The Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IITM) boasts a unique campus among the academic institutions of the world. The campus is spread out over an area of 661 acres, and is residential comprising of faculty and staff residences, academic complexes and hostels (student dormitories). IITM is located adjacent to the Guindy National Park (GNP) unique for its rich biodiversity. The abundant and diverse flora (298 observed species) provides an ideal habitat for its equally diverse fauna (35 species including endangered species like the black buck). In addition, the campus attracts 51 species of avifauna and an equal number of butterfly species. It is an ecological island outside protected areas. Therefore, maintaining a green campus and contributing to carbon neutrality is a natural interest and a social responsibility for the IITM community. Hence, IITM has taken several initiatives and adopted unconventional solutions to conserve and protect its environmental and ecological obligations. These solutions are also geared towards bringing to reality the sustainable development goals as envisaged in its Vision, Mission and Master Plan . IITM recognizes that achieving these sustainable development goals are essentially dependent on their ability to adapt plans with regard to climate mitigation and climate adaptation. This report reveals IITM’s current efforts towards climate action and sustainability, and the future roadmap of activities to reach the goals in these two spheres
Our mission is to create a sustainable future by promoting environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic vitality. We strive to balance the needs of the present generation while preserving the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Through innovation, collaboration, and responsible practices, we aim to minimize our ecological footprint, conserve resources, and enhance the well-being of our planet and communities
Our vision is a world where sustainability is the foundation of all endeavors, where the natural environment is nurtured and protected, social equity is upheld, and economic prosperity is achieved in harmony with nature. We envision a future where all individuals and communities thrive, and the well-being of people and the planet are interconnected and prioritized.
We aspire to be the India’s leading academic institute in the sustainability ranking through various measures such as doubling the number of courses and course content on sustainability.
IIT Madras being an academic research institution, its goals and activities are directly aligned to the sustainability development goals SDG3 to SDG 11. Over the years, IIT Madras has been leading major initiatives towards achieving sustainable development goals through enhanced Energy efficiency, green sustainable buildings, improved transportation systems, efficient Water, Wastewater and Solid Waste management. In the domain of education, we are offering over 100 courses specific to sustainability in the domains of Water, Energy, Inclusiveness, Environment, Climate change and Sustainability. We are also undertaking key research initiatives in the areas of sustainability through several funded and consultancy projects and advising the Government of India and the Government of the Tamil Nadu on monitoring and implementation of multiple water and waste management projects, Green cover enhancement etc.
We aspire to be the India’s leading academic institute in the sustainability ranking through various measures such as doubling the number of courses and course content on sustainability. Our target is to achieve net zero by 2040 through systematic data collection, planning, execution and documentation. The plan is already underway reducing our grid energy consumption by 50%, integrated solid waste management adopting 7R principles of waste management and switching to sustainable mobility systems and building infrastructure. We plan to launch in Sep 2023, The School of Sustainability which will be offering Dual Degree programs and Masters programs in “Engineering for Sustainability”.
I am confident, with the overwhelming support of the our faculty, staff and students who are completely aligned to ensuring a sustainable campus, IIT Madras will be a leading institute globally in sustainability and also steer the country and the Global South in climate action, biodiversity conservation and Environmental remediation through research and project implementation.
