Sustainable Nitte

RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

The indiscriminate destruction and utilization of various natural resources have impacted the world. India’s National Environmental Policy (NEP) of 2006 highlighted the fact that unsustainable consumption patterns, especially in industrialized countries have deleterious impacts on the local as well as global environment. Everyone needs to learn sustainable utilization of resources and production to undo the damage that has been done to the earth. Efficiency of resource use may be accomplished by the use of policy instruments that create incentives to minimize wasteful use and consumption of natural resources.

Each year, an estimated one-third of all food produced – equivalent to 1.2 billion tonnes worth around $1 trillion – ends up rotting in the bins of consumers and retailers or spoiling due to poor transportation and harvesting practices. If people worldwide switched to energy-efficient light bulbs the world would save US$120 billion annually. According to the latest projections of the UN, the global population could grow to around 8.5 billion in 2030, and 9.7 billion in 2050. The equivalent of almost three planets would be needed to provide the natural resources necessary to sustain our current lifestyles. However, the resources on Planet Earth are limited, and thus, responsible consumption and production will hold the key to the survival of our as well as future generations. Sustainable consumption and production means “Doing more and better with less.” Sustainable consumption and production involve encouraging resource and energy efficiency, as well as providing access to basic services, eco-friendly and reasonably good jobs, and a better quality of life for all. Its implementation helps accomplish overall development goals, the curtailment of future economic, environmental, and social costs, and increase economic productivity. Sustainable consumption and production thus can contribute substantially to poverty alleviation and the transition towards low-carbon and green economies.

India has 17 percent of the world’s population and is key to the global achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs).

The Universities are involved in teaching, research, innovation, and creating awareness among the young population and thus play an important role in helping achieve these SDGs.

Nitte (DU) is committed to achieving the goal by impacting its young students and employees by channeling their spirit of learning with a conviction for change. It constantly guides the talent pool toward responsible conduct while engaging in teaching-learning, research, innovation, or enterprise. The responsible conduct in adopting environment-friendly methods of conservation of natural resources of air, water, food, and energy.

Paper usage is minimized and the University has developed an online information system that reduces paperwork. Student records are maintained online. Some of the assessments are also conducted online on the LMS platform NUeLearn. The students are encouraged to use tablets for taking down notes and many of them have digital books.

Cardboard boxes and plastic cans of medicines and medical equipment are stored and sold to vendors for recycling.

Drafts of documents are printed on rough discarded paper that is blank on one side.

The use of eco-friendly materials that are recyclable or made from recycled material is encouraged by the purchasing department. A prudent purchase department is functional and proactive in the reduction of redundancy in the purchase and under-utilization of material as well as equipment. Required materials are indented by the material-in-charge of that department and are approved by the Head of the department and the institution, materials are then received from the store with the bill and distributed to the concerned. Regular audits and stock checking ensure proper usage of all resources.

Nitte (DU) maintains a research equipment directory, which is displayed for public benefit on the website https://nuresdir.wordpress. com/ This enables all potential users on and off campus to be aware of the resources available on campus for responsible usage of equipment and prevents redundancy in the purchase and outsourcing.

The University is proactively involved in water conservation missions. It has adopted environmentally friendly methods for water conservation and optimum utilization of water. Recycled water is used for maintaining the lush green landscape all-round the year. Rainwater harvesting is adopted on all its campuses. Utilization of open wells and water bodies for rainwater harvesting is practiced. Open wells are the preferred source of water in place of borewells. Its policies and strategies are focused on the protection, conservation, and sustainable use of its precious freshwater resources. The grey water generated is recycled and reused for gardening, washing vehicles, and flushing water in all toilets on the campus. Signages requesting conserving water are put up in different places including hospital wards to create awareness among the patients.

Conventional light fittings are replaced with energy-saving lights in a phased manner. They help reduce running costs and the life of motors in critical areas. Solar panels are installed on all campuses to generate electricity and to contribute towards green initiatives. Additionally, solar water heaters are installed in all hostels.

