Introduction

1. This policy is termed as “Diversity and Inclusion Policy in Admissions.”

2. Objectives:

   ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education (IFHE) is committed to granting equal access to education and acknowledges the value of a diverse student body. Keeping in view the same as cardinal policy and guiding principle, there is no system of reserving seats like Management Seats, NRI Seats etc., for admission of students and the selection process for admission is clearly disclosed in the Prospectus/view book issued to the applicants and all the candidates uniformly undergo the same process. The goal of this policy is to provide equitable and accessible admissions for students from marginalized/underrepresented groups, and students with disabilities.

3. Marginalised/Underrepresented Students:

   Recruitment Efforts: By means of focused outreach initiatives, alliances with neighbourhood communities, and university affiliations, actively engage underrepresented and marginalized communities.

   Admission Requirements: Establish a comprehensive evaluation procedure that values diversity in academic, extracurricular, and personal backgrounds while taking into account the distinctive experiences, difficulties, and accomplishments of marginalized and underrepresented students.

4. Disabled Students:

   Accessibility and Support: Throughout the admissions process, make accommodations and provide accessible resources. Ascertain that all students with disabilities can utilize the campus's facilities, online resources, and infrastructure.

   Admissions Review: Appreciate varied viewpoints and resilience of applicants with disabilities while taking into account the effects of disability on academic performance and personal accomplishments.

5. Scholarships and Financial Aid:

   Dedicated Support: To alleviate financial barriers to study, provide special scholarships and financial aid packages to minority, disabled, and refugee students.

   Need-based Aid: To meet the various financial demands of these students, financial aid rules are reviewed and modified on a regular basis.

6. Accessibility and Accommodations:

   Campus Accessibility: Ensure that all students, including those with physically challenged, can access the campus and that the accommodations they need to participate and study are provided.

   Technology and Support Services: Provide students with disabilities with assistive technologies, specialized support services, and accommodations as needed.

7. Evaluation and Continuous Improvement:

   Assessment: Periodically assess how well the admissions policy serves the needs of students from underrepresented backgrounds, people with disabilities, and refugees.

   Collaboration and feedback: Involve stakeholders, such as faculty members, staff, students, and advocacy organizations, in order to take comments into account and make the policy better over time.

8. Non-Discrimination: Complying with all applicable regulation, IFHE strives to ensure equal opportunities for all eligible applicants, irrespective of their sexual orientation, gender, ethnicity, colour, religion, disability, or any other protected status.

IFHE actively seeks out and supports students who are underrepresented, and challenged in order to promote an inclusive and encouraging environment. IFHE’s goal in implementing this policy is to give every student the chance to succeed and make a positive contribution to our diverse academic community and to the society at large.

Introduction

1. Efficient use of energy may be achieved by using less energy to generate a given amount of work or by avoiding the use of energy, e.g., using insulation in buildings to avoid energy for heating and cooling. Globally energy conservation has tremendous potential to boost economic growth and avoid Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. India enacted the Energy Conservation (EC) Act in 2001. The Act provides regulatory mandate for standards and labelling of equipment and appliances; energy conservation building codes for commercial buildings; and energy consumption norms for energy intensive industries. The Act also directs designated agencies for implementation of the Act and for promotion of energy efficiency. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) was established under the EC Act in 2002. The mission of the BEE is to assist in developing policies and strategies with a thrust on self-regulation and market principles, within the overall framework of the Act with the primary objective of reducing energy intensity (conservation of energy) of the Indian economy.

   In consonance with the Energy conservation Act of India, ICFAI Foundation Higher Education (IFHE) promulgated a policy on conservation of Energy in the campus.

2. Purpose

   The objective of this policy is to realistically and comprehensively reduce energy consumption, assure acceptable indoor air quality, and improve energy efficiency on campus through methods that are consistent with a safe, secure, and consistent with the Energy Conservation Act of India, 2001.

   The energy conservation will be accomplished by developing a proactive and progressive approach to providing energy efficient, responsible, and cost-effective operations on campus.

   This policy will be reviewed and updated periodically keeping the technological developments in energy conservation in the country.

3. Scope

   This policy is relevant to the entirety and applicable to faculty, staff and students of IFHE and all its constituent institutions.

