Sustainability Initiatives on IIT Madras Campus

1. Sustainability Initiatives on IIT Madras Campus M S Ananth, RavindraGettu & Koshy Varghese Presentation at “UniversalisationRoshni” Seminar, Rashtrapathi Bhavan,19th May 2011

2. Relevant Features of IIT Madras Campus Aims to provide a dynamic equilibrium on campus for 15000 people, wildlife and flora. Campus is home to diverse flora and fauna, including some endangered species. Biodiversity report was commissioned and provides guidelines for protection of animals and plants, as well as for future development. Campus Master Plan being done with sustainability concerns in mind. Construction designed with focus on functionality, safety and innovation – user input governs design

3. Sustainability Features on Campus Limiting of building footprint to 10% of campus area; Total footprint is restricted to about 28%. Forest cover contributes to “green lung” of city. Landscaped area is limited to about 1% of campus area; only grass that can be eaten by deer used; water used is from treated (from sewage) and rain-harvested water; only organic pesticide and fertilizer are used. No automobiles permitted for residential students; most students use bicycles. Fencing around buildings removed to provide more accessible areas for fauna & flora.

4. Sustainability Features on Campus Practically all rain water is harvested by permitting percolation into the soil and by channeling storm water to a lake and several small ponds. This provides about 15% of water needed. The recharging of the groundwater helps residents in the neighborhood who use wells as the main source of water. All sewage is treated on campus in a plant with a capacity of 1.4 MLT/day; treated water is used for flushing and horticulture; sludge is used as fertilizer on campus. Zero waste scheme with self-help groups (enables recovery, sorting and recycling of all campus waste). Kitchen waste from food service is used in a bio gas plant to produce about 60 kg gas fuel / day. Inefficient air conditioners being replaced with modern systems that use about 25% less energy.

5. Relevant Policies for Construction All new construction will conform to TERI GRIHA Rank 4. Consequently, appropriate selection is done for materials, ventilation and building technologies. New construction within demolished building footprint as much as possible. Solar water heaters for new student residences. Structural design for durability being emphasized to prolong the use life of buildings; e.g., higher quality concrete (M35) being prescribed.

6. Relevant Policies for Construction Eco-friendly construction materials favored; e.g., all concrete and masonry incorporate fly ash (from nearby thermal power plants). High quality low VOC paints used with guaranteed 7 year life span for exteriors; “zero” VOC nanotechnology-based paints used in hospital and creche. Street lights and corridor lighting fitted with timers. Energy efficient lighting with compact fluorescent lamps and LED lamps. Maximum water consumption per residential unit per day is fixed, eliminating the wastage of water.

7. Recommendations Based on IITM Experience • Large campuses (more than 20 ha.) should have a master plan accounting for sustainability considerations. Master plan should include guidelines for further expansion and the design of individual buildings and services • User input, gender and social issues should be considered in designing new facilities (i.e., special needs, interaction with neighbourhood)

8. Recommendations Based on IITM Experience • All new buildings should conform to TERI GRIHA 4 Ranking (or better) • Allow for the use of eco-friendly and cost-effective materials and technologies in construction that are beyond the scope of current government schedules of rates through suitable mechanisms. For example, an expert committee could review such cases, and approve specifications and justifiable rates so that innovations can be incorporated in public works.

9. Recommendations Based on IITM Experience • Use of a minimum concrete grade of M35 for enhancing the durability and service life • Use of at least 15% fly ash dosage, by weight of cement, in all concrete so that the negative environmental impact is lowered • Use of fly ash cement concrete bricks or blocks instead of burnt clay bricks to reduce the consumption of fertile soil in brick manufacturing

10. Recommendations Based on IITM Experience • All new buildings should incorporate sewage treatment and rain water storage for covering flushing and horticulture needs completely • Provisions should be made for sorting and recycling of garbage to ensure that indiscriminate dumping and overloading of the sewerage system does not occur

11. Recommendations Based on IITM Experience • Provision for solar water heating in all residential buildings to decrease electricity consumption • Large buildings with extensive terrace areas could have solar panels for generating part of the power requirements • Timers/Sensors should be provided for street and corridor lighting to reduce electricity wastage

12. Recommendations Based on IITM Experience • Maintenance of existing facilities should be properly planned and budget/manpower allocation should be made such that the useful life is extended to the maximum possible. This will limit the need to demolish and reconstruct before a 100-year life span that is expected for modern public infrastructure • Only approved organic fertilizer and pesticide should be used in landscape maintenance to prevent harm to fauna and contamination of groundwater

13. MSA