Periodical Maintenance/AMC of all electrical equipment including panels is undertaken by the maintenance department. All ACs that are beyond economical repair are replaced with 5-star inverter ACs. Replacement of normal lights with long-lasting LED lights to reduce electronic waste. Installation of educational signage towards conservation of energy near all exits of classrooms and offices. With a view to contributing towards green initiatives, the University has entered into an open access agreement for Hydro and wind energy with M/s. AMR Power Pvt Ltd, M/s. Doddanavar Global Energy Pvt Ltd and M/s. Brindavan Hydropower Pvt Ltd. For all new installations, XLPE UG cables are being used which helps in maximising cable life and reducing expenditure. FRLSH copper wires are being used at all new installations. All old main panels in installations are being replaced in a phased manner with Single phase, Under / Over voltage protection switchgear products. Timers have been installed at various locations for switching on/off of security lights which helps minimize energy consumption. An energy audit is conducted to assess energy usage and conservation. Nearly 2/3rd of the total requirement comes from renewable energy sources. Solar Panels of about 500 KW capacity have been installed across the rooftops of most of the buildings on the university campus to maximize the use of on-site renewable energy generation wherever practical. About 7 Lakh units are generated per year.

Community health and well-being is dependent on food. The institution provides healthy food in a hygienic atmosphere to all stakeholders on campus. The University constantly reminds the stakeholders of the reduction of food wastage and the importance of nutrition.

Educational information is displayed and played on the video at the hostel mess. The waste generated by the common kitchen is used for biogas production and the hostel mess waste is collected by a vendor who maintains a piggery. The manure produced by the piggery is used for horticultural purposes.

The University generates approximately 28.1 Ton/A. The wet waste and dry waste are sorted at the source. Recycling of organic waste is done by the biogas unit to utilize common kitchen waste. Strict compliance with provision for disposal of bio-medical and electronic waste. Re-using of scrap material is practiced. Restrictions on the use of bottled water to reduce plastic waste.

Encouraging the use of eco-friendly materials in construction. The use of paper/plastic cups/ bottles is strongly discouraged. Board rooms are equipped with water filters and dispensers to avoid bottled water. Paper waste is sent to an external recycling unit vendor. The double-sided printing option is being used at terminals with access to printers. Waste segregation is being carried out; organic waste is composted inhouse and the manure generated is used for the gardens in the campus. The wet waste is put into the composting pit. Dry waste is disposed of using the incinerator. Segregation of waste is done at source in the hospital, laboratories, and common areas. Dedicated bins for waste management are made available - Green for degradable; Blue for plastic and metals; and Red for e-waste and batteries. Bins are placed in prominent positions in each campus with instructions clearly displayed for public awareness. Hazardous chemicals used in laboratories are collected safely and disposed of through an authorized vendor. The hazardous fumes and solvents generated in laboratories are handled by the fume hood and the carcinogenic substances are handled with additional care and stored in a respective allotted place with the signage label “Carcinogenic”. Used oil, oil-soaked cotton waste, and filters containing used oil from vehicles and machinery – these are disposed of through an authorized vendor. An incinerator with a carbon scrubber is available for safe disposal of selected inorganic wastes. Strict compliance with provision for disposal of bio-medical and electronic waste.

Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) are installed on all the campuses of Nitte (DU). Effective utilization of treated water is ensured. Additionally, dual plumbing lines for toilets have been catered to in all buildings.

Chemical and hazardous waste from laboratories is sent to a certified agency (RAMKY) for processing and no part of the waste is disposed of elsewhere.

Biomedical waste is handled by a specialized waste disposal agency authorized by the Government Pollution Control Board (M/s RAMKY Energy and Environment Ltd.). Chemical and hazardous waste from laboratories is sent to a certified agency (AYUSH) for processing and no part of the waste is disposed on campus. The generated electronic waste (e-waste) will be collected in e-waste collection and maintained by the maintenance department. Auction notice will be sent for Recyclers/Reprocessors registered under the Central Pollution Control Board, Govt of India for Electronic waste. The air quality on campus is regularly monitored to enable the inhabitants of quality air to breathe and thrive. An aggressive tree planting drive by the faculty and students of the University is working towards reducing one’s carbon footprint.

The buildings are constructed keeping in mind that wherever feasible, the natural light and ventilation are maximized.

