India-China Youth Alliance for Net Zero

A Historic Step Beyond Borders!

April 1st, 2025 marked a significant milestone as India and China celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations. Commemorating this occasion, a transformative youth-led initiative took center stage: “Going Beyond Borders: India-China Youth Alliance for SDGs & Net Zero.”

In a powerful demonstration of climate diplomacy and regional cooperation, Dr. Rajendra Shende, Director of Green TERRE Foundation and Founder of Smart Campus Cloud Network (SCCN), joined hands with youth leaders from Climaction (Beijing) Environmental Technology Inc., China, underscoring the potential of student-driven collaboration in addressing global environmental challenges. As a former UNEP Director and international thought leader on climate action, Dr. Shende highlighted the pivotal role of youth in shaping a carbon-neutral, peaceful future. “Youth is the strongest bridge for peace and climate action between the 2 large countries,” he remarked during the event.

This landmark initiative sets a precedent for cross-border climate engagement between the two most populous nations, centered around shared goals for clean energy innovation, sustainable development, and Net Zero pathways. The alliance seeks to harness the power of people-to-people partnerships, leveraging the enthusiasm and creativity of young professionals and students from both nations.

SCCN calls upon all student leaders, innovators, and campus changemakers to engage with this vibrant alliance and be part of a united movement for a Net Zero future. For article of Dr Rajendra Shende

published on 1st April on the same subject. Click Here

Bio-Revolution to Mine Black Gold

SCCN’s Bold Move with Biowizard!

In a pioneering step toward campus sustainability, SCCN recently engaged in a knowledge exchange with Biowizard, an innovative biotech solution transforming solid and liquid waste management in India.

Biowizard’s patented bio-culture technology—certified under the Intellectual Property India and endorsed by the Mashelkar Committee—is a 100% organic, eco-friendly digester will be piloted in SCCN university members to tackle waste challenges in their campuses, hostels, toilets, composting plants, and beyond. Biowizard is endorsed by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation and listed on GeM.

Biowizard aligns with SCCN’s mission to empower universities as climate action hubs. This collaboration opens doors for campus trials, zero waste campuses and real-time sustainability impact.

Students from Germany’s Top University

Interact at TERRE Activity Center

On April 10, 2025, the Green Terre Foundation Activity Centre, in collaboration with Smart Campus Cloud Network, hosted a vibrant delegation of students from ESMT Berlin, Germany. The visit focused on exchanging ideas around climate action, circular economy, and campus sustainability.

Students explored key initiatives such as Net-Zero Practices including solar energy, biogas, and efficient water management and Circular Economy Models like upcycling and vermi-composting. The hands-on experience showcased how local innovations can drive global environmental impact.

The dialogue was dynamic, filled with shared perspectives on climate challenges and the role of youth in building sustainable futures. The Green Terre team was deeply inspired by the students’ curiosity and commitment.

This visit marks a promising step toward stronger international collaborations and student-led climate solutions across continents.This interaction underscores the critical role of global youth in addressing the urgent need for planetary preservation.

Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru

Now member of SCCN to Accelerate Net-Zero

SCCN welcomes Dayananda Sagar University into a dynamic ecosystem of more than 500 institutions across India and the Global South working together for climate justice, green innovation, and a sustainable academic future. Through this collaboration, Dayananda Sagar University will undertake comprehensive Campus Carbon Footprint Assessments using SCCN’s specialized tools, enabling data-driven decisions for climate action.

In a major boost to the student-led climate action movement, the prestigious Dayananda Sagar University (DSU) has officially joined the Smart Campus Cloud Network (SCCN), aligning itself with India’s fastest-growing academic network for sustainability and Net-Zero innovation.

With its reputation for academic excellence and cutting-edge research, DSU brings formidable strength to SCCN’s mission of building carbon-neutral campuses through student engagement, smart technologies, and sustainable development.

Through this collaboration, Dayananda Sagar University will undertake comprehensive Campus Carbon Footprint Assessments using SCCN’s specialized tools, enabling data-driven decisions for climate action.

