Preamble

The ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education (IFHE), Hyderabad, affirms sustainability as a core institutional value and a strategic imperative. The University commits to embedding environmental stewardship, social inclusion, and ethical governance across its academic mission, administrative systems, and campus operations. Anchored in national policy frameworks—including the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and the UGC Green Campus Guidelines—this policy articulates the University’s resolve to advance responsible institutional growth, cultivate sustainable mindsets, and exercise leadership grounded in accountability and long-term societal impact.

Vision

The University envisions a future-ready university where resource efficiency, environmental responsibility, and social inclusion are integral to academic excellence, research, innovation, curriculum enrichment, student development, and institutional governance. Through ambitious long-term commitments to climate action, responsible resource stewardship, and best practices, the University strives to create a living laboratory of sustainability—continuously evolving in alignment with regulatory frameworks, societal needs, and its educational mission.

Objectives

This policy seeks to operationalize the University’s vision of responsible and future-ready higher education by achieving the following objectives:

• Enhance resource efficiency: Systematically reduce the University’s consumption of energy, water, and other natural resources through measurable efficiency targets, adoption of sustainable technologies, and continuous performance monitoring across campus operations.
• Implement integrated waste management: Establish and maintain compliant, auditable systems for waste minimization, segregation, recycling, and environmentally sound disposal, aligned with national regulations and best-practice guidelines.
• Mainstream sustainability in academics: Embed sustainability principles and the Sustainable Development Goals into curricula, pedagogy, research agendas, and co-curricular activities to strengthen student learning outcomes and socially relevant scholarship.
• Strengthen ethical and transparent governance: Promote accountable decision-making, equity, and fairness by integrating sustainability, ethics, and compliance considerations into institutional governance structures and human resource policies.
• Build an engaged campus community: Foster informed participation and shared ownership of sustainability initiatives among students, faculty, staff, and service partners through structured awareness programs, capacity building, and incentive mechanisms.

Scope and Applicability

This policy shall have mandatory applicability across all academic units and administrative departments of the University and shall be binding on all students, employees, contractors, service providers, and vendors operating within the University campus. Adherence to the provisions of this policy is a condition of engagement and operation, and compliance shall be enforced through institutional procedures, contractual requirements, and periodic audits.

Implementation Framework
Energy and Resource Management

The University shall promote the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, responsible water-use practices, and resource conservation measures, including renewable energy options where feasible. Periodic assessments and reviews may be undertaken to guide planning and continuous improvement.

Waste Management

The University shall establish and maintain systems for waste segregation at source, reduction of waste generation, recycling, composting, and environmentally responsible disposal, in line with applicable statutory requirements and local regulations.

Education, Research, and Engagement

The University shall encourage the inclusion of sustainability-related themes and perspectives in academic programs, research activities, student projects, and co-curricular initiatives. Awareness programs, student clubs, and engagement activities may be organized to promote environmental and social responsibility on campus.

Sustainable Procurement and Operations

The institution shall, where appropriate, incorporate environmental and social considerations into procurement and operational decisions, including preference for compliant, responsible, and locally available goods and services.

Governance and Oversight

A designated Sustainability Committee or equivalent internal mechanism shall oversee the implementation of this policy. The committee shall support coordination, monitoring, documentation, and internal reporting related to sustainability initiatives.

Roles and Responsibilities

• University Leadership: Provide strategic direction and oversight.
• Sustainability Committee / Designated Body: Facilitate implementation, coordination, and internal review.
• Faculty, Staff, and Students: Participate in and support sustainability practices within their functional areas.

Monitoring and Review

This shall be periodically reviewed, normally as required, to ensure continued relevance, regulatory alignment, and institutional effectiveness. Revisions shall be made based on internal assessments, stakeholder inputs, and evolving best practices.

Approval and Communication

This policy shall come into effect upon approval by the appropriate institutional authority and shall be communicated to stakeholders through official channels.