Workshop on “Waste segregation”organized by Mulki Ramakrishna Punja ITI and Padu Panamboor Grama Panchayath. The program was inaugurated by Mr. Hari H, Principal, and members of the NGO, Sahas - Mr. Nishan, Mr. Ananth, and Ms. Pavitra. “Most of the recyclable waste ends up in landfill & improper waste management is one of the main causes of environmental pollution,” said Mr. Hari H, in his presidential speech. Informative videos and PowerPoint presentation along with activities to emphasize the importance of segregation of waste was done.

Postgraduate students of Microbiology, Biotechnology, and Biomedical Sciences of NUCSER visited the wastewater treatment plant at Mullakad, Kavoor, Mangalore on 26th November 2022. The visit was led by Dr. Amit Kumar, KSHEMA. Dr. Smitha Hegde addressed the students on the importance of clean water and sanitation for a healthy society. Mr. Arumugam, the officer-in-charge of the wastewater treatment plant explained the working of the plant. Thirty students and three staff members took part in the program.

On account of World Environment Day on June 5th, 2022, Swachh Sena of Nitte Institute of Physiotherapy participated in the ‘Nethravathi River and Environmental Protection Program, The Eighth Stage River Environmental Cleanup Movement and Wildlife Festival’ to signify the theme ‘Only One Earth’. The drive was carried out in collaboration with the River Environmental Protection Committee, local community organizations, Lions Club Permannuru, Ullal Solidarity forum, and the citizens of Uliya village Ullal. A total of 40 1st year BPT students participated in the event, along with NIPT Principal Dr. Dhanesh Kumar KU, faculty members Dr. Purushotham Chippala, Ms. Yogita Hatmode (Swachh Sena Coordinator, NIPT), and Swachh Sena NIPT Student Coordinator Ms Hass Isabella. Mr. Riyaz, a fellow Uliya resident who is a member of the Environmental Protection Program and a key participant in the development of the Uliya Neighbourhood Youth Parliament, presented the welcoming address and briefed the volunteers on the cleaning drive. The program began with the planting of trees in public places as part of the forest festival, and then volunteers were involved in cleaning the Nethravathi River backwater by removing thermocol, glass bottles, and plastic waste from the riverbeds, collecting them in the trash bags, and placing plastic and other deadly waste into garbage bags. The event was successfully concluded with the presence and speech given by the dignitaries: Shri Rajesh Antara Gurukar (Shree constituency), Janab Usmansakhafi (Khatibar Margate Zuma Mosque), Shri Naveen Felix D’Souza (President Catholics Permanenture), Mrs Veena Shanti D’Souza (Local Councilors, City Council), Prof. Dr. Dhanesh Kumar K.U. (Principal, Nitte Institute of Physiotherapy), Shri Omar Kunheeni Alekala (Leaders River Environment Committee), Shri Lloyd Royal D’Souza (Leading River Environment Committee), Shri Kishore Attawar (Director School of Social Work (MSW) Roshani Nilayam)., Shree Vasudeva Rao (Retired Teachers), Shree Nagaraj Bajal (Composer Green Tree Mangalore), Shri Sundarawa (Prominent River Environmental Protection Committee), Shree Muhammed Farvez (District President, Solidarity Youth Movement), Mrs. Razia Ibrahim (Former Vice President, City Council), Shree Mehboob Surathkal (Ramakrishna Math, Cleaning Section), Clean Military, Knitte Institute), Mrs. Ashalatha Suvarna (President, Educational Resource Center – Mangalore), Shri Sundarawa (Prominent River Environmental Protection Committee), Janab Aliyabba (President, Margate Zuma Mosque), Mr. Prashant D’Souza, Lions Club Permanenture Focus., Sri Praveen Monteiro (Conveners Saint Sebastian Church Permanente), Shri Arun Monteiro Ranipura (President, Lions Club Permanent Focus), Mrs Mariamma Haneef (Wellaya Welfare Association). The program was coordinated by Ms. Yogita Hathmode (Swacch Sena Faculty Coordinator), Mr. Tanuj Shetty and Ms. Haas Isabella (Swacch Sena Student Coordinators).