4. Some of the terms used in this document or in energy conservation plan are explained below:
   1. Carbon Intensity: The amount of greenhouse gases released per unit of service(s) delivered.
   2. Carbon Offset: A reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in one location, purchased in order to compensate or mitigate for an emission made elsewhere.
   3. Climate Neutral: The condition by which an organization’s greenhouse gas emissions are completely reduced or offset, yielding a net carbon intensity of zero MT CO2e.
   4. Energy: Purchased fuels, electricity purchased or generated by the University, and thermal energy generated via combustion sources.
   5. Energy Efficiency: The amount of energy used per unit of service(s) delivered. Units vary based on energy source and method of consumption.
   6. Energy Conservation: Initiatives and efforts aimed at achieving a reduction in energy usage and waste.
   7. Energy Management: Activities that foster energy conservation, energy efficiency, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.
   8. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Emissions which occur during the combustion of fossil fuels such as natural gas, fuel oil, diesel, gasoline, kerosene, propane, and coal.  These are typically calculated based on metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MT CO2e).
   9. Renewable Energy: Energy generated from resources that are naturally replenished within a short, human time scale such as solar, wind, falling water, tidal, or biomass.
   10. Simple Payback Period: The amount of time, in years, that an efficiency method requires to save the same amount of money that it costs to purchase and/or install.
   11. Sustainability: Sustainability encompasses human and ecological health, social justice, secure livelihoods, and a better world for all generations.
5. The strategies listed below will be used to conserve energy and are not inclusive of all energy conservation actions. Additional energy conservation initiatives as and when evolved will be adopted for the benefit of the University.
   1. Infrastructure: All buildings in IFHE were constructed during 2006-2009. The design and architecture of the buildings are such that natural light and fresh air are aplenty. Cross ventilation in the buildings, ensures high amount of air transmission through the buildings, thus the rooms are cool during summers and warm during winters. Buildings will continue to attract energy efficiency improvement measures to the greatest extent possible through ongoing Strategic Energy Management (SEM) planning, efficient use of the modern energy efficient electrical gadgets, use of alternate forms of energy and energy saving techniques.
   2. Energy Conservation Measures: The following energy conservation activities are in practice:
      1. Switching on the central AC only when University is fully functional.
      2. Setting the thermostat of chiller plant at 23 to 24°C for the central AC.
      3. Advisory to the faculty and staff to maintain the same temperature for individual ACs.
      4. Not to switch on the central AC during Holidays.
      5. Procurement and usage of only five-star energy compliant electrical appliances
      6. Utilization of LED lights and energy efficient fans.
      7. Electronic timer controlled/sensor-based switches used for street lights. Winter and summer timings of sun rise and sun set to be followed.
      8. Periodic evaluation of energy conservation measures and planning further improvements.
   3. Lighting
      1. All employees and students shall make every effort to reduce the amount of energy associated with lighting in the campus by:
         1. Turn off lights and fans in unoccupied spaces.
         2. Discontinuing use of incandescent lighting wherever more efficient lighting is possible such as compact fluorescent or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs.
      2. Maximizing the use of natural light and turning off all nonessential lighting whenever possible.
      3. Utilizing task lighting in lieu of overhead lighting, when appropriate.
      4. Turning off exterior building architectural lighting between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
   4. Computers
      1. Computer power management software shall be enabled to minimize the operation and consumption of electricity when computers are not in use. This excludes computers performing unique computational functions.
      2. Computers purchased by the university must be ENERGY STAR compliant unless suitable justifications are approved by the appropriate budget executive. Energy saving features shall be enabled.
      3. Peripheral equipment shall be turned off, whenever possible.
      4. Students are advised and encouraged to turn off and unplug gaming consoles, when not in use.
   5. Office Equipment
      1. All powered office equipment shall be turned off or placed in standby when not in use, unless it is detrimental to the operation of the equipment to do so. Items such as copiers, printers, calculators, shredders, etc., should be turned off at the end of the work day.
      2. Office equipment quantities shall be reduced through consolidation to central locations for shared use whenever possible.
      3. Office equipment purchased by the university to be ENERGY STAR labelled, barring exceptions.
   6. Appliances: Employees
      1. Non-university provided appliances (such as coffee makers, refrigerators, freezers, microwaves, toasters, lamps, televisions, and scanners) may only be used if approved by the department head or supervisor in charge of the area.
      2. The quantities of university purchased appliances shall be reduced through consolidation to central locations for shared use, whenever possible.
      3. All new or replacement appliances purchased by the university to be ENERGY STAR labelled, barring exceptions. Exceptions are authorized if there are no Energy Star rated appliances manufactured that meet the user's needs.
      4. All new or replacement televisions shall be LCD models unless there is a justifiable need for the tube-based display.
      5. All appliances shall be turned off when not in use, unless it is detrimental to do so.
   7. Appliances: Students
      1. All appliances shall be turned off when not in use unless it is detrimental to do so.
      2. Students are encouraged to bring to campus only appliances with the ENERGY STAR label.
   8. Maintenance staff and University Engineer will ensure all electrical connections are in serviceable condition and MCBs are serviced regularly. Energy efficient practices to be implemented.
   9. Mishaps due to inferior quality of wiring, inefficient earthing, losses, short circuits and overload to be avoided.
   10. Natural resources of energy such as sun light, fresh air should be utilized during working hours in the campus.

