Internal Green Audit Report

Internal Quality Assurance Cell
The Assam Royal Global University, Guwahati
2023

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Table of Contents
Page No

Introduction to the University

5

What is Green Audit

5-6

Objectives of Internal Green Audit

6

Soil and Water Parameters of RGU Campus

7-8

Biodiversity Survey

9-17Green Campus Initiatives

17-18

Audit conclusions and Recommendations

19

Appendix

I

4

AppendixIntroduction to the University
The Assam Royal Global University, Guwahati was established as a State Private University with The
Assam Royal Global University Act, 2013 (Assam Act No. XXIII of 2013) under Section 6 of the Assam
Private Universities Act, 2007 enacted by the Assam Legislative Assembly, vide notification no. LGL.
12/2013/22 published in The Assam Gazette on 23rd August 2021. The University is recognized under
Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956 with the right to confer degrees as per Section 22 of UGC Act, 1956.
Located at a few minutes’ walk from National Highway 37 and spread across nearly 30 acres of land andabout15 lakh sq. feet with centrally air conditioned area, the University is an emerging centre of academic
and co-curricular excellence in the region, providing holistic education to its students through a wide arrayof curricular and co-curricular choices and opportunities. A significant aspect of education in the world
today, particularly in Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) is environment and climate consciousness. As
the world has turned warmer with rapid depletion of green cover and climate change is already ringing awarning bell to all concerned, HEIs can play a crucial role in generating awareness about environment aswell as contribute towards sustainability and environmental preservation. In this context, The Assam Royal
Global University has endeavoured to contribute towards sustainability and environmental preservation
through its curricular and co-curricular aspects. The University is nestled between a mosaic of wetlands andhills all around, including the Deepor Beel, a Ramsar site and Garbhanga hill range and its forests, thus
providing a unique ecosystem for the existence of different species of flora and fauna.
The Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) is an integral part of the governance of The AssamRoyal Global
University, Guwahati. It was established in congruence with the guidelines laid down by the University
Grants Commission in 2018. The IQAC-RGU was constituted with eight members with the Hon’ble Vice
Chancellor Prof (Dr) S.P. Singh as the Chairperson and Prof. (Dr) O.K. Medhi as the Director. Right fromits inception the IQAC initiated the process of developing realistic and attainable quality benchmarks for the
Academic and Administrative units of the University.

What is Green Audit
Green Audit is a process of systematic identification, quantification, recording, reporting, and analysis ofcomponents of environmental diversity of an academic establishment. As environmental sustainability is
increasingly becoming an important concern for the world, the role of higher educational institutions (HEIs)
increases manifold. In HEIs, Green Audit enables systematic assessment of the environmental diversity of theinstitution at the same time as it is an effective tool for the institution to determine its status in the utilizationof energy, water or other resources and make necessary changes as and when necessary. Green audit alsoenables the institution to determine the type and volume of waste generated and steps taken towards
effective waste minimization and disposal plans. It can assess and generate further awareness among
student and staff members on the institution’s green initiatives and contributions towards a sustainable
future.
In 2006, the Government of India declared the National Environment Policy 2006 and thereafter the processof environmental audit was formalized by the Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) as per the guidelines in
Manual of Standard orders (MSO) issued by the Authority of the Controller and Auditor General of India
2002. From the academic year 2016-17 the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC),
Bengaluru made it mandatory for all Higher Educational Institutions to submit an annual green audit report.
It is also a good practice of any HEI to ensure that the audit process contributes towards sustainable
development.
The terms Environmental Audit or Green Audit have different meanings. Although there is no universal
definition of Green Audit, many leading organizations follow the basic philosophy and approachsummarized by the broad definition adopted by the International Chambers of Commerce (ICC) in its
publication of Environmental Auditing (1989). The ICC defines Environmental Auditing as a management
tool comprising a systematic, documented, periodic and objective evaluation of how well an organisation is
performing with the aim of safeguarding the environment and natural resources. The European
Commission, in its proposed regulation on environmental auditing, has also adopted the ICC definition of5

Environmental Audit. However, the outcome of Green Audit needs to be established with concrete evidence
and the measures undertaken and facilities in the Institution. Green audit can be defined as the process
whereby an HEIs environmental performance is tested against its environmental policies and objectives.
Although it is mandatory for any institution attempting accreditation of NAA to have External Green Audit
conducted by certified agency (listed in NABCB website and with ISO 21001 certification, The AssamRoyal Global University, upon the advice of the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor and Chairperson, IQAC
conducted an Internal Green Audit in the academic session 2022-2023. This was done under the supervisionof an Internal Green Audit Committee, in association with a few departments (and schools) of the
University. This report brings forth the findings of the same.