A workshop on “Waste segregation” was jointly organised by Mulki Ramakrishna Punja ITI and Padu Panamboor Grama Panchayath. The program was inaugurated by Mr. Hari H, Principal, and members of the NGO, Sahas - Mr. Nishan, Mr. Ananth, and Ms. Pavitra.

“Most of the recyclable waste ends up in landfill & improper waste management is one of the main causes of environmental pollution,” said Mr. Hari H, in his presidential speech.

Mr. Nishan & team presented the theme with meaningful and informative videos and PowerPoint presentations. They demonstrated some activities to emphasize the importance of the segregation of waste. A brief explanation was given about dry waste, wet waste, hazardous waste, sanitary waste, and e-waste. The program was beneficial to all the trainees and a few bagged prizes in the competitions held on the theme. The program was anchored by Mr. Laxmikanth, Training Officer.

The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBSC) of Nitte (Deemed to be University) organized a oneday workshop on ‘Biosafety and Biocontainment: Operational Practices in Healthcare and Research’ on 22.09.2022 at Avishkar, ABSMIDS. The Chief Guest, Dr. H Lakshmikantha, Regional Officer, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), Udupi inaugurated the workshop. He explained the need for compliance with biosafety guidelines, rules & procedures of the government, and segregation of biomedical waste at source to ensure the safety of the researchers, healthcare personnel, and also the environment. Prof. Prashantha Naik, DBT Nominee of IBSC was the Guest of Honour. He stressed the need to create awareness among the general public about biosafety and biomedical waste management. Presiding over the function, Prof. B Satheesh Kumar Bhandary, Vice Chancellor, Nitte (DU) emphasized the responsibilities of researchers and healthcare professionals in following the biosafety and biocontainment practices.

The resource persons for this workshop were Prof. Suchitra Shenoy M from KMC; Prof. CS Shastry, Principal, NGSMIPS; Dr. KR Raghuveer, Director GaloreTx Pharma Ltd; Prof. Praveenkumar Shetty, Director (R&D) and Prof. Srinikethan, Director (Technical Research). Prof. A Veena Shetty, Member Secretary, IBSC, delivered the welcome address and outlined the importance of organizing the workshop. Dr. B Mohana Kumar, a Member, of IBSC, proposed the vote of thanks. Dr. Shilpa Shetty compered the program.

160 delegates attended the workshop comprising the faculty, staff, PG/PhD students, and research scholars of constituent colleges of Nitte (DU) and selected delegates from neighboring institutes & colleges - Mangalore University, MAHE, Fr. Muller Medical College & Research Centre, College of Fisheries etc.

NIPT | WORLD HEALTH DAY 2022

The Swachh Bharat Unit of Nitte Institute of Physiotherapy organized a ‘Best out of Waste’ competition on World Health Day on 7th April 2022. The theme of the competition was ‘Our Planet, Our Health’. Shellette D’Almeida and Shilna Rani P, Assistant Professors, were invited as judges for the competition, and the winners were felicitated with certificates.

A Cleaning Drive was also organised on the occasion. The Institute’s backyard was divided into 5 plots that were allotted to respective classes to clean and plant saplings. The program was coordinated by Yogita Hatmode, Swachh Sena Faculty Coordinator along with Tanuj Shetty and Haas Isabella, Swachh Sena Student Coordinators.

Dr. NSAM PU College, Mangaluru | World Environment Day

The NSS unit of Dr. NSAM PU College celebrated World Environment Day on 5th June 2022 at the college premises. Addressing the gathering, Principal Dr. Naveen Shetty K said that a good environment is necessary to stay fit and healthy. However, due to rampant air, water & soil pollution, our environment has degraded to a large extent. World Environment Day is celebrated to create awareness about this situation and encourage everyone to take the necessary steps to protect our environment. He mentioned that keeping the college building and its surroundings clean, should be the first step toward this. He urged the students to make a conscious effort to throw waste into the dustbin, discourage littering, and ensure that the campus is clean. Later the NSS volunteers engaged in cleaning the campus. A few saplings were planted by the Principal and staff members.

KSHEMA | PG orientation program

The Medical Education Unit - KSHEMA organized a PG orientation program for the newly admitted postgraduates of the 2021-22 batch on 16th May 2022 at Justice KS Hegde Charitable Hospital. The program began with lighting the lamp and invocation.

