those requiring minimal transportation.
  • Packaging the products made from recycled or recyclable materials.
  • Procurement of products, which have minimal environmental impact during their use.
  • Procurement of products that can be recycled or disposed of with minimal environmental damage.
  • Avoid environmentally damaging products wherever possible.

Tenders floated by the Purchase & Stores Office, Building & Construction Department and other departments/centres of Jamia Millia Islamia shall incorporate following clauses

a. Wherever applicable, the OEM of the equipment should possess at least one valid Environmental Management System Certification from the following:

b. Wherever applicable, product(s) should be energy efficient and possess at least one of the following industry certifications to support the claim:

c. Wherever applicable, the product(s) should be RoHS Compliant

1.G Sustainable Waste Disposal

The University has adopted the GFR 2017 vide resolution no EC-2017 (III) Reso-4 of the Executive Council held on 20-06-2017. Henceforth, any Hazardous waste/scrap batteries/electronic waste and other items consisting of hazardous waste shall be sold keeping in view the extant guidelines of the Ministry of Environment & Forest. Prospective bidders of such lots of hazardous waste/ scrap batteries/ e-waste should be in possession of registration, valid on the date of e-Auction and on the date of delivery, as recycler/ preprocessor agency.

Certain surplus or obsolete or unserviceable goods such as expired medicines, food grain, chemicals etc. which are hazardous or unfit for human consumption, should be disposed of or destroyed immediately by adopting suitable mode so as to avoid any health hazard and/or environmental pollution and also the possibility of misuse of such goods.

The university has established a formal policy to reduce the use of paper and plastic. To reduce the use of papers, emphasis is given on using digital technologies, reducing paperwork by using electronic communications for administrative and project works. Online submission of project proposals and online database management. Creation of web repository of documents to avoid using papers. All the academic processes (eg: procedure for transcripts or mark sheets; notifications regarding courses; important notices, etc.) are uploaded online to reduce the use of paper. Initiative by NSS is taken to reduce PLASTIC WASTE by using plastic bottles to create self - watering plants and store houses for plants. It could act as shelter and help them to grow properly. Apart from this, in terms of waste management, the organic waste is treated at the source itself.

  • Emphasis on organic/inorganic/toxic waste treatment
  • Classification of dry and wet waste & their proper disposal
  • Use of water efficient appliances
1.H Sustainable Investment

Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has about dozens of rain water harvesting structures, which generates 39,520 KL water, which is about 10% of the total water used in the University campus. Further, JMI generates average energy through the solar system which is about 16% to its total consumption. There is a need to double these capacities in the next 10 years, so that the university becomes self-sustainable in the long run.

Jamia Millia Islamia shall actively explore possibilities of providing funding incentives to the promising Startups setup in the campus for working in the areas of environmental sustainability, clean energy etc.

Almost 37% of university budget is used for sustainability efforts.

Donations And Funding

To carry out the Climate Plan related work university may seek donations from Faculty & Staff, Alumni, Corporate houses and other members of the public. JMI students may also be charged a nominal annual fee to be fixed by the University’s Academic Council to create a fund to meet out the basic expenses for implementation of Climate Action Plan in the university.

Promotion To Environmental Sustenance Through Academic & Research

Teaching & Research is the primary mission of Jamia Millia Islamia and therefore it is prudent that Jamia Millia Islamia aligns its objectives with environmental sustainability to effectively play a proactive role in reducing greenhouse emission outputs. While directly contributing to the reduction in the carbon footprints, such engagements are also expected to create awareness about the environmental issues among young students and the community at large.

Jamia Millia Islamia shall continue to strive for creating awareness on climate change within the local communities and via academic linkages that faculty has with the academics from different universities around the globe.

Departments such as Civil Engineering, Geography, Environmental Science, Architecture, Biosciences, Biotechnology, Chemistry and others shall explore induction of courses which could produce trained human resources to serve the need of the industry in areas of, Environment Management, Energy Management System, Renewable Energy, Solid Waste Management, Green Buildings, Sustainable Real Estate, etc.

Faculty members shall be encouraged to undertake research projects in areas of climate change.

A course on “Environmental Studies” shall be offered to the UG students of the university under Choice Based Credit System Scheme. Students shall also be encouraged to undertake introductory MOOC courses in related areas.

  • COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
  • To improve community engagement and connect through outreach activities of Departments/ Centre/ Student Groups as NSS
  • NSS Activities, Govt schemes as Swachh Bharat etc.
  • Tree Plantations
  • To explore integration of issues related to environment/ Climate change in curriculum, optional courses etc.
  • CONDUCT & ACCOUNTABILITY

Guidelines for proper behavior and restrictions on employee & students’ behavior. What are the consequences of a violation?

Reporting

The Nodal Officer, would prepare an “Environment and Sustainability Report” in consultation with various group coordinators. The report would be submitted by the end of June every year to the Competent Authority for placing it before the University’s Academic & Executive Councils. The approved Report shall be included as a section in the University’s Annual Report.

Recent Actions in the University

At Jamia Millia Islamia (Central University) we recognize the importance of environmental sustainability and the role the university can play in formulation of policies that can mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change. Jamia Millia Islamia is committed to create awareness on climate change within the local communities and via academic linkages that faculty has with the academics from different universities around the globe.

The department of civil engineering at Jamia Millia Islamia is engaged in research leading to evaluation of climate change impacts on water resources on a basin scale. Various activities at JMI aimed at mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change can be summarized as follows.

  • Several research papers leading to evaluation of climate change impact evaluation on water resources in Sutlej River basin in India and Upper Thames River basin in Ontario, Canada have been published by the faculty members of the department.
  • A K-Nearest neighbor model has been developed by the researchers at the department of civil engineering at Jamia Millia Islamia in collaboration with the researchers at University of Waterloo at Ontario. A major advantage of the approach is that unprecedented precipitation amounts are generated that are important for the simulation of extreme events, including floods and droughts.
  • An approach to evaluate changes in flood regime using peaks over threshold approach has been developed by the researchers at the department of civil engineering in collaboration with the researchers at Mahidol University, Thailand
  • The department of civil engineering is currently executing a research project on the Assessment of Vulnerability of Sutlej River Basin Under Climate Change Scenarios Based on Representative Concentration Pathways. The project is sponsored by Science and Engineering Research Board at the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India
  • The department of civil engineering has collaboration with the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand wherein the focus is on water resource management under changing climate scenarios.
  • A conference on Smart Cities – Challenges and Opportunities was organized by the department in 2019 wherein several papers related to climate change impact assessment and mitigation studies were presented
  • An Indo-Iranian workshop on Water Resource Management was organized during 27-29 October 2020 by the department of civil engineering in collaboration with the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Several papers presented at the conference debated the issue of climate change

As universities continue to adapt and respond to the changes brought about by the pandemic, JMI is committed to meeting their sustainability and environmental management goals through focused research in climate change.

Future course of Action

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by the United Nations as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. India is one of the 193 countries who have committed to meeting SDGs over the next 15 years. Jamia Millia Islamia – a central university directly funded by the government of India – shall mobilise efforts to contribute towards ending poverty, fighting inequalities and tackling climate change. JMI has a robust academic reputation for research and teaching in key areas of environmental sciences and engineering, and therefore it has an important role to play in climate change mitigation efforts of the country.

To support environmental sustainability, the University has resolved to undertake several measures. The following initiatives are a part of the commitment of the University to meet SDGs through research, learning and teaching and operations.

  • A Low Carbon Alternatives Review Group shall be created to suggest and implement measures to reduce the carbon emissions in the University
  • A sustainability fund will be earmarked in the University to promote research projects in the university that would aim at replacing traditional technologies with cleaner alternatives
  • Campus shall be developed as a green campus with zero dust and minimal greenhouse gas emissions from operations within the University
  • Energy demand from all existing buildings shall be reduced through efficiency measures, including behavior change, scheduling, envelope upgrades, environmental monitoring, and lighting and equipment updates
  • All buildings in future shall be developed as green buildings with GRIHA ratings that evaluates a building on water efficiency, renewable energy utilization, indoor environmental quality and solid waste management factors
  • Environment friendly waste disposal methods shall be implemented for the waste generated within the university
  • University is committed to address the most pressing social, economic and environmental challenges caused by climatic changes through its social outreach programme
  • To reduce our reliance on conventional energy sources, greater number of solar energy plants will be commissioned in the future
  • Efforts at conservation of flora and fauna will be accelerated in the future. The total green area in the campus, which currently stands at 68.68 hectares will be augmented to 80.80 hectares
  • Several new courses on the subject of climate change and environmental sustainability will be introduced