Objectives of the Green Audit
The objectives of the Internal Green Audit could be summarized as below:•

To review on a basic level, the activities and operations of the University and identify main sources ofresource utilization, and their environmental impact.

•

To understand the sustainability related initiatives undertaken in the University.

•

To identify the green campus initiatives undertaken by the University.

•

To share audit observations and findings along with suggestions and recommendations for thefuture.
In view of the NAAC circular, an Internal Green Audit was conducted in the University in March
2023. The work of the audit report was supervised and coordinated by the Internal Green Audit
Committee that comprised the following members:
Prof (Dr) Nikhil K. Churungoo, Dean, Royal School of Life Sciences

Chairperson

Prof (Dr) Ankur Ganguly, Dean of Academics

MemberProf (Dr) Anuradha Devi, Director, IQAC

MemberProf (Dr) B.S. Mipun, Dean, Students Welfare

MemberProf (Dr) K.K. Baruah, Dean, Royal School of Environmental and Earth Sciences

MemberProf (Dr) Hari Prasad Agarwal, Dean, Royal School of ArchitectureMemberDr Israfil Hussain, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics

Member

Dr Stuti Goswami, Assistant Professor, Department of English and member, IQAC.

MemberSecretary

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Soil and Water Parameters of RGU Campus
Soil and water are indispensable for the existence of any system or organization. Assessing the soil and waterparameters of a university campus is essential to assess and determine how and to what extent the University is
maintaining an eco-friendly environment. The Internal Green Audit Committee coordinated and supervised inconjunction with Royal School of Environmental and Earth Sciences (RSEES), the assessment of the soil andwater parameters of The Assam Royal Global University campus.
Below is a description of the practical experiments and their respective results.

3.1 WATER
1. Ph of water
Water Source

Method Used

pH ValueTap Water

pH Paper8

pH Meter

8.55

pH Paper

7 to 8

pH Meter

8.37

Drinking Water

2. Determination of WATER
The analysis of water parameters provides a comprehensive examination of key water quality indicators,
including pH, chloride concentration, hardness as CaCO3 (mg/L), alkalinity, acidity, total solids, total
dissolved solids, and total suspended solids. The significance of these analyses an important role inensuring the safety and sustainability of our water resources. It enables informed decisions regarding water
treatment, distribution, and conservation. Moreover, these analyses contribute to the protection of
ecosystems and public health, emphasizing their crucial role in the field of environmental science andwater management.

Chloride
Drinking Water
Distilled water

1.98mg/L
0 mg/L3. Hardness test
SourceHardness as
mg CaCO3/L

Distilled water

56

Drinking Water

84

Tap Water

150

7Argentometricmethod4.Alkalinity test of water
phenolpthalein indicator alkalinity

28 mg/L

methyl orange indicator alkalinity
188 mg/L

Titration

5.Acidity test of water
phenolpthalein indicator alkalinity

74mg/Lmethyl orange indicator alkalinity

432mg/L

Titration

6.Total solids, total dissolved solids and total suspended solids
TS
20000 mg/L

TDS
200 mg/L

TSS
68800 mg/L

3.2 SOIL
This report provides an overview of the practical exercises conducted specifically focusing on the analysis ofsoil parameters. The practical experiments and sessions, conducted by faculty members of RSEES were
designed to familiarize students with various techniques used in soil analysis, including the determination of
texture, porosity, particle size, bulk density, specific gravity, and soil moisture content. These are fundamental
in understanding the physical and chemical properties of soil behaviour and characteristics, that are in turnimportant for sustainable land use planning, agriculture, and construction practices. Accurate data on bulk
density, specific gravity, and soil moisture content enable informed decision-making, ensuring optimal
resource utilization and environmental protection.

