Clean, Reliable, and Sustainable Energy Systems

SR University (SRU) recognizes clean and affordable energy as a critical pillar of sustainable development, institutional resilience, and social responsibility. Through its comprehensive energy policies, progressive infrastructure upgrades, research initiatives, and community outreach programs, SRU is actively building a low-carbon campus ecosystem. The University’s approach integrates energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, greenhouse-gas reduction, and public engagement, aligning strongly with national priorities and global Sustainable Development Goal 7. SRU’s clean-energy ecosystem is driven by strategic planning, measurable performance indicators, and a long-term vision to transition toward a carbon-neutral future. The University ensures that every stakeholder - students, faculty, staff, industry partners, and the local community - is part of this transformative journey.

Energy-Efficient Infrastructure and Green Building Practices

SR University follows a dedicated Energy-Efficient Construction and Renovation Policy that mandates all new buildings to comply with national green building norms. This ensures the integration of passive cooling techniques, natural daylight maximization, thermal-efficient materials, and optimized architectural design to reduce energy dependence.

Key infrastructure initiatives include:

• Adoption of LED lighting across the campus, replacing older, high-consumption luminaires.
• Installation of BLDC (Brushless DC) fans, which reduce electricity usage by up to 60% compared to traditional fans.
• Implementation of energy-efficient cooling systems and improved natural ventilation in academic blocks, laboratories, and hostels.
• Smart building design elements - such as reflective roofing, cross-ventilation pathways, and insulated building envelopes that minimize heat gain.
• Renovation of existing buildings to align with updated energy efficiency benchmarks.

The University’s long-term sustainability roadmap emphasizes reducing operational energy demand through infrastructure modernization, thereby supporting both environmental conservation and cost efficiency.

Energy Policy and Renewable Energy Expansion

To guide its transition toward clean energy, SR University has established a comprehensive Energy Policy with the following objectives:

• Reduce overall energy consumption through upgrades, audits, and responsible behavior.
• Decrease reliance on fossil fuels by integrating large-scale renewable energy sources.
• Optimize energy generation and distribution using smart technologies and real-time monitoring.

Solar Power Generation: SRU operates one of the largest campus-based solar power systems in the region, generating 561,600 kWh of solar energy annually. After meeting internal energy needs, excess solar electricity is supplied back to the state power grid, strengthening public renewable energy availability and contributing to national climate targets. Solar installations across academic buildings collectively reduce a significant amount of CO₂ emissions every year. While sensor-based solar streetlights illuminate the campus using clean and renewable energy.

Waste-to-Energy Systems: SRU operates a biogas plant that converts food waste from hostels and dining facilities into usable cooking gas, producing energy equivalent to a commercial LPG cylinder per day. This model demonstrates an effective circular-economy approach by reducing methane emissions, lowering waste disposal requirements, and substituting fossil-fuel-based gas use.

Energy Audits and Greenhouse Gas Reduction

SR University conducts regular energy and environmental audits through accredited external agencies. These audits assess electricity usage, equipment efficiency, renewable energy integration, water usage, and waste generation patterns. The insights guide informed decision-making and help prioritize high-impact sustainable upgrades.

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Program: SR University has established a structured GHG Reduction Program that satisfies:

• Scope 1 emissions: Direct emissions from fuel usage, biogas operations, and institutional transport.
• Scope 2 emissions: Indirect emissions from purchased electricity significantly reduced through solar power generation.
• Scope 3 emissions: Emissions from commuting, waste management, outsourced activities, supply chain interactions, and embodied energy.

The University’s targeted interventions such as renewable power generation, LED adoption, electric mobility solutions, and waste-to-energy conversion consistently reduce annual carbon emissions.

Smart Energy Systems and Technology-Enabled Efficiency

SRU integrates technology-driven solutions across the campus to minimize energy losses and increase operational efficiency. Smart-energy interventions include:

• Sensor-based solar streetlights, which activate based on movement or ambient light.
• Automated water overflow alarms that prevent energy-intensive pumping wastage.
• Sensor-based taps to reduce water pumping and heating energy loads.
• Scheduled preventive maintenance for HVAC systems, motors, pumps, and electrical equipment to ensure optimal functioning.

These innovations not only reduce consumption but also cultivate a culture of energy-conscious behavior among students and staff.

Research, Innovation, and Student Engagement in Clean Energy

SR University encourages academic and research activities that advance clean energy innovation. Departments such as Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Civil Engineering actively contribute to the energy sustainability agenda.

Projects and Research Initiatives: Students are encouraged to develop projects on:

• Solar power optimization
• Microgrid development
• Energy-efficient devices
• IoT-based energy monitoring
• Wind, biomass, and hybrid renewable systems
• Low-cost clean-energy solutions for rural communities

The University provides laboratory access, mentorship, prototype funding, and incubation support through its Innovation and Incubation Centre, enabling students to translate research ideas into viable technologies.

Clean-Energy Start-ups: SRU’s incubation ecosystem nurtures start-ups in the domains of renewable energy, low-carbon devices, green hydrogen applications, and sustainable product design. Entrepreneurs receive technical guidance, research support, and industry connections, strengthening the region’s green innovation landscape.

Community Outreach, Public Engagement, and Renewable Energy Literacy

Beyond the campus, SR University plays a crucial role in promoting renewable energy awareness among the public.

Awareness and Capacity-Building Programs: Through NSS units and student associations, SRU regularly conducts:

• Clean energy awareness drives
• Workshops on solar technologies and household energy savings
• Demonstrations on biogas production and composting
• Outreach sessions in schools and villages
• Sustainability pledge campaigns encouraging adoption of renewable energy
• Promotion of government solar schemes for households, including rooftop solar initiatives under national missions

These activities strengthen community understanding of cost savings, environmental benefits, and health advantages associated with clean energy adoption.

Consultancy and Industry Support: SR University offers technical consultancy, energy audits, and clean energy assessments for local industries and institutions. Through these partnerships, the University promotes energy efficiency, helps organizations transition to renewable sources, and supports regional sustainable development.

SR University’s clean energy initiatives reflect a balanced and strategic implementation of SDG 7 across infrastructure, operations, research, policy, and community engagement. The University’s commitment to green buildings, solar power generation, biogas utilization, GHG reduction, and student-driven innovation demonstrates an institutional model for sustainable development.

Through continuous investment in renewable energy and efficiency improvements, SR University is not only reducing its environmental footprint but also empowering students, industries, and communities to embrace a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient future.