AI-Driven Sustainability: DSU–GTF Launches Net Carbon Zero Campus Initiative

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bengaluru, India – Sept 27, 2025 – Dayananda Sagar University (DSU), located at the IT hub of Bengaluru, is now part of the global movement of ‘Net Zero University Campus’. Enthused by PM Modi’s curtain call of ‘Net Zero India by 2070’, DSU announced a landmark strategic collaboration with Green TERRE Foundation (GTF) to launch a transformative Net Carbon Zero Campus collaborative. This pioneering endeavor, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reaffirms both organizations' long-term commitment to sustainability and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global climate commitments.

The initiative positions DSU as a vibrant "living laboratory" for the UN's 2030 Agenda, fostering a unique ecosystem where students and faculty will co-create scalable solutions for a decarbonized future. By embedding principles of sustainability, circular economy, and carbon neutrality into its operations, DSU is reimagining higher education as a powerful driver of planetary well-being.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) will serve as a crucial catalyst, enabling data-driven energy optimization, smart resource utilization, and the development of climate-resilient infrastructure across the campus. This hands-on, experiential learning approach, championed by GTF's Smart Campus Cloud Network (SCCN), will empower DSU students with critical skills in carbon accounting, IoT, and SDG-aligned project management, preparing them to be future climate leaders.

"Dayananda Sagar University's Net Carbon Zero Campus, in partnership with GTF, is our unwavering commitment to the UN SDGs and global climate action," stated Dr. Satyanarayana B S, Vice Chancellor, Dayananda Sagar University. "By integrating sustainability, circularity, and AI-driven solutions, we are shaping a living campus that inspires students to lead the transition towards a just, sustainable, and net-zero future. We will achieve our Net Zero goal by 2030 ", added Dr Satyanarayana with confidence. 

Key highlights of the initiative include:

• 2030 Carbon Neutrality Goal:DSU is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions across its campus by 2030.
• Curriculum Integration:New environmental courses, including ESG and Carbon Management, will be incorporated into existing programs, targeting the academic year 2026, with a focus on practical, hands-on learning.
• International Conference on AI for Net Zero:DSU will host an international conference in January/February 2026, preceded by a preliminary workshop in September 2025, to explore AI applications in sustainability and education.
• Student-Led Engagement:Students will be trained to conduct carbon emission surveys, collect and analyze data using digital platforms, and contribute to sustainability projects, gaining valuable green job readiness skills.
• 50-Member Core Group:A dedicated core group comprising faculty and students has been formed to spearhead the initiative.

The Smart Campus Cloud Network (SCCN), spearheaded by Green TERRE Foundation, has a global consortium of over 500 universities across 14 countries. It accelerates campus-level climate action by transforming universities into "living laboratories" for achieving Net Zero emissions and advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

"While climate debates prioritize finance, tech, and policy, action falters for lack of skilled human capital," said Dr. Rajendra Shende, Director and Co-Founder of Green TERRE Foundation. "We forge deployable climate leaders now by turning university campuses into living labs—where experiential learning replaces theoretical talks. This hands-on capacity-building isn't optional; it's the sine qua non for Net Zero."

This collaboration marks a significant step towards a sustainable future, demonstrating DSU's leadership in environmental stewardship and its dedication to educating a generation equipped to tackle global climate challenges.

About Dayananda Sagar University (DSU):

Dayananda Sagar University (DSU) is a leading institution of higher education in Bengaluru, India, committed to academic excellence, research, and innovation. DSU offers a wide range of programs across various disciplines, fostering holistic development and preparing students for successful careers and responsible citizenship.

About Green TERRE Foundation (GTF):

Green TERRE Foundation is an NGO registered with the Ministry of Company Affairs of India, dedicated to promoting climate action and sustainable development. Through its Smart Campus Cloud Network (SCCN) initiative, GTF empowers youth and universities to drive sustainability through hands-on projects, digital innovation, and cross-campus knowledge sharing. GTF is mentored by distinguished global leaders in environment and climate policy.

Contact:
DSU Contact: Dr Vinayak B Hemadri, +91 9910275510, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
GTF Contact: Ar. Durga Kamat, +91 8928418360, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.