Below is a description of the practical experiments and their respective results.
1. Soil moisture content by different method
Method Used
resultoven dry
30.77%

infrared moisture meter
27.88

2. Field density by core cutter method
1.72gcm3
result2.044gcm3
3.Specific gravity determination by pycnometer and density bottle
Method Usedpycnometer
density bottle
2.88
0.44
results
2.754
2.6
4. ph of the given soil sample
ph meter
7.3

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Biodiversity Survey
The objective of biodiversity audit is to assess the overall maintenance of the ecological environment on thecampus. By the term biodiversity we understand all the different kinds of life forms available in the particulararea all the flora and fauna available on the campus. All these species work together in an ecosystem.
Biodiversity audit was conducted in The Assam Royal Global University, Guwahati by Royal School of Life
Sciences (RSLSC) in March 2023 and the following are the observations:•

The nearly 30 acres of the RGU campus has rich flora and faunabiodiversity•

The documentation as part of the biodiversity audit was conducted by the Departments of Botany andZoology, engaging students under the supervision of the faculty members of the department.

•

A total of 22 birds, 27 butterflies and 7 herpetofauna species wererecorded.

•

Birds were represented by 19 families and butterflies were represented by 6 families. Common Mynah(Acridotheres tristis) and Spotted Dove(Spilopelia chinensis) were the most dominant bird species dueto theiradaptation to urban setup and ability to breed in high-rise buildings.

•

Zizina otis were the most prominently seen butterfly species. This low flying species is often seen inlawns and sidewalks.

•

Three species of butterflies under Indian Wildlife (Protection Act), 1972 viz. Elymnias peali (WPA I),
Discophora sondaica (WPA I) and Mycalesis gotama (WPA II) were found. Herpetofauna isrepresented by 6 families.

9The findings of the biodiversity survey are mentioned below:

4.1 TREE DIVERSITY DETAILS
Table 4.1 Tree diversity details
SL.
NO.

SCIENTIFIC NAMEFAMILYCOMMON NAME

1.

Roystonea regia (H. B. K.) O.F. Cook.

Arecaceae

Royal palm, Bottle palm

2.

Cupressaceae

Japanese cedar

3.

Cryptomeria japonica (Thunb. Ex Linn.f.)
D. DonPlumeria rubra Linn.

Apocynaceae

Temple tree, Pagoda tree

4.

Codium variegatum (Linn.) A. Juss.

Euphorbiaceae

Variegated croton

5.

Ixora taiwansis Roxb.

Rubiaceae

Dwarf Ixora

6.

Phoenix roebelenii O’ Brien.

Arecaceae

Pygmy date palm

7.

Pandanus facicularis Lamk.

Pandanaceae

Screw pine

8.

Melastoma malabathricum Linn.

Melastomaceae

Malabar melastome

9.

Murraya paniculata (Linn.) Jack

Rutaceae

Orange jasmine

10.

Thuja occidentalis Linn.

Cupressaceae

White cedar

11.

Duranta erecta Linn.

Verbenaceae

Golden dewdrop

12.

Cocos nucifera Linn.

Arecaceae

Coconut

13.

Ocimum sanctum Linn.

Lamiaceae

Holy basil

14.

Psidum guajava Linn.

Myrtaceae

Guava

15.

Heliconia rostrata Ruiz &Pavon

Heliconiaceae

Hanging lobster claw

16.

Hibiscus rosasinensis Linn.

Malvaceae

China rose

17.

Apocyanaceae

Pinwheel flower

18.

Tabernamontana divaricata R. Br.
Roem.
&Schult.
Yucca filamentosa Linn.

Asperagaceae

Adam’s needle

19.

Ixora coccinia Linn.

Rubiaceae

Jungle flame

20.

Artocarpous heterophyllus Lamk.

Moraceae

Jack fruit

21.

Tecoma stans (Linn.) Juss. ex kunth

Begnoniaceae

Yellow bells, Yellow
trumpet bush

22.

Cycas revolutaThunb.

Cycadaceae

Sago cycad

23.

Borassus flabellifer Linn.

Arecaceae

Palmyra palm

24.

Mussaenda philippica A. Rich

Rubiaceae

Queen of Philippines

25.

Ficus benjamina Linn.