Prof (Dr) P S Prakash, Dean of KSHEMA, welcomed the gathering and gave a brief introduction to KS Hegde Medical Academy.

Prof (Dr) M Shantharam Shetty, Pro-Chancellor, Nitte (DU) was the Chief Guest. He spoke at length on the work culture and the importance of clear communication especially for young postgraduates. Dr A.M Mirajkar, Vice Dean (Academics), Dr Jayaprakash Shetty, Vice Dean (Admin) & Major (Dr) Shivakumar Hiremath, Medical Superintendent were also present. Postgraduates were sensitized about Biomedical Waste Management, Medico-legal aspects in Medical Practice, Documentation and Hospital Policies.

NMAMIT | Swachh Abhiyan

‘ELITES’, the Electrical & Electronics Engineering Students Association, organized ‘Swachh Abhiyan,’ a campus cleaning drive on 27th October 2022 at NMAMIT, Nitte. The program began with a motivational message by Dr.Suryanarayana, Professor & Head, Dept. of EEE. In his message, he emphasized the importance of keeping our surroundings clean.

The students cleaned their classrooms, and corridors, removed the weeds, and collected the plastic garbage & construction waste in the college campus, streets, and bus stand near the college. 130 students actively volunteered in the event. Asst. Professors and the Department NSS coordinators, Ms. Anupama B and Ms. Deepa B, coordinated the entire program.

NGSMIPS | Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan

The NSS Unit of NGSM Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences organized “Swachhta Pakhwada” as a part of “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsava” on 13th August 2022. The program was inaugurated at the college campus by Prof. Dr. C. S. Shastry, Principal, NGSMIPS. In his inaugural speech, Dr. Shastry explained the need to carry out a continuous cleanliness awareness drive in order to make people conscious of sanitation and hygiene and mitigate environmental pollution to facilitate healthy living. He asked all the participants to carry out swachhata abhiyaan on a regular basis and spread awareness to as many people as possible. Dr. Santanu Saha, NSS Program Officer along with teaching and nonteaching staff joined the NSS volunteers to clean the campus and surrounding areas. At the end of the cleaning program, the collected waste was segregated and disposed of appropriately.

NUCSER | Anveshan Award 2021-22

NUCSER won the Anveshan Award for the third consecutive year. This year Ph.D. scholar Mr. Yathisha UG of Nitte (Deemed to be University) won the National level “Anveshan 2021-22” Award at the AIU- National Student Research Convention 2022 held at the Academy of Maritime Education and Training (AMET) - Deemed to be University, Chennai under the aegis of Association of Indian Universities (AIU) on 27th & 28th March 2022.

His project titled “Natural peptide from fish waste: A potent drug candidate for antihypertensive activity” was presented under the Basic Science category and bagged First place for the Best Project award from South Zone.

Research Projects

Indo-Japan Project: Nitte DU in collaboration with Miyazaki University in Japan is working on a project to study the effect of contaminated groundwater and its effect on Pregnancy and infants. “Studies on pregnancy, delivery, and child development cohort patterns in groundwater contaminated areas of India.”

Patents:

Ravindra K.S NMAMIT got a Patent for “Augmented reality near maintaining vegetable and fruits conditions in storage of supermarkets” 17-3-2022 2022 8-4-2022 202241014779 A GoI Published 2022

Dr. Ramesh Bhat from NMAMIT got a patent for “Senna Tora leaves extract on carbon tetrachloride and its hepatoprotective effects induced toxicity” 2-12-2022 202230-12-2022202241069545 A GoI Published 2022

Dr. Pasanna Shama Khandige from NGSMIPS got Patent for “A novel polyherbal extract for the treatment of arthritis with potential immunomodulatory activity.” 2022

Mr. Prashant Nayak from NGSMIPS “A polyherbal ayurvedic formulation as a potential agent for anti-hyperlipidemic.”2022

