Driving Change, Building Green: A Journey of Learning on Wheels
Academic Staff College and School of Architecture and Planning, Amity University Haryana (AUH) its in collaboration with the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), Signature Global and the Association of Indian Universities (AIU-AUH-AADC) inaugurated a unique Five-Day Faculty Development Program (FDP) on Wheels on 16 June 2025 on the theme: “Green Building Technology and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Empowering Faculty to Drive Sustainable Practices at the Institute Level.”
Running from June 16–20, 2025, the FDP aims to empower educators across higher education institutions with practical knowledge and strategies to incorporate sustainable practices and CSR into teaching, research and institutional operations. This pioneering initiative blends expert-led sessions with immersive field visits, offering real-world exposure to sustainability champions.
Chief Guest Dr. V. Suresh Vasudev, Chairman of IGBC, delivered an insightful and engaging address that sparked thoughtful reflection among participants. Dr Suresh praised the collaborative efforts of Amity University Haryana and IGBC in bridging the gap between theory and practical implementation in the field of sustainability. Dr. Suresh spoke about the evolving nature of our cities and how the transition between rural and urban areas presents both exciting opportunities and serious challenges. With India being the world’s fourth-largest economy, he stressed that we carry a great responsibility to use our resources wisely and sustainably. Dr Suresh encouraged the use of traditional, local and vernacular materials combined smartly to create more efficient and eco-friendly buildings. Especially in the face of increasing natural disasters, Dr Suresh highlighted the need to reduce carbon footprints through conscious choices in construction, including the use of sustainable materials and thoughtful finishing. Dr. Suresh discussed the importance of aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on the well-being of people, the planet and the overall development process. He outlined several best practices that institutions should adopt and explore further, such as Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM), waste and energy management, sustainable lighting, responsible air conditioning, electric mobility and solar energy use all contributing to Net Zero Carbon Development.
Prof Dr. P.B. Sharma, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Amity University Haryana, spoke passionately about the urgent need for sustainable practices in today’s world. He reflected on the pressing global challenges we are facing as a civilization ranging from climate change and environmental degradation to resource scarcity and emphasized that these issues can no longer be ignored. Prof Sharma strongly endorsed the vision of the Faculty Development Program, describing it as a timely and impactful initiative. Prof Sharma highlighted the role of faculty not just as educators, but as thought leaders and changemakers who can inspire students to adopt environmentally responsible practices. According to him, training and sensitizing faculty in sustainability and CSR is crucial in shaping a generation of young minds that are innovative, aware, and committed to building a better, greener future.
Prof Dr. Vikas Madhukar, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Amity University Haryana, congratulated the organizing team and welcomed the chief guests and the collaborating partners from the IGBC and Signature Global. He underlined the importance of Green Building Technology and its importance in terms of economy and critical necessity in the phase of rapid urbanization. He elaborated on the growing load on the physical infrastructure and its impact on environment. Further, he emphasized on practicing sustainability through daily life events while learning from case studies, and assignments.
Dr. Abhay Purohit, President of the Council of Architecture, shared some truly thought-provoking ideas on how we understand the terms ‘green’ and ‘sustainable’. He stressed that while development is important, it should come with minimal disturbance to the natural environment. As architects, planners, and engineers, he said, we must be mindful and responsible in our approach—designing in ways that truly respect sustainability, not just follow trends. He highlighted the value of India’s traditional knowledge systems and encouraged passing them on to future generations. For example, he spoke about traditional stone block construction, which didn’t rely on artificial energy. He drew a warm analogy of our grandmothers turning old sarees into quilts (razai), showing how reuse was deeply rooted in our culture. Dr. Purohit emphasized the need for conservation, optimization, and recycling of resources in today’s building practices. He advocated reducing the use of concrete and promoting materials like steel, which are more sustainable and can be reused. As he wisely said, “Money can be exhausted, but gold can’t”— pointing out that materials with lasting value are better for long-term sustainability. He concluded by urging everyone to recognize the importance of using traditional, vernacular, and local materials in modern construction.
Guest of Honour, Mr. Sanjay Varshney, COE Signature Global gave the introduction on the realities and challenges of climate change and the role of Signature Global in water conservation and environment design. He emphasizes on the need to rethink on the way we use construction material. He stated that “Sustainability is about the partnership”. He gave examples of several projects undertaken by Signature Global in promoting the awareness programs such as Pathshala, and Jaagruk, several health –awareness sessions, mass marriages, and skill development programs to support and provide technical and industrial support to the new partners. About the Green building concepts, he quoted that “It is just the beginning of the Journey and not the destination” and this journey needs collaboration from all the stakeholders including engineers, architects, planners and designers.
Dr. HRP Yadav, Director, Amity School of Engineering and Technology, AUH shaded some light on the importance of Green Building Construction and Efficient Building Design for the responsible use of resources. He emphasized on maximizing the positive impacts of green buildings, use of sustainable materials, efficient water use, integrated waste management, maximum use of solar energy for illumination and use of sustainable materials for the building construction. He shared the ideas on using the traditional building materials replacing the one responsible for continuous addition to carbon footprints.
Prof Dr. Sanjna Vij, Convenor of the program and Prof of Liberal Arts and Director of Amity Academic Staff College, AUH opened the session with a warm welcome and shared the purpose behind this unique FDP. Prof Sanjna began with a powerful thought: “Taking care of our environment is no longer a choice-it’s a responsibility we all share.” She explained that this isn’t just a regular Faculty Development Program. As the title ‘FDP on Wheels’ suggests, it’s designed to be dynamic and hands-on. Instead of sitting in classrooms, participants will be on the move, exploring, engaging and learning from real-world experiences’, Prof Sanjna Vij highlighted how this FDP ties into some of the most important national and global efforts, including:
- The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
- India’s mission to reduce pollution and achieve carbon neutrality by 2070
- The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes practical, real-life learning and encourages eco-friendly thinking.
She emphasized that the program strongly supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), making it a meaningful step toward a more sustainable future both in education and in practice.
Prof Dr. Ila Gupta, Convenor of the FDP and Director, Amity School of Architecture and Planning during her welcome address appreciated the constant encouragement and support from the University to take the dimensions of sustainability ahead with the cooperation of faculty and students. She underlined the importance of going out of the classrooms and learning from the surroundings. As she believes that, the practice of sustainability depends on many tangible and intangible factors and cannot be understood in isolation.
Dr. Ravi Manuja, Registrar of Amity University Haryana, delivered the vote of thanks with heartfelt gratitude to all those who made the inaugural session of the FDP a success. He highlighted how this unique initiative represents a significant step forward in aligning education with environmental responsibility and thanked all participants for their enthusiasm and commitment to learning and leading sustainable practices. In closing, he wished everyone a successful and insightful week ahead, filled with learning, collaboration, and meaningful impact—both within and beyond the campus.
This FDP on Wheels is a unique step toward learning by doing going beyond classrooms to explore real-world sustainability practices. It brings together academic leaders, industry experts, and educators with one goal: to inspire meaningful change. As the program continues, it is expected to equip faculty with practical ideas and renewed motivation to lead greener, more responsible initiatives on their campuses.
