IIT Bombay has launched a comprehensive Sustainability Policy, a key report of the Pan-IIT Sustainability Conclave organised by IIT Bombay, aimed at embedding sustainability across its operations, academics, and research.

Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay, welcomed the Union Minister of State for Education and Development of the North East Region (DoNER), Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, who unveiled the policy during a special visit to the campus.

Also present at the occasion were:

–  Prof. K.V. Krishna Rao, Deputy Director (Finance, Infrastructure and Administration)
–  Prof. Milind Atrey, Deputy Director (Academics, Research and Translation)

The policy focuses on several key areas:

–  Environmental Education: Integrating sustainability into academic and research programmes.
–  Zero-Carbon Emissions: Developing strategies to achieve carbon neutrality on campus.
–  Waste Management: Implementing effective waste reduction and recycling initiatives.
–  Biodiversity Enhancement: Preserving and enhancing local biodiversity.
–  Green Energy Research: Driving innovation in sustainable energy solutions.

The policy also outlines collaborative efforts by IITs toward net-zero campuses. Speaking at the event, Dr. Majumdar commended the Institute’s efforts, stating, “The launch of the Sustainability Policy reflects the Institute’s unwavering commitment to creating a greener future. Through its exceptional research and innovation, IIT Bombay is contributing significantly to realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat.”

Research Hub for Green Energy and Sustainability (GESH)

The event highlighted IIT Bombay’s leading role in advancing sustainability not only on its campus but also nationwide. The policy launch, coupled with the efforts of GESH, marks a major step toward addressing pressing environmental challenges and positioning India as a global leader in green energy and sustainable development.

The GESH initiative, led by Professor Sanjay Mahajani, focuses on bridging the gap between academic research and real-world applications. With a mission to foster innovation, address global challenges like climate change, and build industry-specific expertise, GESH has already funded 22 research projects out of 75 proposals. These projects cover fundamental, translational, and educational aspects of sustainability.

Professor Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay, emphasized the hub’s vision saying, “Our vision is to advance sustainability, climate solutions, and related domains by bringing together expertise from IIT Bombay and beyond.”

GESH is also introducing industry-specific training programmes and courses, such as “Sustainability: Theory to Action,” and plans to roll out over 150 hours of training in the coming months. Additionally, GESH aims to establish a School of Sustainability at IIT Bombay, envisioned as a global centre for green energy education and research.

A Greener Tomorrow

IIT Bombay’s green energy ambitions received a major boost with a generous $18.6 million donation from a US-based alumnus. The funds will support GESH’s initiatives, including its research, educational programs, and efforts to position India as a leader in sustainable energy solutions.

With its new Sustainability Policy and the robust initiatives of GESH, IIT Bombay is leading the charge in driving sustainable development in India. The Institute’s commitment to fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and regulatory bodies ensures it remains at the forefront of the global sustainability movement, setting a powerful example for others to follow.