The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 will introduce a new category focused on sustainability, marking a significant step towards promoting greener campuses across India. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF) and former Chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), emphasized the global urgency of addressing environmental degradation. He noted that integrating sustainability into educational rankings can drive broader societal change by influencing academic institutions to adopt eco-friendly practices.
This new parameter aims to assess Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) based on their commitment to environmental sustainability, green campus initiatives, and energy efficiency. By recognizing and rewarding institutions for their efforts in supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the initiative encourages sustained environmental stewardship.
Support from Academic Leaders
Prof. Prateek Sharma, Vice-Chancellor of Delhi Technological University (DTU), welcomed the inclusion of sustainability in the rankings. He highlighted its importance in raising awareness and promoting compliance with environmental regulations among HEIs. DTU has set an example with its eco-friendly infrastructure, including green buildings, solar energy systems, and a zero-liquid discharge zone with rainwater harvesting and greywater treatment facilities.
Anunaya Chaubey, Provost of Anant National University (ANU), Ahmedabad, echoed this support, emphasizing that the sustainability parameter will enhance industry-academia collaboration and prepare students to tackle global climate issues. Madhavan Nair Rajeevan, Vice-Chancellor of Atria University, Bengaluru, also praised the move, noting its potential to attract conscious students and faculty while advancing research on climate challenges.
Development of New Metrics and Scoring Systems
A committee is currently developing specific metrics to assess HEIs. These metrics may include resource efficiency, such as water and electricity usage, particularly from renewable sources, as well as research and publications related to climate concerns. Initiatives like seminars, elective courses on sustainability, and awards in this domain will also contribute to the scoring system.
Prof. Sharma noted that many institutions, especially in tier-I and tier-II cities, have limited awareness about sustainability, presenting an opportunity for significant improvement. Prof. Chaubey highlighted ANU’s commitment to sustainability through its Anant Centre for Sustainability, which focuses on climate change and sustainable design solutions.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite growing awareness, tangible impacts are still emerging, according to Prof. Sahasrabudhe. The new rankings are expected to increase focus on sustainability within HEIs. The scoring system for sustainability practices is still under development, with considerations for differences between urban and rural institutions. Prof. Sahasrabudhe indicated that stakeholder input is being sought to finalize the key indicators.
Unlike international rankings such as Times Higher Education and QS, which have separate sustainability lists, the NIRF will tailor its approach to India’s specific context, ensuring relevance and applicability within the local framework.
