SOURCE : TIMES OF INDIA | PUBLISHED : 10 MARCH 2025

CHENNAI: By opting for precast sustainable construction instead of conventional methods, Ela Green School reduced its construction costs by 1.95 crore. The shift brought total expenses down from 19.56 crore to 17.60 crore. The method also minimised material wastage and sped up construction, allowing more resources to be directed toward infrastructure and technology upgrades.
At the Tamil Nadu Climate Summit 3.0 held last month, Chief Minister M K Stalin awarded the Arignar Anna Award to Ela Green School in recognition of its environmental education and sustainable practices.
Ela Green School integrates sustainability into its curriculum rather than treating it as an add-on, said Samhita Venkaatesh, founder-director of Ela School. Under the International Baccalaureate framework, environmental science is integrated into every grade. “A Class V student learns about renewable energy through hands-on exploration of wind and solar power. By Class X, they apply this knowledge to build solar-powered lamps,” she said. Daily activities such as waste segregation, vermicomposting, and a no-plastic policy reinforce environmental responsibility beyond textbooks. “Our team designed the campus to reduce energy use and improve thermal comfort,” She said. Insulated walls and roofs, shaded rooftops with solar-reflective paint, and green walls help lower indoor temperatures by up to nine degrees Celsius. Turbo-ventilators facilitate night flushing, reducing reliance on air conditioning. “Large windows ensure cross-ventilation and maximise natural light, with 82% of spaces lit by daylight. This also reduces eye strain for children,” she added.
Water conservation measures include low-flow faucets, wastewater recycling for flushing and landscaping, and real-time monitoring to track usage and leaks. Solar power covers 92% of the school’s energy needs, and even without solar, energy savings stand at 45%.

Samhita said she is open to helping govt schools implement sustainable practices. “Simple, cost-effective changes like improving ventilation, introducing daylight harvesting, and training teachers on climate education can make a significant impact. Schools can start small – installing turbo-ventilators, or setting up compost units – before scaling up to solar adoption and energy-efficient buildings,” she said.

SOURCE : TIMES OF INDIA | PUBLISHED : 10 MARCH 2025