Visva-Bharati University in Shantiniketan

A step nearer to Net-Zero with SCCN

In an era where climate action can no longer be delayed, Visva-Bharati University, a Central University founded by Rabindranath Tagore in 1921, has taken a pioneering step toward a Net-Zero future by aligning with the Smart Campus Cloud Network (SCCN).

This move marks a milestone in sustainability-driven higher education, proving that heritage institutions can lead from the front when it comes to environmental responsibility. Staying true to Tagore’s timeless vision of living in harmony with nature, the university has formed a dedicated Climate Core Committee comprising faculty, students, and sustainability practitioners. The committee has begun working on baseline data collection, greenhouse gas emission assessments, and the formulation of a campus carbon budget.

By taking this step forward, Visva-Bharati University sends a powerful message—climate action begins on campus, and every institution has the ability to lead.

New Mahabaleshwar Project

Local Perspectives on preserving UNESCO heritage

April 18, 2025 - On the occasion of World Heritage Day, a special session hosted by SCCN spotlighted the urgent need to protect the Kaas Plateau, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in Maharashtra.

In this session local community raised concerns about New Mahabaleshwar development project threatening the plateau’s fragile ecosystem including its ecological significance, conservation challenges, and tourism potential. “We are the guardians of Kaas,” said villagers, urging policymakers to prioritize conservation over commercial expansion.

Participants explored various aspects of site management, such as risk assessment, local involvement, and the need for expert committees to oversee conservation efforts. The group also addressed practical concerns related to tourism management, including parking facilities, ticketing systems, and the potential for sustainable development in the region.

Click here to Watch

Azerbaijan’s ADA University for Net Zero

SCCN reaches Central Asia

The Smart Campus Cloud Network held a promising initial kickoff meeting with ADA University, Azerbaijan, marking a key milestone in expanding its international collaboration for climate-smart & Net-Zero campuses. The meeting was led by Dr. Fariz Ismailzade, Vice Rector of ADA University

It was attended by distinguished guests including Ms Leyla Hasanova, Climate Youth Champion, COP29, and Mr Vagif Mammadov, UNDP Local Consultant, Baku. The discussion focused on introducing SCCN’s mission of empowering youth and universities to drive Net-Zero transitions, harnessing digital tools, and implementing sustainable campus practices.

Dr. Ismailzade expressed enthusiasm of ADA University joining the SCCN network, with shared commitment to climate leadership, innovation, and international collaboration. The presence of COP29 representatives further underscored the strategic alignment of this partnership with the upcoming global climate negotiations.

This meeting marks the beginning of a dynamic collaboration, paving the way for student-led sustainability projects, cross-border research on net zero and visibility at global climate platforms. Together, SCCN and ADA University are set to inspire a new wave of climate action from university campuses to the world stage.

Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok

Joins SCCN and Accelerates Net Zero

The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand, a premier international institution driving innovation in sustainable development, has officially joined the Smart Campus Cloud Network (SCCN) to advance its journey toward a Net-Zero campus.

This impactful collaboration is being spearheaded by Ms. Sireesha Bantu, Director of the Office of Sustainable Campus (OSC) at AIT, who also serves as Senior IFM Manager and Assistant Head at the institute. Under her leadership, AIT is aligning its campus operations with global climate goals, leveraging SCCN’s digital tools, student engagement programs, and IoT-based sustainability models.

Prof. Pai-Chi Li, President of AIT, has extended strong institutional support to this initiative, reinforcing AIT’s vision of being a regional leader in climate-conscious education and research.

Through this collaboration, AIT will integrate SCCN tools to track emissions, launch student-driven sustainability audits, promote climate-tech innovation, and engage in global youth-led Net-Zero dialogues.

As AIT becomes a part of this growing global movement, its leadership sets a strong precedent for other international institutions to embrace technology-enabled, student-led climate action.

SCCN is thrilled to welcome AIT Thailand to its network of change-making universities!

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