Sustainable Campus Initiatives: Promoting Eco-Friendly Practices & Accessibility

S. S. Girls’ College, Gondia, is committed to creating a sustainable and eco-friendly campus environment that promotes responsible resource management and accessibility for all. The college has implemented various initiatives to conserve energy, manage waste, promote water conservation, and create a green and accessible campus.

Alternate Sources of Energy and Energy Conservation Measures:

The college has taken significant steps to conserve energy and reduce its carbon footprint. LED bulbs and tube lights have been installed in office rooms, laboratories, and classrooms, ensuring energy-efficient lighting. To further ensure uninterrupted power supply during outages, the college has installed a generator as an energy-efficient backup.

Management of Degradable and Non-Degradable Waste:

Waste management is a priority for the college, and it has implemented effective strategies for handling degradable and non-degradable waste. Solid waste is segregated into different categories and collected in designated garbage bins placed around the campus. The collected waste is then appropriately disposed of or sent for recycling through the Municipal Corporation.

For liquid waste management, the college ensures the use of eco-friendly chemicals in laboratories and proper drainage systems to prevent waterlogging and mosquito breeding. Efforts are made to avoid the use of banned chemicals in labs, and textile departments use natural dyes and eco-friendly chemicals. Additionally, the college has an e-waste management system in place to handle discarded electronic items responsibly.

Water Conservation:

S. S. Girls’ College has embraced rainwater harvesting as an effective method for water conservation. The technique involves collecting and storing rainwater in natural reservoirs or tanks, or recharging subsurface aquifers to prevent surface runoff. The college has installed rainwater harvesting systems, which collect water from rooftops and floors through downpipes, allowing it to percolate into the ground and recharge the soil.

Green Campus Initiatives:

The college encourages the use of sustainable transportation options among its staff and students. Around 80% of the staff and 60% of the students prefer private vehicles like motorcycles and bicycles to commute to the college, reducing the carbon footprint.

To promote a plastic-free campus, the college conducts awareness campaigns and discourages the use of plastic bags. Students actively participate in making the campus plastic-free, and stickers are displayed to signify the commitment to this cause. Potted plants of Crotons and other decorative plants are there in the College campus. Additionally, tree plantation drives are organized by the NSS unit to foster environmental conservation.

Disabled-Friendly, Barrier-Free Environment:

College takes pride in providing a barrier-free environment that is accessible to all, including people with disabilities. The campus is equipped with ramps with railings at the entrance, ensuring easy access for differently-abled individuals. The design and specifications of the ramps comply with accessibility standards, allowing smooth movement for people with mobility challenges.

Audit Reports:

College conducts Green Audit, Environmental Audit and Energy audit periodically. The reports are as follows: