IIT-B developing sustainability policy to map carbon footprint of institutions: Director
There will be a green energy and sustainability hub in IIT Bombay.
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IIT Bombay director Shireesh Kedare (Image source: X/@iitbombay) The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay is developing its very own sustainability policy, as part of which it plans to adopt green practices and develop a sense of responsibility among the residents towards environmental conservation.
The newly appointed Director of the prestigious technology institute from Mumbai, Professor Shireesh Kedare spoke about the policy in the making as he was interacting with the media for the first time on Friday, after assuming charge as the newly appointed director of IIT-B earlier this week.
“The sustainability policy will monitor the carbon footprint of the institutions while looking at how much waste is generated, measuring use of energy among all. Firstly, monitoring has to be done to make recommendations later,” said the professor.
Kedare, who has a unique line at the bottom of his CV on his carbon footprint measurement, believes that it creates a sense of responsibility toward the environment. “In times of climate change, urgent intervention is required for sustainable development. As the government is also looking at bringing policy changes for sustainable development, IITs play a crucial role in providing support from scientific analysis,” he said.
There will be a green energy and sustainability hub in IIT Bombay. “It is not one particular structure or centre but collaboration of all projects taking place in the institute on green energy and sustainability. Coordination among the existing projects will facilitate support,” said professor Kedare.
Academic flexibility to reduce stress
The newly appointed director spoke about increased flexibility in academics in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and introduction of Academic Bank of Credit (ABC). As students are now able to select minors and electives from a wide array of courses, Kedare believes it will help reduce academic stress of students.
“The core component of courses has been reduced from 60 to 40 per cent of the total structure. For the remaining 60 per cent, students are given liberty to choose from an array of subjects as minor courses or electives as per their choice. This makes branch-change irrelevant.”
Talking about the importance of increased outreach programmes, professor Kedare emphasized on industry relations. While it will enhance research activities with good translation value into the market, according to Kedare, good industry relations are also important in terms of placements.
“Developing connections with industry can bring opportunities of internships which have potential to convert into placements. With focus on the process, good placement results can be expected,” he said.
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