A new research paper has underscored the need for well thought-out strategies and sustainable practices in public sector institutions in Kerala for addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
The study, by researchers at the K.N. Raj School of Economics (KNRSE), Mahatma Gandhi University, has drawn upon eco-friendly examples from the Cochin International Airport Ltd. (CIAL), the Kochi Metro Rail and the Kochi Water Metro, and the MG University. A paper on the findings, ‘Institutional adaptation of a few public sector institutions in Kerala in the context of climate change,’ has been published in Kerala Economy, brought out by the Gulati Institute of Finance and Taxation, Thiruvananthapuram.
In the case of MG University, the researchers examined innovative residue management and water storage methods adopted on the campus. Energy conservation, primarily the use of renewables and carbon savings, was the focus areas in the case of the other three.
₹33 crore generated
“The total money generated because of the institutional adaptation strategies by the selected institutions is around ₹33 crore (annually),” the research paper noted. This should serve as a guideline for other public institutions in Kerala with respect to institutional adaptation, said S. Muraleedharan, faculty, KNRSE, and one of the authors of the paper.
According to the researchers, economic valuation and technical data provided by the institutions were used for data analysis.
The study observed that CIAL, which has a robust solar power programme, is now the second-largest power producer in Kerala after the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB). “From the initial investment of ₹270 crore for the solar power project, CIAL has generated 54 lakh units of green power a month which is equivalent to 1,76,369.76 tonnes of carbon savings,” it said. The Kochi Metro Rail requires 20 mega watts (MW) a day to operate and more than 50% is sourced from its own solar power plants. “The annual CO2 equivalent carbon saving is 11,236.9192 tonnes and its monetary value is about ₹2 crore,” it said. The electric boats of the Kochi Water Metro have reduced diesel consumption by 758 tonnes, the study noted.
Safe disposal
MG University sets an example in terms of the safe disposal of residues, be it hazardous material, food, paper of electronic items. Their safe disposal also generates income for the university, the study noted.
The paper observed that the findings underscore the need for tailored solutions that address local vulnerabilities while promoting resilience against climate impacts. The other authors of the paper included Teena Mariya Saju, Vyshnavi Sumesh and Rajimol Reji of the KNRSE.
Published – June 25, 2025 08:55 pm IST