Publications

1. Sunny, S., Prabhu, S., Chand, S., Nandakumar, U. P., Chacko, C. S., & Joel, J. J. (2022). Assessment of drug-drug interactions among patients with psychiatric disorders: a clinical pharmacist-led study. Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health, 13, 100930.
2. Kumari, D., Lahiri, B., Das, A., Mailankote, S., Mishra, D., & Mounika, A. (2022). Assessment of self-medication practices among nonteaching faculty in a private dental college–A cross-sectional study. Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences, 14(Suppl 1), S577.
3. DCunha, A. R., Jehangir, S., Rebekah, G., & Thomas, R. J. (2022). Human amniotic membrane vs collagen in the treatment of superficial second-degree burns in children. Wounds: a compendium of clinical research and practice, 34(5), 135-140.
4. G. Yathisha, U., Srinivasa, M. G., Siddappa Bc, R., P Mandal, S., Dixit, S. R., Pujar, G. V., & Bangera Sheshappa, M. (2022). Isolation and characterization of ACE-I inhibitory peptides from ribbonfish for a potential inhibitor of the main protease of SARS-CoV-2: An in silico analysis. Proteins: Structure, Function, and Bioinformatics, 90(4), 982-992.
5. Rao, S. S., Agadi, R., Shetty, S., Rao, R., & Shenoy, R. D. (2022). Smokeless tobacco exposure and fetal iron status: An analytical study. Indian Journal of Community Medicine: Official Publication of Indian Association of Preventive & Social Medicine, 47(1), 87.
6. Chand S., Shastry C.S., Hiremath S., Joel J.J., Bhat C.H.K. (2022) Status of Biomedical Waste Management: A Case from a South Indian Tertiary Care Charitable Hospital. Ind J Of Envr Protect. 42(1): 39-44.
7. Shetty, S. S., Roopashree, P. G., Ramesh, S. V., Singh, A., Arivalagan, M., Manikantan, M. R., ... & Kumari, N. S. (2022). Virgin coconut oil (VCO) ameliorates high fat diet (HFD)- induced obesity, dyslipidemia and bestows cardiovascular protection in rats. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences, 1-11.
8. Khanal, P., Chikhale, R., Dey, Y. N., Pasha, I., Chand, S., Gurav, N., ... & Gurav, S. (2022). Withanolides from Withania somnifera as an immunity booster and their therapeutic options against COVID-19. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 40(12), 5295-5308.
9. Khode, V., Patil, S., Shetty, P., Dinesh, U. S., Ruikar, K., Bargale, A., & Patil, S. G. (2022). Association of Use of the Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP) with the Expression Pattern of Different Molecular Subtypes of Breast Cancer. Current Women’s Health Reviews, 18(2), 85-92.
10. Bhat, I., Madhura, R. J., Badanthadka, M., & Mamatha, B. S. (2022). Cow ghee as an efficient carrier to improve oral bioavailability of lutein. Food Chemistry, 389, 133046.
11. Raghavendra, H. L., Kekuda, T. P., Upashe, S. P., Dsilva, F., Patil, H. R., & Shivanandappa, K. C. (2022). Evaluation of the food, nutrition value, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of the ripe and unripe fruit of Rubus steudneri Schweinf. International Food Research Journal, 29(1), 200-209.
12. Rao, R. N., Karinka, S., Maiya, M. M., Prabhu, S., & Akansh, V. N. (2022). Case study: Methodology of reinforcement calculation for newly installed pressure vessel in an industry. Materials Today: Proceedings, 52, 697-701.
13. Muhammad, A., & Karinka, S. (2022). Comparative energy analysis of a laboratory building with different materials using eQUEST simulation software. Materials Today: Proceedings, 52, 2160-2165.
14. Karinka, S., & Upadhyaya, V. (2022). Concept of annual solar window and simple calculation for optimal monthly tilt angle to maximize solar power generation. Materials Today: Proceedings, 52, 2166-2171.
15. Shetty, S., & Rao, B. S. (2022). In-cylinder pressure-based combustion analysis of cycle-by-cycle variations in a dual spark plug SI engine using ethanol-gasoline blends as a fuel. Materials Today: Proceedings, 52, 780- 786.
16. Pai, R., Bangarappa, L., Lokesh, K. S., Mayya, D. S., Naveen, C. R., & Pinto, T. (2022). Hybridization effect on water absorption and flexural properties of E-glass/banana fibre/epoxy composites. Materials Today: Proceedings, 52, 1841-1845.