The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) boasts a unique campus among the academic institutions of the world. The campus is spread out over an area of 661 acres, and is residential comprising of faculty and staff residences, academic complexes and hostels (student dormitories). IITM is located adjacent to the Guindy National Park (GNP) unique for its rich biodiversity. The abundant and diverse flora (298 observed species) provides an ideal habitat for its equally diverse fauna (35 species including endangered species like the blackbuck). In addition, the campus attracts 51 species of avifauna and an equal number of butterfly species. It is an ecological island outside protected areas. Therefore, maintaining a green campus and contributing to carbon neutrality is a natural interest and a social responsibility for the IITM community.
Hence, IITM has taken several initiatives and adopted unconventional solutions to conserve and protect its environmental and ecological obligations. These solutions are also geared towards bringing to reality the sustainable development goals as envisaged in its Vision, Mission and Master Plan. IITM recognizes that achieving these sustainable development goals are essentially dependent on their ability to adapt plans with regard to climate mitigation and climate adaptation. This report reveals IITM’s current efforts towards climate action and sustainability, and the future roadmap of activities to reach the goals in these two spheres.