Education News

India Launches ‘Green Campus’ Program for Schools

• By Neeraj Sharma
• April 26, 2025

The Ministry of Education has launched a new initiative to make school and college campuses more eco-friendly.

• Solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and waste segregation will be promoted in schools.
• Students will also get involved in climate clubs and eco-learning programs.
  ???? Why it matters: A great step toward sustainable education and student-led change!

India has launched the Green Campus Programme (GCP), a nationwide initiative aimed at transforming educational institutions into environmentally sustainable spaces. Spearheaded by The Climate Project Foundation, the program focuses on integrating sustainability into school operations and curricula.​The Climate Project+3The Climate Project+3The Climate Project+3

What is the Green Campus Programme?

The GCP empowers schools and colleges to:​The Climate Project+2The Climate Project+2The Climate Project+2

Conserve natural resources like water and biodiversity

Optimize energy efficiency

Implement effective waste management practices

Educate students about climate change and sustainability​The Climate Project+2The Climate Project+2The Climate Project+2The Climate Project+2The Climate Project+2The Climate Project+2

By addressing these areas, the program aims to create eco-friendly campuses that serve as models for environmental responsibility.​The Climate Project+1Alliance University+1

Implementation and Reach

Since its inception, the GCP has made significant strides:​The Climate Project+2The Climate Project+2The Climate Project+2

Over 1,000 campuses have embarked on the journey towards sustainability

More than 200 schools are actively participating in the program

Over 11,000 teachers have been trained in sustainability education​The Times of India+5The Climate Project+5cseindia.org+5

Institutions work on five key areas—Air and Health, Water Management, Waste Management, Energy Efficiency, and Biodiversity—with guidance and support from the program's team. An audit follows to assess progress and impact. ​The Climate Project

 Educational Impact

The GCP places a strong emphasis on sustainability education, integrating knowledge from various fields to provide a holistic understanding of climate-related issues. This approach not only educates students about environmental challenges but also empowers them to take action in their communities. ​The Times of India+3The Climate Project+3The Climate Project+3

Recognition and Awards

The program has recognized and awarded more than 50 schools for their commendable work in converting their campuses into green spaces. These institutions serve as examples of how educational settings can lead in climate action. ​The Climate Project+1cseindia.org+1

Broader Context

The GCP aligns with India's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. Former Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar emphasized the importance of making educational campuses carbon neutral by 2030 to help the country meet its climate goals. ​Zee Biz

The Green Campus Programme represents a significant step towards integrating sustainability into education, fostering a generation of environmentally conscious citizens.