GREEN INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION 2020 – GIR 2020
MARCHING TOWARDS THE STATUS OF INDIA’S FIRST NET ZERO EMISSION HEALTHCARE CAMPUS-
Noorul Islam Institute of Medical Science (NIMS) and Research Foundation, Neyyattinkara, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala State, India & Noorul Islam Centre for Higher Education, Kumaracoil, Kanyakumari District, Tamilnadu, India
ECHOING THE NATIONAL VISION
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, in his landmark address at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit in September 2015, eloquently remarked, “Much of India’s development agenda is mirrored in the Sustainable Development Goals. Our national plans are ambitious and purposeful; sustainable development of one-sixth of humanity will be of great consequence to the world and our beautiful planet.” These words continue to resonate as a guiding light for our nation’s progress.
Inspired by the visionary pledge made by our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at COP26—to achieve net zero emissions by the year 2070—NIMS Medicity has embarked on a transformative journey through the implementation of the GIR Project. This initiative is our humble yet determined contribution to the national goal, aligning with the larger global mission for climate resilience and environmental sustainability.
In his historic COP26 address in Glasgow, Shri Modiji reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to combating climate change and ensuring net-zero carbon dioxide emissions. Taking this commitment to heart, NIMS Medicity has launched the GIR Project with the aim of evolving into a carbon-neutral campus—a space that does not contribute additional greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.
The project, currently underway, marks a significant step toward a greener future, not just for our institution, but for the world we collectively share and cherish.
THE BEGINNING
In a pioneering example of harnessing solar energy for industrial and healthcare applications, NIMS Medicity commissioned a 500-kilowatt (0.5 MW) Solar Power Plant in 2014. This state-of-the-art hybrid energy system, combining both solar and wind power, spans over 300,000 square feet within the hospital’s 24-acre campus. The clean energy generated by this system powers the cardiac catheterization lab, making it Asia’s first green cath lab—a milestone in sustainable healthcare infrastructure.
The technology used in this project connects solar power directly to the grid, eliminating the need for storage batteries. This innovation significantly reduces both capital investment and maintenance costs. The system seamlessly draws additional energy from the grid whenever demand increases, ensuring an uninterrupted power supply without the need for manual switchovers. Moreover, in the rare event of a grid failure, a robust generator backup system guarantees consistent and reliable electricity.
This groundbreaking renewable energy initiative received high praise from Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, former CEO of the United Nations’ Sustainable Energy for All programme. During his visit to the site, Dr. Yumkella lauded the project for setting a benchmark in energy efficiency and ecological responsibility—urging other institutions to emulate such sustainable models.
In recognition of its impact and innovation, Mr. Faizal Khan was invited by Dr. Yumkella to present the achievements of the project at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on 21st May 2015, highlighting NIMS Medicity’s role in advancing global efforts toward renewable energy adoption.
NIMS Medicity and NICHE have jointly implemented various projects towards achieving the Net Zero emission target.