Kerala’s Public Institutions Generate ₹33 Crore Through Climate Adaptation Initiatives
Key Insights
A study reveals Kerala’s public institutions, including MGU, KMRL, and CIAL, earned ₹33 crore from sustainable practices like waste management and solar energy.
Mahatma Gandhi University’s ‘Nirmalam MGU’ initiative converts organic waste into resources, generating ₹9 lakh from scrap sales and water conservation.
Kochi Metro Rail sources over 50% of its power from renewables, cutting CO2 emissions by 11,236 tons annually and saving ₹2 crore.
Cochin International Airport’s 50MWp solar capacity has reduced emissions by 1.76 lakh metric tonnes, with environmental gains valued at ₹34 crore.
A groundbreaking study published in Kerala Economy, the journal of the Gulati Institute of Finance and Taxation (GIFT), highlights how Kerala’s public institutions have turned climate adaptation into a lucrative venture, generating over ₹33 crore through sustainable initiatives. The research, conducted by the KN Raj School of Economics and MG University, Kottayam, analyzed the strategies of Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU), Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), Kochi Water Metro Limited (KWML), and Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL). These institutions have not only mitigated climate risks but also bolstered economic resilience and global recognition.
Mahatma Gandhi University’s ‘Nirmalam MGU’ initiative stands out, converting organic waste into compost and potting mixtures, while systematic scrap sales earned ₹9 lakh. The university’s reclaimed water reservoir, ‘Raveendra Sarovaram’, stores 4.5 crore litres of rainwater, significantly reducing campus water dependency. These efforts exemplify how academic institutions can lead in scalable sustainability models.
Kochi Metro Rail Limited has integrated renewable energy into its operations, with solar panels generating 5.389 MWp—over 50% of its daily 20 MW power requirement. This shift has slashed annual CO2 emissions by 11,236 tons, translating to ₹2 crore in carbon savings. Additionally, KMRL’s partnership with Carbon and Whales has introduced 160 recycled plastic benches, reducing emissions by 87% and saving ₹1.71 crore.
Cochin International Airport, the world’s first fully solar-powered airport, now boasts a 50MWp solar capacity. Since 2013, its solar installations have produced 25 crore units of green power, cutting emissions by 1.76 lakh metric tonnes and yielding ₹30 crore in carbon savings. Combined with other conservation efforts, CIAL’s environmental gains total ₹34 crore, recovering 11.11% of its initial ₹270 crore solar investment.
The study underscores the dual benefits of climate adaptation—environmental stewardship and financial gains—positioning Kerala’s institutions as blueprints for other states. An Environment Department official noted, ‘These initiatives prove that sustainable development and financial prudence can go hand in hand, offering a replicable model for climate challenges.’