What is Green Audit?
The term "Green Audit" refers to an environmental audit. This audit examines several aspects of organizational/institutional activities. Audits evaluate whether a company's operations have any effect on the air, water, or soil.
These audits aid in avoiding compliance difficulties. They also advise the reduction of an organization's or institution's environmental effect to support sustainability. Environmental sustainability is becoming a significant concern across the country. Creating a sustainable environment is especially important in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) as they train the future leaders of sustainble movement. The campus's green effect is critical to ensuring the sustainable and healthy learning environment for everyone involved with the facility.
What is NAAC Accreditation Process?
The University Grants Commission (UGC) established the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in 1994. The NAAC was founded in Bangalore to evaluate the performance and operational quality of Indian universities and institutions. NAAC certification is required for all educational institutions in the nation.The NAAC rating is critical for public colleges to delop socially, environmentally and economically in a sustainble manner. The NAAC certification assists a university in applying for and receiving UGC Grants, financial donations, and having a more prominent reputation in the sector. However, there is more to NAAC accreditation that is related to green auditing.
Green audit for universities and organizations – The right approach-In the current circumstances, all HEIs are required to provide the yearly Green Audit Report. In reality, it is linked to the Universities' Corporate Social Responsibility, indicating their purposeful commitment to the improvement of the ecology and advancement of sustainability.
Self-assessment - It enables universities and colleges to examine and adopt the best measures for their campuses. The audit helps with self-evaluation and decision-making.
Awareness - Through deliberate and continuous efforts, it raises awareness to promote sustainability among everyone affiliated with the institution.
Future scope - By adhering to the standards, colleges can increase their chances of receiving the highest NAAC rating.
However, It is critical to follow a methodical approach to adopt the best procedures for green audits on campus using expert guidance.
Objectives of the audit- how it is beneficial for the institution?
1. The major purpose of the green audit is to ensure the best environmental sustainability practices.
2. It lowers the risk of health risks and dangers to people on the learning site.
3. The environmental management system has a number of norms and standards, and the green audit assists HEIs in adhering to them.
4. The many phases of the green audit include: water audit, waste disposal audit, energy audit, and health and environmental quality audit.
5. Green audit reports enable institutions to identify cost-effective waste management techniques.
6. It enables institutions, including HEIs, to create and promote a sustainable, upgraded learning environment while getting the highest grade under NAAC.
7. Finally, it contributes to the trustworthy branding of the HEIs by promoting them as leaders in sustainability.
Author- Palak Chawla : Associate Consultant Ergonomics & EHS