Executive Summary
Dr L. Ramesh, President of The Institution of Green Engineers (IGEN) and Joint Registrar at Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute (Dr MGR ERI), has demonstrated how higher education can become a powerful catalyst for measurable climate action. As Founder and President of IGEN, a United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA)-indexed civil society organisation, he has transformed sustainability education into community-led action through innovative, student-driven initiatives. His flagship programme, #ENSAV9MANTRAS, delivered through the IGEN ENERGY99CHALLENGE, empowers students to become sustainability ambassadors, each encouraging 99 households to adopt practical energy-saving habits.
The initiative has reached more than 33,000 households, achieved a 75 per cent adoption rate, and delivered measurable reductions in electricity consumption, carbon emissions and water use. Through his academic leadership, research and institutional engagement, Dr Ramesh has established a scalable model demonstrating how education can accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
Description
Dr L Ramesh’s work is founded on the belief that lasting climate action begins with education. Recognising the gap between sustainability policy and everyday behaviour, he has focused on translating complex sustainability concepts into practical actions that individuals and communities can readily adopt.
As Founder and President of IGEN, he conceived and led #ENSAV9MANTRAS, implemented through the IGEN ENERGY99CHALLENGE. The initiative enables students to serve as sustainability ambassadors by engaging 99 households each in adopting simple, evidence-based energy conservation practices aligned with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Beyond programme design, Dr Ramesh developed the training framework, outreach strategy and monitoring systems required to ensure consistency, accountability and measurable impact.
His work brings together students, faculty members, university leadership, local communities, professional bodies, non-governmental organisations, industry experts and international academic partners, creating a collaborative ecosystem that strengthens both research and community engagement.
Objectives
Dr Ramesh seeks to transform sustainability education into measurable community action by empowering students to lead behavioural change beyond the classroom.
His work focuses on:
- promoting household energy conservation;
- encouraging responsible consumption;
- strengthening climate awareness and action;
- reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions; and
- embedding sustainability within higher education institutions.
Through this approach, he addresses the persistent gap between sustainability policy and practical implementation at community level.
Innovation
Dr Ramesh has pioneered an innovative student-led model that converts sustainability education into measurable environmental Outcomes.
His “One Student, 99 Households” approach offers a practical alternative to conventional awareness campaigns by leveraging trusted community relationships to encourage lasting behavioural change. By embedding the #ENSAV9MANTRAS framework within academic institutions, he has demonstrated how higher education can generate measurable environmental benefits while developing future sustainability leaders.
The model combines education, community engagement and data-driven monitoring into a scalable framework that can be replicated across institutions.
Outcomes
The #ENSAV9MANTRAS initiative has produced significant environmental, educational and institutional Outcomes.
More than 33,000 households have participated in the programme, with approximately 75 per cent adopting recommended energy-saving practices. This has resulted in measurable reductions in electricity consumption, carbon emissions and water use.
Students have developed leadership, communication and sustainability competencies, while participating institutions have strengthened sustainability governance through dedicated sustainability clubs and SDG-aligned academic frameworks, ensuring the long-term continuity of the initiative.
Scalability
Dr Ramesh’s model demonstrates exceptional potential for replication because of its simplicity, low implementation cost and measurable Outcomes.
Recognised internationally as UN SDG Action #48555, the initiative has informed institutional sustainability practices and contributed to wider discussions on sustainability education and energy conservation. Its flexible design enables adoption by schools, colleges and universities across diverse geographical and institutional settings.
Sustainable Development Goals
Dr Ramesh’s work directly advances:
- SDG 4 – Quality Education
- SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13 – Climate Action