Principal, Miranda House, Delhi
Miranda House, University of Delhi, recipient of the Second Prize under the Sustainability in Curriculum & Research category at the Sustainability Karma Campus Leadership Awards 2026, is recognised for a living laboratory model combining paper recycling, compost enhancement, green chemistry, the Swachh Bharat Value-Added Course and experiential sustainability learning.
Miranda House has embedded sustainability into its curriculum, research, campus operations and community engagement by transforming the campus into a living laboratory for environmental learning. The institution combines academic inquiry with practical action, enabling students and faculty to address real-world sustainability challenges through research-driven initiatives and experiential education.
Faculty-led research promotes circular economy practices, sustainable waste management and green chemistry through projects on paper recycling, compost quality improvement and environmentally responsible laboratory methods. These initiatives strengthen scientific research while reducing environmental impact.
Sustainability is further reinforced through the Swachh Bharat Value-Added Course (VAC), where students participate in recycling unit visits, waste audits, cleanliness drives and awareness campaigns. Together, these initiatives foster responsible consumption, environmental stewardship and sustainability-led learning beyond the classroom.
Description
The initiative integrates sustainability into teaching, research and campus life through interdisciplinary research, experiential learning and environmentally responsible practices.
Key activities include:
- Research on paper-based disposables recycling and circular economy practices.
- Scientific improvement of on-campus compost through biochar and quality analysis.
- Green chemistry research using solvent-free and energy-efficient laboratory techniques.
- Swachh Bharat Value-Added Course (VAC).
- Recycling unit visits, waste audits and cleanliness drives.
- Awareness campaigns promoting responsible consumption.
- Field visits, including the Sulabh International Museum of Toilets, to connect sustainability with public health and sanitation.
Objectives
The initiative aims to:
- Integrate sustainability into academics, research and campus operations.
- Promote environmentally responsible waste and resource management.
- Encourage innovation through low-impact laboratory practices.
- Strengthen experiential learning in sustainability.
- Build environmental awareness and social responsibility among students and staff.
Innovation
The initiative combines research, curriculum and campus operations within a living laboratory model. Faculty-led projects on paper recycling, compost enhancement and green chemistry are integrated with experiential learning through the Swachh Bharat VAC, enabling students to apply scientific knowledge to practical sustainability challenges while promoting circular economy principles and responsible laboratory practices.
Outcomes
The initiative has strengthened sustainability across academic, research and campus activities.
Key achievements include:
- Improved waste segregation and paper recycling on campus.
- Enhanced compost quality for sustainable landscaping.
- Introduced environmentally responsible laboratory practices through green chemistry.
- Increased student participation in research and experiential sustainability learning.
- Strengthened awareness of responsible consumption among students, staff and campus stakeholders.
- Advanced research supporting circular economy and sustainable campus management.
Scalability
The initiative provides a research-led model that can be adapted across higher education institutions seeking to integrate sustainability into teaching and academic practice.
Its scalable components include:
- Paper recycling and circular economy research.
- Campus composting and biochar-based compost enhancement.
- Green chemistry laboratory protocols.
- Value-added sustainability courses.
- Experiential learning through campus and community engagement.
- Integration of research, curriculum and campus operations.
By combining academic research with practical implementation, the initiative offers a replicable framework for institutions seeking to embed sustainability into education, research and campus management while preparing environmentally responsible future leaders.