6. Outcomes

   The expected outcomes of this policy are:

   1. Make positive contribution to the environment.
   2. Reduce rising utility costs.
   3. Extend the life of expensive equipment and facilities.
   4. Reduce greenhouse gas contribution.
   5. Create a healthier environment for our faculty, staff, students, visitors, and surrounding communities.
   6. Promote new research and teaching opportunities focused on energy management and sustainability.
   7. Depend more on renewable energy resources.
   8. Adhere to the energy efficient and green building norms.

Conclusion

University faculty, staff, and students will make every effort to and proactively assist the university in its goals to lower energy consumption; reduce expenditures on energy; transition to clean energy sources; decrease greenhouse gas emissions; educate and engage the IFHE community on the importance of energy management; and support the University’s resolve to become climate neutral.

1. Introduction

   Water conservation needs to be ingrained in not only the consciousness but also practices of every citizen and system. ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education (IFHE) makes relentless efforts through faculty, staff and students to make the Jal Shakti Abhiyan successful. Key Water challenges include Water Conservation, Water Quality Management, Watershed Management, Storm water Management and Wastewater Management. Water conservation is an essential part of the University functioning.

2. Purpose

   This policy aims to ensure that IFHE operates in a sustainable manner managing water consumption by using water efficiently, wisely and responsibly. This policy contributes to meeting the university’s commitments and goals with respect to water-related costs as well as greenhouse gas emissions associated with ground water extraction. The policy supports and enhances the IFHE’s commitment to environmental sustainability and encourages change in campus processes, actions and individual behaviors.

3. Scope

   This policy applies to faculty, staff, students, researcher scholars and other members of the campus community. All water sources (including, but not limited to, ground water, potable RO water, hot water, HMWSSB supplied water, waste water and recycled water) are included.

4. Water Conservation Initiatives @ IFHE

   General

   1. Consensus on the need for water conservation on campus with students, administration, faculty and other internal as well as external stakeholders is achieved.
   2. Efforts continue to build consensus on the need for water conservation on campus with village residents, village administration, gram sabha and other internal as well as external stakeholder institutions like schools, self-help groups, health centers, panchayats.
   3. IFHE facilitates and practices design of specific interventions for making the campus water sufficient and water efficient by following best available standards and accepted parameters.
   4. IFHE monitors the existing water management in the campus with participation of stakeholders with transparency.
   5. IFHE assesses the adequacy of water in the campus periodically.
   6. Leakages/seepages and plumbing adequacy of water taps and sanitary fixtures are constantly monitored by the facilities management staff.
   7. Water efficient toilets with two stage flushing system are installed in the campus.
   8. IFHE deploys dedicated staff for water maintenance and management.
   9. Periodic mending and repairs of leaks in taps and pipes is done.
   10. Growing indigenous variety of plants and less water requiring plants are undertaken.
   11. IFHE organizes water conservation workshops to the faculty, nonteaching staff and students on the campus.

5. Natural Resource Management

   1. Thirteen rain water harvesting pits are available and functional in the Campus.
   2. Workshops and seminars are conducted for creating awareness on water harvesting and water utilization.
   3. Storm water drains are interconnected leading them into rain water harvesting pits.
   4. Rain water harvesting pits are located in the natural slopes to collect and recharge ground water.
   5. Created two artificial ponds to collect unutilized recycled water as well as rain water.

6. Facility Management

   The following facilities are operational on the campus:

   1. Sewage treatment plant of 1,000 KL capacity.
   2. Sensor based water taps to avoid wastage.
   3. RO plants are under AMC for efficient use of potable water.
   4. Water released from RO plants are diverted to plants.
   5. Renovation of traditional and other water bodies/tanks. Ground water recharged by developing artificial ponds to capture excess rain water as well as re-cycled water.
   6. Watershed development.
   7. Land management.
   8. Biomass management.

7. Water Conservation Techniques in Plantation

   Some of the ways to encourage landscape design changes are:

   1. Planting low-water consumptive shrubbery and vegetation.
   2. Restricting the size of lawn areas.
   3. Encouraging use of drought-resistant vegetation in new or redone landscaping.
   4. Watering method: It influences evaporation rates. Fine sprays and high trajectories result in high levels of evaporation; large droplets and low trajectories minimize evaporation. Sprinklers are carefully placed to provide even application rates so that areas of over-watering and under-watering are avoided, and to avoid watering paved surfaces.
   5. Avoiding mowing too short, too frequently, or during dry periods.
   6. Grass maintained at 2.5 inches or higher develops healthier root systems and is better able to withstand drought periods.
   7. No more than one third of the grass height needs to be mowed off at a time to avoid shocking the plant.
   8. Mowing during drought stress can kill a lawn and hence avoided. Mowing is best a day after watering.

Conclusion

IFHE understands the need for water conservation and wise use of water resources. Such wise use, without a doubt, begins at the university and in our community. Rainwater harvesting continues to be practiced in IFHE. Climate policy and water policy are reviewed periodically and course corrections made as required, to conserve water and streamline water usage. Each stakeholder in the university is sensitized on these aspects in an effort to save water so that the planet earth is saved.