Developing a Net Zero Transition Framework for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in India.
Supported By: Emerson Electric India Co. Pvt. Ltd.
About the Project
Our centre is leading an ambitious initiative to develop a Net-Zero Transition Framework for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in India. This project aligns with India's commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2070 and responds to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), and the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) U75 Net-Zero Initiative.
HEIs play a crucial role in sustainability by shaping young minds and fostering environmental responsibility. However, their operations—spanning classrooms, laboratories, student housing, and administrative activities—contribute significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Our initiative aims to provide HEIs with a structured, data-driven approach to reduce their carbon footprint across Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions, helping institutions transition toward sustainability.
Our Approach
Using selected partner HEIs we are trying to develop a replicable framework that enables HEIs to:
✔ Assess and monitor their emissions through a structured self-assessment process.
✔ Develop targeted mitigation strategies across energy, transportation, waste, and behavioural changes.
✔ Integrate sustainability into education, research, and campus operations to foster a culture of environmental responsibility.
✔ Engage stakeholders—students, faculty, and administrators—to drive grassroots sustainability action.
✔ Collaborate with national and international partners to refine and scale the framework for broader adoption.
Project Objectives
- Develop a GHG Estimation Framework to help HEIs assess their carbon footprint.
- Create a Strategic Decision-Making Tool for HEIs to plan their net-zero transition.
- Support India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Enhanced Transparency Reports (ETRs) by contributing emissions data from HEIs.
- Provide capacity-building and training for HEI leadership, staff, and students.
- Align with India’s sustainability policies to integrate climate action into HEI governance.
Key Features of the Net-Zero Framework
- Quantification, Monitoring & Mitigation of HEI emissions.
- Baseline Emissions Development to set measurable targets.
- Capacity Buildingfor faculty, staff, and students on sustainability best practices.
- Curriculum & Research Integration to embed sustainability into academic programs.
- Policy & Governance Alignment with India’s net-zero and sustainability goals.
Get Involved
We are actively seeking partnerships with HEIs across India to pilot-test this framework. Participating institutions will receive technical support, access to sustainability expertise, and training opportunities to accelerate their net-zero transition.
📩 Join the movement and be a leader in sustainable higher education!
For collaboration opportunities, contact us at:
✉ Email: emerson@terisas.ac.in | sagarmoy.phukan@terisas.ac.in
