INSTITUTIONAL VALUES AND BEST PRACTICES
Best Practice 1: Clean and Green Campus
1. Objective of the practice:
To promote a sustainable environment by implementing effective waste management, energy conservation, sustainable resource use, and afforestation initiatives.
2. The context:
GCE Salem faced a significant challenge in maintaining sustainability across its 162-hectare campus while promoting green initiatives. Higher education institutions play a vital role in contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through environmental disclosures. To address this, an environmental club involving faculty and students has been established to focus on energy, water, and waste management.
3. The practice:
The institution follows the Miyawaki method, which involves selecting appropriate native tree species, involving the college community in planting activities and ensuring the long-term care and expansion of these green areas. On request from the principal, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department planted 7810 trees of 21 different varieties under the TNRSP-II scheme at the campus.
Bicycles are encouraged for mobility within and near the campus.
Roads inside the campus are well-maintained. Pedestrians can walk safely through the campus, and heavy vehicles are restricted from entering.
LED lights are installed phase by phase on campus, which can reduce energy consumption.
The college has implemented compost pits at strategic locations to manage waste effectively. Food waste from the hostel is collected daily through auctions and used for cattle feed. A Biogas plant with a capacity of 200kg has been initiated in hostels.
Minimal wastewater produced in departments is disposed of through the groundwater passage.
Wastewater from hostels is passed to oxidation ponds, where microorganisms in the water convert it into harmless by-products (Microorganisms present in the water, including bacteria and algae, convert it into harmless byproducts like carbon dioxide and water).
For effective water management, the college employs
Rainwater harvesting
Bore well /Open well recharge.
To Promote Sustainability, the following green techniques have been adopted such as solar energy-based street lighting system, water heating system for the hostel, and automatic sensor-based water overflow indicator for the water tank.
4. Evidence of Success:
The use of LED bulbs and solar street lighting inside the campus reduces energy consumption.
The awareness program has resulted in the development of a green, plastic-free campus and the use of cloth banners in all college functions.
Environmental and energy audits are conducted regularly.
The institution received the Best Green Campus Award in 2022.
5. Problems Encountered and Resources Required:
As the college campus spans over 162 hectares, transforming it into an eco-friendly campus requires more funds and manpower.
Additional Information:
Best Practice 2: Technology Enhanced Learning at GCE Salem
GCE Salem has taken a significant step to enhance teaching -learning process by using advanced technology. GCE Salem has 46 classrooms equipped with smart boards, providing lessons more interactive and engaging. i-studio helps faculty to create e-videos, allowing students to learn at their own pace. Additionally, the college has 15 seminar halls and conference halls with ICT tools for enabling effective presentations and discussions during seminars and events. This facilitates a modern learning environment, helping faculty and students stay updated with latest teaching methods and preparing them for technology driven world.