Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)

SR University (SRU) is committed to promoting responsible production, sustainable procurement, and environmentally conscious consumption across all levels of campus operations. Guided by national environmental regulations, global sustainability frameworks, and the University’s own environmental stewardship policies, SRU has established a systematic approach to resource management that extends beyond campus boundaries to include outsourced services, supply-chain partners, and community stakeholders. These initiatives reflect the University’s long-term vision of cultivating a responsible, efficient, and ecologically balanced institution.

Ethical Procurement and Sustainable Supply Chain Practices

SR University follows a comprehensive Ethical Sourcing Policy that guides the procurement of food, materials, laboratory supplies, ICT equipment, and construction resources. The policy prioritizes suppliers who demonstrate environmentally responsible practices, transparency, and adherence to safety and quality standards. In alignment with SDG 12, the University’s procurement norms emphasize:

• Preference for eco-friendly, low-carbon, and energy-efficient products
• Minimization of disposable and plastic-based materials
• Adoption of recyclable or biodegradable alternatives
• Mandatory compliance of vendors with sustainability guidelines

These principles extend to outsourced services, including housekeeping, catering, sanitation, landscaping, and facility management. Vendors must follow sustainability materials policy, waste disposal guidelines, and ethical sourcing standards as part of contractual obligations. Construction vendors and equipment suppliers are required to comply with statutory environmental rules, promote low-waste construction practices, and avoid environmentally harmful materials.

Sustainability Policies

SR University has established multiple institutional policies that govern responsible production, resource efficiency, and environmental accountability. These include:

• Sustainability Materials Policy – reduces reliance on single-use plastics, disposable materials, and environmentally harmful products.
• Waste Management and Sustainability Policy – ensures safe waste segregation, handling, measurement, and disposal across campus and outsourced operations.
• Energy Policy – governs efficient use of energy, adoption of clean energy sources, and reduction of carbon footprint.

Under its Energy Policy, SRU promotes energy-saving measures across academic blocks, hostels, and research facilities, emphasizing LED lighting and solar-powered installations. ICT-enabled monitoring systems track energy consumption patterns to promote efficiency and minimize waste. These policies reflect a system-wide approach to responsible resource management that supports sustainable development while ensuring operational accountability.

Waste Segregation, Measurement, and Circularity Systems

SR University has a structured and well-monitored waste management framework that categorizes, measures, and tracks waste generation across the campus. Waste is segregated at source into:

• Biodegradable waste
• Non-biodegradable waste
• Recyclable waste
• Hazardous/laboratory waste

Waste quantities are recorded at regular intervals following waste management rules and UI GreenMetric parameters.

Reduce–Reuse–Recycle Initiatives: SRU actively implements the 3R Programme to minimize waste generation and maximize resource circularity:

• Reduce: Limited use of plastic, paper, and disposable items across canteens, administrative offices, and student facilities.
• Reuse: Reusable laboratory containers, compost reuse for gardening, and repurposing of materials for campus activities.
• Recycle: Paper, metal, plastic, electronic waste, and construction debris are sent to authorized recycling partners.

Recycling Partnerships

• Biodegradable waste is processed within the University through composting units and used for landscaping, farming plots, and garden beds.
• Recyclable waste is handed over to government-recognized recycling vendors.
• Municipal corporations assist with non-recyclable waste management as per statutory norms.
• Hazardous waste is disposed of only through authorized agencies following strict environmental protocols.

Continuous training, awareness drives, and sustainability campaigns encourage students, faculty, outsourced staff, and vendors to adhere to responsible consumption and waste management practices.

Sustainability Reporting and Rankings

SR University follows a culture of transparency and environmental accountability by publishing an Annual Sustainability Report, which is made accessible through the University website. The report outlines:

• Resource consumption patterns
• Waste management and recycling data
• Carbon footprint reduction initiatives
• Biodiversity conservation efforts
• Campus greening activities
• Energy usage and clean energy adoption
• Performance in national and international sustainability rankings

The report aligns with international sustainability disclosure standards and supports evidence- based decision-making for future environmental improvements. SRU also actively participates in UI GreenMetric Rankings, THE Impact Rankings, and QS Sustainability Rankings, demonstrating its commitment to responsible production and consumption at a global level.

Environmental Responsibility

Beyond infrastructure and policy, SRU emphasizes behavioural change and community participation. Regular workshops, student-led sustainability clubs, and awareness campaigns foster responsible consumption habits across the campus. Faculty, staff, students, and outsourced personnel are trained in waste segregation, energy conservation, sustainable lifestyle choices, and ethical sourcing. SRU’s focus on environmental education, through academic programmes and co-curricular activities, nurtures a generation of environmentally conscious graduates who value responsible resource use and sustainable living.

Through robust policies, ethical supply-chain management, systematic waste monitoring, and transparent sustainability reporting, SR University demonstrates strong alignment with SDG 12. The University’s holistic approach integrating campus operations, outsourced services, and community engagement ensures responsible consumption and production across all levels. As SRU continues to adopt innovative sustainability practices, it remains firmly committed to reducing ecological impact, promoting circular resource management, and advancing environmental responsibility for future generations.