Moraceae

Weeping fig

26.

Callistemon lanceolatus (Sm.) Sweet

Myrtaceae

Red bottle brush27.

Alternanthera brasiliana (Linn.) Kuntz

Amaranthaceae

Metal weed/ Brazilian joy
weed

28.

Taxus baccata Linn.

Taxaceae

Common yew

10

ex

29.

Ficus lyrata Warb.

Moraceae

Fiddle leaf fig

30.

Borassus flabellifer Linn.

Arecaceae

Palmyra palm

31.

Nerium oleander Linn.

Apocynaceae

Oleander32.

Streblus asper Lour.

Moraceae

Toothbrush tree

33.

Bambusa ventricosa Mc clure

Poaceae

Buddha bamboo

34.

Elaeis guineensis Jacq.

Arecaceae

African oil palm

35.

Ficus hispida Linn. f.

Moraceae

Devil fig, Hairy fig

36.

Grevillea robusta A. Cunn. ex R. Br.

Proteaceae

Silver oak, Silky oak

37.

Saraca asoca (Roxb.) De Wilde

Caesalpiniaceae

Ashoka tree

38.

Euphorbia continifolia Linn.

Euphorbiaceae

Caribbean copper plant

39.

Pinanga dicksonii (Roxb.) Blume

Arecaceae

Dickson palm

40.

Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex J. C. Wendl.

Poaceae

Golden bamboo

41.

Ziziphus jujube Mill.

Rhamnaceae

Jujube, Chinese date

42.

Fargesia nitida (Milford ex Stapf) Keng.f.

PoaceaeHedge bamboo

43.

Codiaeum variegatum (Linn.) A. Juss.

Euphorbiaceae

44.

Chamaedorea elegans Mart.

Arecaceae

GardenVariegatedcrotonParlour palm

45.

Licuala peltata Roxb. ex Buch.-Ham.

Arecaceae

Swamp fan palm

46.

Syzygium australe (H. L. Wendl. ex Link)
B.
HylandMyrtaceae

Brush cherry, Watergum

4.2 AVIAN DIVERSITY IN RGU CAMPUS
Table 4.2 Diversity Details of Birds
Sl No.

Scientific Name

FamilyCommon Name

1.

Spilopelia
chinensis

Columbidae

Spotted dove

2.

Passer domesticus

Passeridae

House Sparrow

3.

Corvus corax

CorvidaeCommon Raven

4.

Corvus splendens

CorvidaeHouse Crow

5.

Acridotheres tristis

Sturnidae

Common Mynah

6.

Gracupica contra

Sturnidae

Asian Pied Starling

7.

Porphyrio
porphyrio

RallidaePurple Swamphen

8.

Amaurornis
phoenicurus

RallidaeWhite Breasted Waterhen

11croton,9.

Eudynamys
scolopaceus

Cuculidae

Koel

10.

Pycnonotus
jocosus

Pycnonotidae

Red-Whiskered Bulbul

11.

Spilornis cheela

Accipitridae

Crested Serpent Eagle

12.

Bubo bengalensis

Strigidae

Indian Eagle-Owl

13.

Bubulcus ibis

ArdeidaeCattle Egret

14.

Megalurus
palustris

Locustellidae

Striated Grassbird

15.

Saxicola maurus

Muscicapidae

Siberian Stonechat

16.

Mirafra assamica

Alaudidae

Bengal Bushlark

17.

Metopidius indicus

Jacanidae

Bronzed Winged Jacana

18.

Microcarbo niger

Little Cormorant

19.

Cinnyris asiaticus

Phalacrocoracidae
Nectariniidae

20.

Copsychussaularis

Turdidae

Oriental Magpie-Robin21.

Dicrurus
macrocercus

Dicruridae

Black Drongo

22.

Anastomus
oscitansCiconiidae

Asian openbill

Bronze Winged Jacana

12

Purple Sunbird

Siberian Stonechat

Striated Grassbird

Siberian Stonechat

Little Cormorant13

4.3 BUTTERFLY DIVERSITY IN RGU CAMPUS
Table 4.3 Butterfly Diversity details
Sl No.

Scientific Name

FamilyCommon Name

1.

Graphium agamemnon

Papilionidae

Tailed Jay

2.

