Case Studies

Business School Charts Net Zero Path with Switch Climate Tech

Background

A prestigious Indian university at the intersection of art, design, and technology has emerged as a front-runner in sustainable campus development. Long before net zero became a sector-wide imperative, the institution had already implemented on-site solar power, rainwater harvesting systems, greywater recycling, and organic waste processing. With these foundational systems in place, the university set an ambitious goal: to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030 and become a model of climate innovation in higher education.

Challanges

The university’s carbon footprint was dominated by refrigerant-related emissions, which accounted for over 97 percent of total emissions due to widespread HVAC usage across academic, residential, and administrative blocks. In addition, electricity consumption, water use, and waste generation contributed to environmental impact. The absence of an integrated emissions inventory and strategic roadmap hindered progress toward climate goals.

Our Solution

Switch Climate Tech partnered with the university to deliver a comprehensive Net Zero Strategic Plan tailored to its complex infrastructure and emissions profile.

A detailed audit of Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions was conducted using global best practices.
A GHG Inventory Report was developed based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, with a focus on refrigerants and electricity
A phased Net Zero Strategy was created, outlining high-impact actions across energy, water, waste, and cooling systems.
Capital expenditure plans and emissions reduction targets were modeled for financial and operational feasibility.
A digital framework was proposed for real-time monitoring, reporting, and optimization across key resource areas.

Behavioral change, training, and curriculum integration were recommended to build long-term institutional capacity.

Measured Benefits

The strategic plan targets a 70 to 80 percent reduction in refrigerant-related emissions within the first three years.
Energy, water, and waste management interventions are expected to deliver significant cost savings and compliance readiness.
The university gains a scalable platform for performance tracking and transparent climate reporting.

Strategic Impact

The institution is emerging as a national leader in climate-focused campus transformation.
Its refrigerant-first, multi-domain strategy serves as a model for large academic institutions in India.
Switch Climate Tech’s partnership ensures long-term optimization and alignment with global sustainability goals.