Environment Policies

GU Environmental Sustainability Policy

Policy

The Galgotias University is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its activities, preventing pollution and promoting the sustainability of the natural resources upon which we depend, while providing quality programmes that meet the needs of our students and research scholars..

The Galgotias University is committed to the continuous improvement of our environmental performance and to meeting or exceeding the requirements of all applicable environmental laws and regulations.

Goal

This policy is intended to govern the decisions and actions of the Universities' officials, employees, faculty members, students, scholars and other beneficiaries.

Objectives

To adopt, wherever practicable, methods of living and working which reduce the impact on the earth's biophysical systems, mindful of the potentially disastrous results for us all if the resilience of these systems is exceeded.
To cooperate, where possible, with the wider community, in order to implement environmental policies from the local community through to the global level.
To contribute to the development of knowledge and experience in the country or anywhere else on undertaking environmentally sustainable forms of development.
To promote education and awareness in the country or anywhere else of the importance of environmentally sustainable approaches to development.
To encourage and support to develop policies, programmes and projects that further the objectives of environmental sustainability.

Principles

The promotion of environmental sustainability is an integral part of Galgotias university policies, programmes and projects.

Implementation

Manage and conserve energy and water efficiently.
Incorporate the natural environment.
Increase recycling of supplies and materials.
Minimize negative impacts.
Raise environmental awareness
Minimize use of non-renewable resources
Reduce energy use

GU Energy and Water Conservation Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the University operates in a sustainable manner managing energy and water consumption by using energy and water efficiently, wisely and responsibly. This policy contributes to meeting the University's commitments and goals with respect to energy and water-related costs as well as greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy use.

To align with the University's greenhouse gas reduction targets, which are identified in the Climate Action Plan, the University has set a goal to reduce energy and water consumption annually by 5%.

This policy supports and enhances the University's commitment to environmental sustainability and encourages change in individual behaviors, actions, and campus processes.

The policy supports management of ongoing energy and water related costs and reduces University risk to future carbon compliance regulations and payments. Energy and water management provides leadership on this global issue.

Principles

The University is committed to modelling sustainability and practicing effective stewardship of institutional resources while providing an excellent learning, teaching and research environment.

Scope of this policy

This policy applies to faculty, staff, students, researchers and other members of the campus community. All water and energy sources (including, but not limited to, electricity, steam, chilled water, gasoline, diesel and natural gas) are included.

Policy

Energy and water are essential to University operations to support all work, study and research. All members of the campus community will endeavor to use energy and water in the most efficient manner possible. Energy and water use can be managed by all departments, colleges and units through awareness and adoption of the most efficient procedures and practices.

The campus community shall make informed choices to minimize the institution's ecological footprint associated with energy and water, with a goal of continuous improvement and reduced operating costs.

Procedures

Any process, procedure or equipment that does not use energy or water efficiently, should be reviewed and changes implemented by appropriate responsible parties.
All equipment procurement decisions should include review of energy and water consumption specifications. Where possible the highest efficiency models should be purchased.
Facilities Management Division will provide information and make recommendations on energy conservation actions.
Each University organizational unit shall identify energy and water inefficiencies and work towards continuous improvement and reductions.

Best Practices

Turn lights out when you leave rooms unoccupied or in unoccupied rooms that you pass. Encourage others to do the same.
Turn off or unplug office equipment, laptop computers, monitors and lab equipment, unless in use, especially at night and on weekends. Unplug equipment that is not used frequently.
Turn off fume hoods and biosafety cabinets when not in use to prevent the loss of conditioned air.
Adjust the thermostat to save energy when you are away from your office or dorm room for extended periods or vacations*. Set to lower temperatures during the winter and warmer settings during the summer. (*where thermostat is adjustable)
Once-through water-cooled devices are strongly discouraged.
Develop research processes that are efficient and use resources wisely.
Dress appropriately for each season. Personal heaters and cooling devices are strongly discouraged.
Choose computer and device power management settings to minimize energy usage.
Report water leaks to Customer Service Centre.
Use compact fluorescent light or LED bulbs in all floor and desk lamps.
Do not idle fleet vehicles.

Institutional best practices include

Develop policy and procedures with goals of energy and water efficiency and continuous improvement.
Integrate energy and water management into organizational structure with clear delegation of responsibility for energy consumption.
Develop an Energy Management Plan with implementation across campus.
Develop funding opportunities to support investment in energy and water conservation projects.
Develop a communication plan to share with the campus community energy efficiency and energy and water performance.
Develop engagement and awareness programs with regular publicity campaigns.
Implement an Energy Management Information System to monitor consumption and measure and verify savings for energy and water.