Papilio demoleus

Papilionidae

Lime Swallowtail

3.

Pieris rapae

Pieridae

Small Cabbage White

4.

Leptosia nina

Pieridae

Psyche5.

Eurema hecabe

PieridaeCommon Grass Yellow

6.

Catopsilia pomona

PieridaeCommon Emigrant

7.

Zizina otis

Lycaenidae

Lesser Grass blue

8.

Zizeeria karsandra

Lycaenidae

Dark Grass Blue

9.

Pseudozizeeria maha

Lycaenidae

Pale Grass Blue10.

Chilades pandava

Lycaenidae

Plains Cupid

11.

Zemeros flegyas

Riodinidae

Punchinello

12.

Junonia almanac

Nymphalidae

Peacock Pansy

13.

Danaus chrysippus

Nymphalidae

Plain Tiger

14.

Junonia lemonias

Nymphalidae

Lemon Pansy

15.

Ypthima baldus

Nymphalidae

Common Five Ring

16.

Elymnias peali

Nymphalidae

Peal’s Palmfly

17.

Mycalesis perseus

Nymphalidae

Common Bushbrown

18.

Symbrenthia lilaea

Nymphalidae

Common Jester

19.

Melanitis leda

Nymphalidae

Common Evening Brown

20.

Junonia atlites

Nymphalidae

Grey Pansy

21.

Neptis hylas

Nymphalidae

Common sailor

22.

Danaus genutia

Nymphalidae

Striped Tiger

23.

Parantica aglea

Nymphalidae

Glassy Tiger

24.

Discophora sondaica

Nymphalidae

Common Duffer

25.

Mycalesis gotama

Nymphalidae

Chinese Bushbrown

26.

Potanthus omaha

Hesperiidae

Lesser Dart

27.

Lambrix salsala

Hesperiidae

Chestnut Bob

14

Peal’s Palmﬂy

PsycheLesser Grass Blue

Plain Tiger

Small Cabbage White

Peacock Pansy

Lime Swallowtail

15

4.4 HERPETOFAUNA DIVERSITY IN RGU CAMPUS
Table 4.4 Herpetofauna diversity in RGU campus

Sl
No
.
1.

Scientific Name

FamilyCommon Name

Hemidactylus frenatus

Gebkkonidae

CommonGecko

2.

Bufonidae

Common Toad

3.

Duttaphrynus
melanostictus
Calotes versicolor

Agamidae

4.

Fowlea piscator

Colubridae

OrientalgardenlizardCheckered keelback

5.

Enhydris enhydris

Homalopsidae

6.

Bungarus niger

ElapidaeRainbowwater
snake
Greater black krait

7.

Lepidodactylus lugubris

Gekkonidae

Mourning gecko

House

Energy Efficient Measures and Alternative Sources of Energy
The Assam Royal Global University engages in various alternate sources of energy and energy conservation.
Some of the measures taken in this context include:
•
•
•
•
•
•

Use of energy efficient means LEDs and sensor-based lighting to minimize the usage of electrical
power.
CRT monitors are used instead of LCD/LED Monitors. Air conditioners, computers, and ceiling fansinstalled on the campus are all Energy Star certified.
Solar energy is generated on campus. A 165 kbh solar power plant is established on campus to reduce
dependence on non-renewable forms of energy. This solar power plant is fabricated withpolycrystalline.
panels are located on the terraces of several blocks of the University. Through this, the University
annually contributes towards reducing CO2 emissions.
Power outputs of solar panels are connected to the power grid so that excess power produced by thesolar panels are supplied to the grid.
The production of biogas, another renewable source of energy on campus through a biogas plant offers
another means of production of renewable source of energy. The production of manure compost for thebiogas plant takes place on campus under the initiative of IIC-RGU.

Waste Management
Sustainable waste management practices are employed by the University for minimization of waste producedon
the campus. Solid waste is collected by garbage collecting vehicles on a daily basis. Special treatment measures
are applied for chemical and such other potentially hazardous waste. E-waste disposal is as per government
guidelines.

16Solid waste management
There are separate dustbins for degradable and non-biodegradable waste at all strategic positions onthe campus.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For solid waste collection there is a designated dumping ground beyond the boy’s hostel.
Grass and fallen leaves are collected by housekeeping staff members and are put in vermicomposting
pit for generation of manure. This is used on campus and is also available for purchase.
Single use plastic has been banned on the university campus since 2018.
Liquid waste management
Surface drainage systems and Subsurface Drainage Systems remove excess water from the land’s
surface through channels or ditches.
Slope drainage systems are built to allow water to flow from a structure in a downward direction.
Downspouts and gutter systems are installed to protect against over-saturation from stormwater. They
are often drained into an aluminium extension, buried drainpipe, rain barrel, or other solution.
The purpose is to move water away and route water to other drainage systems on the street or sidewalk.
Some are connected to underground sewer lines using gutter drains or underground drains.
Rainwater harvesting utilizes the rainwater collected on the roofs of Blocks D, E and F.
The Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) installed between Samaya hostel and Harsha House for wastewater
recycling has a capacity of 150KLD. The degree of treatment is as per the regulations stipulated byIndian standard codes. The treated wastewater is reused for gardening, toilets, and cleaning vehicles.

E-waste management
Electronic waste products are given to recycling agencies. Unused electronic items or items that no longer work
such as circuits, printer, computers, batteries, monitors, charging cables, wi-fi devices, cartridges, display units
etc. are separated and disposed as scrap through authorised vendors.
All electronic devices are put to optimum utilization.
Both minor and major repairs of electronic goods are carried out by professional technicians to ensure theirreuse.

Bio-medical waste management
The University has an MoU with FreshAir Waste Management Services Pvt. Ltd. for safe andeffective disposal of bio-medical waste generated from the laboratories of the University.

Green Campus Initiatives
The Assam Royal Global University contributes towards its obligations towards the natural environment
through various environment-friendly and sustainable initiatives on-campus and off-campus. Some of thesegreen campus initiatives include the following:

Rainwater harvesting: Rainwater harvesting is environment-friendly and economically viablein the hydrogeological setting of the University.
The campus strictly follows “No Smoking Zone” principle and there is a restraint on the use of single-use
plastic.
There is restricted entry and use of automobiles on the campus.

17

Electric vehicles designed by the students of the university underIIC-RGU and battery powered vehicles
are used within the campus for transportation of goods and other services.
The plants and grass cover of the campus are watered with treated wastewater from the University’s Sewage
Treatment Plant.

Cleanliness drives and tree plantation activities are regularly conducted by different departments andschools as well through club activities in RGU campus and elsewhere.
Various subjects are introduced at the UG and PG levels impart education to students about the environment.
Apart from UG and PG programmes under the Royal School of Environment and Earth Sciences (RSEES),
there is Environmental Studies (EVS) as a compulsory subject in all UG programmes (in 2nd semester) under
CBCS curriculum. Other environment-related subjects include Organic Farming (VAC992V2019), Wildlife
Conservation (VAC992V2020), Climate Change (VAC992V2024), Pest Management (ZOO142S321), Botanyin Rural Communities (BOT142G101), Environmental Biotechnology (BTC152G202), and Aquatic Biology(ZOO142G202), etc.

Sustainability is promoted through biogas plants and production of organic manure (vermicompost andmanure compost).
The University encourages digital initiatives through implementation of e-governance in student admission,
examinations, teaching-learning, and finance and accounts through ERP software.

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Audit Recommendations
Some of the key recommendations of the Internal Green Audit committee includes the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

The University should develop a biodiversity database by mapping biodiversity using Geospatial
Technology.
Quick Response (QR) codes to be installed for each tree on the campus, as a step towards generating
greater awareness through accessibility about biodiversity awareness among students, staff members aswell as visitors to the University.
There should be a thrust on greater use of indigenous systems of gardening and in the use of organic
fertilizer in the University campus.
As the University is located quite close to the National Highway, there is scope for increasing thegreenery of the University campus through various innovative measures, including terrace gardening
and hydroponics.
All Departments and Schools should be encouraged to have potted plants inside faculty rooms andcorridors, as feasible.
Students should be encouraged to not only plant trees but also learn how to take care of trees and plantson the campus.
Waste management is to be made more effective trough greater emphasis on segregation of solid waste
into biodegradable and degradable categories.

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