MNRE invites proposals to develop 'green campus'

The ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) has invited proposals from organisations interested for developing their campus as 'green campus'.

"The ministry is implementing a programme on development of solar cities wherein about 100 small townships/campuses... are proposed to be developed as green campus during the 12th Five-Year Plan," according to guidelines for development of green campus issued by MNRE.

The government will provide financial assistance up to Rs 5 lakh for preparation of a master plan and detailed project report (DPR), including the action plan for renewable energy installations, green campus development, awareness generation and trainings, it said.

At present, the large area development for townships, neighbourhoods, educational and institutional campuses, medical colleges, hospitals, group housing, commercial complexes in the country takes place through private and public sectors and even by the government.

In order to ensure energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, these developments need to be on "green campus" concepts.

A green campus is a higher education community with optimum land use, environmental planning and resource management such as improving energy efficiency, conserving resources, enhancing environmental quality including habitat preservation, healthy living environment, use of renewable energy and management of wastes, water recycling, among others.

The buildings within the campus should be based on green building concepts to the extent possible, it added.