This policy is titled “Sustainability and Climate Action Policy” of the University.

Introduction

This policy sets forth the ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education’s (IFHE), a deemed-to-be University, commitment in reducing its operations' in environmental and climate-related effects. As a responsible organization, we understand how critical it is to address sustainability issues and support international efforts to halt climate change. With the help of this plug-and-play strategy, we can incorporate sustainability concepts into our operations, cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, preserve natural resources, and promote an environmentally conscious culture.

Objectives

The objectives of this policy are

1. To attain zero waste and carbon neutrality for IFHE in line with the national policy.
2. To progressively reduce institutional activities' greenhouse gas emissions.
3. To promote usage of renewable energy sources and increase energy efficiency in all its buildings and operations.
4. To reduce water use, reduce waste production, and boost composting and recycling rates.
5. To encourage eco-friendly products and services, prefer sustainable procurement methods, and assist ethical and local vendors.
6. To include sustainability in governance frameworks, decision-making procedures, and organizational culture.
7. To encourage alliances and cooperative efforts with interested parties to take advantage of resources, know-how, and creativity to further sustainability objectives.

Policy Framework

1. Energy Management
• Find potential for integrating renewable energy sources and increasing energy efficiency by conducting energy audits.
• Put energy-saving measures into practice, such as retrofitting buildings with insulation, upgrading to LED lighting, and optimizing HVAC systems.
• Make an investment in on-site renewable energy generation devices, such as geothermal heating and cooling systems, wind turbines, and solar photovoltaic panels.
2. Waste Reduction and Recycling
• To avoid plastic usage, implement waste minimization strategies by source separation programs and composting initiatives to reduce landfill waste.
• Provide recycling bins, composting facilities, and educational materials to encourage responsible waste sorting and disposal practices.
• Establish partnerships with waste management companies, recycling facilities, and Local bodies like Grampanchayats and municipalities to facilitate waste management, diversion and recycling efforts.
3. Water Conservation
• Implement, sewerage water treatment and its usage to gardening and toilets and installation of water-efficient fixtures, irrigation systems, and landscaping practices to reduce water consumption.
• Conduct water audits to identify leaks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for water conservation measures.
• Educate staff, students, and visitors about the importance of water conservation and encourage behavior change through awareness campaigns and incentives.
• Adopting water harvesting techniques for recharging of the ground water in the University Campus.
4. Transportation and Mobility
• Promote sustainable transportation options such as walking, biking, carpooling, and public transit for commuting and campus travel.
• Provide incentives for electric vehicle ownership, car-sharing programs, and alternative transportation modes.
• Invest in infrastructure improvements such as bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, and electric vehicle charging stations to support sustainable mobility.
5. Sustainable Procurement
• Develop procurement policies and guidelines prioritizing environmentally preferable products, materials, and services.
• Require suppliers to adhere to sustainability criteria such as eco-label certifications, ethical sourcing practices, and fair labor standards.
• Collaborate with suppliers to identify opportunities for product innovation, waste reduction, and life cycle assessments to minimize environmental impacts.

Implementation and Governance

1. Sustainability Committee: Establish a sustainability committee responsible for overseeing the University's implementation, monitoring, and reporting of sustainability initiatives.
2. Financial Resources: Allocate financial resources, technical expertise, and staff time to support sustainability projects, programs, and initiatives.
3. Annual Sustainability Plan: Develop an annual sustainability plan with clear targets, timelines, and responsibilities for achieving sustainability goals.
4. Performance Metrics: Integrate sustainability performance metrics into institutional reporting systems, performance evaluations, and decision-making processes.
5. Sustainability Culture: Foster a culture of sustainability through staff training, student engagement, and stakeholder outreach activities.
6. Sustainability Research: Collaborate with academic departments, research centers, and community partners to advance sustainability research, education, and outreach efforts.

Monitoring and Evaluation

1. KPIs: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and benchmarks to track progress towards sustainability goals and objectives.
2. Collect and analyze data on energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, waste generation, and other relevant metrics.
3. Sustainability Audits: Conduct regular sustainability audits, assessments, and reviews to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of implemented initiatives.
4. Solicit feedback from stakeholders, including staff, students, faculty, and community members, to identify areas for improvement and innovation.
5. Publication of Reports: Publish annual sustainability reports and communicate progress, successes, and challenges to internal and external stakeholders.

Review and Revision

This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure its effectiveness and relevance, with revisions made as necessary in consultation with relevant stakeholders. Updates will be communicated transparently.

Conclusion

Reaffirming its dedication to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and long-term sustainability, the ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education implements this institutional sustainability and climate action policy. IFHE aspires to alleviate its operations' environmental and climatic consequences through collective action and collaboration, foster constructive transformation, and contribute towards a more sustainable future that benefits all.