Energy Efficiency Policy and Sustainable Building Practices

Energy Efficiency Policy and Sustainable Building Practices

Introduction
JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSS AHER) is dedicated to promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility through energy-efficient renovations and new building practices. Guided by its Energy Efficiency, Renovation, and New Building Policy, the institution has implemented various measures to ensure that all infrastructure developments meet high energy efficiency and green building standards, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC).

Energy Efficiency, Renovation, and New Building Policy

Key Objectives

  • Energy Efficiency: To reduce energy consumption across all campuses by leveraging advanced technologies.
  • Green Building Standards: To ensure all renovation and construction projects adhere to recognized sustainable standards.
  • Sustainability and Conservation: To focus on resource optimization, waste reduction, and eco-friendly facility management.

Carbon Footprint Assessments and Green Audits

Solar Power Generation

  • Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panels:
    • Installed in JSS Dental College, JSS Medical College, and JSS College of Pharmacy.
    • Annual power generation exceeds 986,524 kWh, significantly reducing reliance on the conventional grid by 50-70%.
    • Details:
      • JSS Dental College: Four feeders generating 420,509 kWh annually (50 kW x 2 units, 36 kW x 2 units).
      • JSS Medical College: Four feeders generating 358,904 kWh annually (50 kW x 4 units).
      • JSS College of Pharmacy: Two feeders generating 207,111 kWh annually (50 kW x 2 units).

Solar panels at JSSAHER campuses

Details of Solar Power Generation at JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research

Institution Power Generation (kWh) Duration Number of Feeders Feeder Capacity Impact
JSS Dental College & Hospital (JSSDCH) 420,509 kWh June 2023 – May 2024 4 50 kW x 2, 36 kW x 2 Reduced dependency on KEB by 50-60% across JSS Medical Institution campus at Mysuru.
JSS Medical College (JSSMC) 358,904 kWh June 2023 – May 2024 4 50 kW x 4 Reduced dependency on KEB by 50-60% across JSS Medical Institution campus at Mysuru.
JSS College of Pharmacy, Mysuru (JSSCPM) 207,111 kWh June 2023 – May 2024 2 50 kW x 2 Reduced dependency on KEB by 60-70% at JSS College of Pharmacy campus, Mysuru.

Note: KEB stands for Karnataka Electricity Board, and the listed initiatives significantly contribute to JSS AHER’s commitment to sustainability and energy independence.

Solar Water Heating and Cooking

  • Solar Water Heaters:
    • Installed in hostels, guest houses, and residential facilities.
    • Provide hot water for various needs, reducing electricity consumption and costs.
  • Solar Cooking Systems:
    • Utilize solar cookers and concentrators to prepare meals sustainably, minimizing dependence on conventional fuels like LPG or electricity.

Heat-Insulating Paints

  • Advanced Coatings for Buildings:
    • Heat-insulating paints applied across all buildings reduce thermal transfer by reflecting solar radiation.
    • Benefits:
      • Enhanced indoor comfort.
      • Reduced energy usage for air conditioning and heating.
      • Decreased carbon footprint due to lower energy demands.

Heat insulating paints of all building at JSSAHER

100% Transition to LED Lighting

  • Campus-Wide LED Installation:
    • Replaced incandescent and CFL bulbs with energy-efficient LED lights across all facilities.
    • Results in substantial energy savings and improved lighting quality.
    • Status:
      • Complete transition in all academic buildings, residential facilities, and public spaces.
Sl. No. Location Percentage of Ordinary Lights (%) Percentage of LED Lights (%)
1 JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research (JSS AHER) 0 100
2 Medical College 5 95
3 Dental College 0 100
4 Life Science Department 0 100
5 Guest House 0 100
6 Boys Hostel 0 100
7 Girls Hostel 5 95
8 Pharmacy College 0 100
9 JSSPC Boys Hostel 0 100
10 JSSPC Girls Hostel 10 90

Note: The transition to LED lighting significantly reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions while enhancing lighting quality across all JSS AHER facilities.

BLDC Fans Implementation

  • Phased Installation of Brushless Direct Current (BLDC) Fans:
    • Energy-efficient fans that consume up to 65% less power than conventional models.
    • These fans reduce operational costs while maintaining optimal airflow.
    • Installation is ongoing across hostels, classrooms, and office spaces.

BLDC fans at JSSAHER

Solar Tubes for Natural Lighting

  • Natural Light Enhancers:
    • Solar tubes capture and channel sunlight into interior spaces, providing eco-friendly lighting.
    • Significantly reduce the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours.
    • Improve indoor lighting quality while decreasing energy consumption.

Natural light enhancer (Solar tube) for indoor lighting at JSSAHER campus

Sustainable Retrofitting

  • Building Envelope Enhancements:
    • Upgraded insulation, energy-efficient windows, and reflective roofing materials in existing buildings to reduce energy demands.
  • Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems:
    • Retrofitted buildings equipped with modern heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to improve energy performance.
  • Water Conservation Systems:
    • Installed low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and water recycling mechanisms to reduce water and energy usage.

Renewable Energy from Waste

  • Biogas Plants:
    • Food waste from hostels and canteens is converted into biogas, which is used as a sustainable cooking fuel.
    • Reduces reliance on non-renewable energy sources and mitigates waste disposal challenges.

Renovation and New Construction Practices

Renovation Projects

  • Use of sustainable materials like recycled steel, eco-friendly cement, and low-VOC paints.
  • Retrofitting of existing structures to integrate energy-saving technologies.

New Building Construction

  • LEED-Aligned Green Building Design:
    • All new projects adhere to green building principles with a focus on energy performance and resource optimization.
  • Sustainable Landscaping:
    • Designed to reduce water consumption and promote biodiversity, including native plant species and rain gardens.

Awareness and Training

JSS AHER actively conducts workshops and campaigns to educate students, staff, and faculty about energy conservation. The university promotes collective responsibility by sharing its sustainability achievements and encouraging participation in green initiatives.


Impact of the Policy

The comprehensive measures adopted by JSS AHER have led to:

  • A 50-70% reduction in dependency on conventional grid power across campuses.
  • Significant reductions in operational energy costs.
  • An environmentally conscious campus that fosters sustainability and innovation.

Relevant Standards Followed:

  • LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
  • Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC)
  • Indian Green Building Council (IGBC)

This policy and its implementation exemplify JSS AHER’s dedication to energy-efficient renovations and construction practices, aligning with global sustainability goals and setting a benchmark for energy-conscious campuses in higher education.