The Green Initiative at TINT focuses on raising environmental awareness and promoting sustainable practices among students, staff, and society. Key objectives include afforestation, implementing the 3 'R' policy (Reduce/Reuse/Recycle), and enhancing campus aesthetics. Collaborative efforts with NKDA and the Green for Life Foundation have led to the planting of nearly 2000 trees. Students earn marks for tree planting, and various environmental events are organized. A partnership with WWF contributed 100 saplings.

The initiative includes banning plastic, using solar energy, cultivating medicinal plants, and optimizing resources through energy-efficient lighting and rainwater harvesting. The success of these measures is evident in the recognition from Green for Life Foundation, lush campus greenery, increased student participation, and significant use of solar energy. Challenges include sustaining long-term commitment, sourcing saplings, and generating sufficient solar power. Future plans involve eco-friendly interiors, vertical gardens, and extending green practices to the community. The salient features of our best practices are as follows:-

• Tree Plantation & Landscaping
• Energy-Saving Measures & Use of Renewable Energy
• Campus advocating Controlled Use of Plastic
• Effective Waste Disposal
• Water Conservation

Title: Green Initiative: Tree Plantation and Ecological Measures

Objective:  The practice aims to raise awareness of environmental issues among students, staff, and society, promote sustainable development, contribute to afforestation in urban areas, implement the 3 'R' policy (Reduce/Reuse/Recycle) on campus, and beautify areas for scenic enhancement.

Context: At TINT, we prioritize compassionate and mindful education. Our Green Initiative aims to cultivate eco-friendly practices, ensuring a clean, green, and plastic-free campus. Through collective efforts of students, staff, and faculty, we aim to create sustainable environment, conserving energy and minimizing waste. Engaging students in these initiatives fosters awareness and equips them with skills to address environmental challenges, crucial in tackling climate change.

The Practice:

TINT implements a comprehensive Green Initiative through various programs:

• Collaborating with NKDA and Green for Life Foundation, afforestation projects at 2 locations in New Town have resulted to the plantation of near about 2000 trees planted by students and staff.
• Students receive university-awarded marks for planting trees, incentivizing green activity.
• On World Environment Day, joint campaigns by NSS Unit and IIC feature eco-friendly posters created by students.
• World Earth Day sees diverse activities like blood donation camps, tree planting, and poster competitions.
• A MOU with WWF provided 100 saplings for planting.
• Medicinal plant cultivation educates students on herbal properties.
• Plastic usage is prohibited, and solar energy powers a portion of campus electricity.
• Energy-efficient lighting and rainwater harvesting optimize resource use.
• Waste disposal involves organic and inorganic waste segregation.
• Regular green and energy audits ensure effective implementation of the Green Initiative.

Evidence of Success:

• Green for Life Foundation recognized TINT for planting over 1800 saplings at nearby locations outside the Campus.
• The campus boasts lush lawns and gardens where students nurture various plants under professional guidance.
• Increasing student participation in plantation and awareness programs is observed.
• Students gain knowledge of local flora and develop environmental awareness.
• TINT is a minimal-plastic-use zone.
• Solar energy meets 17-20% of the college's power needs.

Problems Encountered:

Challenges faced during the Green Initiative practice include the need for long-term commitment, resources, and manpower; sourcing healthy saplings; motivating students due to limited environmental awareness; and the high cost of plastic alternatives. Additionally, generating sufficient solar power to meet energy demands in the Institution remains a challenge.

Notes:  Suggestions for future green initiatives include developing eco-friendly interior spaces, establishing vertical gardens, forming student-gardener teams, and organizing inter-departmental competitions based on green practices within the campus. TINT aims to extend its green ideology to the neighbourhood and city, identifying and adopting "The TINT Tree" to gift to neighbouring institutions and initiate green dialogues.