Nalanda University campus

The upcoming Nalanda University will focus on zero-energy level, zero-pollution emission and a green milieu.

Nexant, a Chicago-based company, which has been selected by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to lead its Partnership to Advance Clean Energy Deployment technical assistance project in India, would provide help for this purpose.

A decision to this effect was taken in a meeting of the university administration held in New Delhi on Saturday attended by vice-chancellor Gopa Sabharwal, professional adviser A.R. Ramanathan, administrative head V.S. Sridhar among others. Nexant will provide assistance to Ahmedabad-based Vastu Shilpa, which will design the upcoming campus in Rajgir.

Sabharwal said: “Nexant will guide Vastu Shilpa on several issues, including types of solar panels and batteries for storing solar energy for longer period. It will provide assistance while the university will bear expenses of installing solar panels and others.”

As the campus will focus on net zero energy emission, all the energy used in the campus will be produced through renewable sources, said Ramanathan adding: “Much of the energy at the campus will be produced from solar photovoltaic panel, which will be fitted above the water bodies within the campus. For meeting the energy requirement, the university will depend on biogas or bio fuel.”

Much of the water requirement of the university will be met from a centrally located pond. Also, the new university will focus on harvesting rainwater. For storing rainwater, the big pond will be used.

As the university will limit use of energy from non-renewable sources, towers will be constructed to act as air-conditioners. These towers will suck the outside air and after absorbing the moisture, release it inside the campus.

Sabharwal added: “Soil testing of the campus is almost over and the first phase of construction will start by February 2015.” Funds to tune of Rs 700 crore have been proposed to be spent in the first phase.