At Azim Premji University, Bhopal, creating a fully sustainable campus is not just a checkbox for us but a philosophy we embody in every aspect of our institution. We are building a fully sustainable campus and have taken many steps in that direction. We believe that our approach to sustainability will not only benefit students during their time on campus but also prepare them to apply the learnings in real life scenarios.

Our campus will provide students with numerous hands-on learning opportunities in energy conservation, waste reduction, the importance of clean air, water, and green spaces for health and well-being, and other sustainable practices. Engaging them in such sustainability projects builds a sense of community and promotes environmental responsibility among students for the community and the world. Below is a glimpse of the sustainability practices we have at our campus: 

Water conservation and management system

The University is committed to implementing water conservation and management systems. We follow water recycling and channelising that facilitates rainwater conservation and recharge of groundwater. Extensive water treatment and conservation facilities are also planned as part of the campus design – architecture incorporating natural, efficient ways of directing, collecting and conserving water. 

Energy conservation

The campus uses locally available material extensively in its design, with aspects that bring in maximum glare-free natural light. All the buildings are naturally ventilated. Air conditioning is provided only in specific areas, such as conference rooms, seminar halls, and the library. The design protects one from the sun’s radiation by creating shaded spaces in the tropical Bhopal sun. All motors, lighting, and air conditioners installed on the campus have high energy efficiency ratings. The hostel buildings are installed with solar panels to supply hot water to these buildings. 

Organic waste conversion 

We generate a lot of garden, fruit, and vegetable waste every day. To manage all wet waste generated from our campus, we have installed an Automatic Organic Waste Converter (AOWC) to process up to 50 kg of wet waste into manure. The AOWC uses a rapid 24-hour composting cycle, and the soil enricher is used for agriculture and horticulture.

Dry waste management

At the University, we generate a lot of plastic, paper and other dry waste. To manage it effectively, we’ve partnered with the local gram panchayat. They support us in daily collecting and disposing of dry waste generated on campus, ensuring compliance with government regulations.

Landscaping and green cover 

The campus landscaping and greenery initiatives are meticulously designed to harmonise with the local ecology and address environmental priorities. In the open areas of the campus, a diverse array of plant species have been planted, comprising flowering plants, shade plants, fruit trees and others. Terminalia arjuna (Arjun), Bambusa vulgaris (Bamboo), Neolamarckia cadamba (Kadam), Azadirachta indica (Neem), Butea monosperma (Palash) and Ficus religiosa (Peepal) have been prominently included, enriching the campus environment with their ecological significance.

Public education initiatives on sustainability 

As part of our public education initiatives on environment and sustainability, our Bengaluru campus initiated an annual climate change festival. The first edition, Rivers of Life, was held in 2022, and Forests of Life, the second edition in 2023. The festivals celebrate nature and its various forms — rivers, forests, etc. They engage children and young adults, intending to foster a community of green soldiers dedicated to raising awareness of the issues climate change poses for our future and the need for sustainability. 

After these two successful editions, we hosted the Forests of Life Festival at our Bhopal campus. Many schools from Bhopal participated in the week-long festival, where young children explored the wonders of forests through the lens of storytellers, speakers, students, practitioners, and more. From fun activities to thought-provoking movies, from inspirational stories of conservations to photo exhibitions showcasing forests from every corner of our country, the festival offered unique glimpses of the multifaceted nature of forests. 

Minimal use of disposables

We have one tuck shop where we discourage the use of disposable paper cups, plates, and glasses. Instead, we use reusable steel cups, plates, and glasses, thus preventing nearly a million disposables from ending up in landfills (or worse, getting burnt) every year.

Sustainable sanitary practices 

Many of our students and staff members rely on disposable menstrual pads, which are predominantly made of non-biodegradable plastic. We have placed Menstrual Hygiene Units for their safe disposal and collaborated with an agency for the disposal of pads.

For all general enquiries, write to us at enquiry.​bhopal@​apu.​edu.​in

Register for Campus Visit

One of the best ways to decide whether Azim Premji University is right for you is by meeting us in person and observing the campus firsthand.

Our campus visits offer the opportunity to learn more about the University, participate in a walking tour, and more.

Register below for our campus visit: