The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations General Assembly delineate critical priorities aimed at promoting the welfare of the planet and its inhabitants. Integral University recognizes the significance and immediacy of the SDGs and is dedicated to facilitating their realization. This dedication to the SDGs is manifested through the initiatives undertaken by various departments and units within the institution. The following outlines the progress report for SDG 6..

Research on Water

Water, an indispensable resource integral to our daily lives, underpins activities ranging from education to agricultural practices. At Integral University, we acknowledge that responsible water management is not merely a necessity, but a collective responsibility. It is imperative to recognize the finite nature of this resource and to adopt strategies that foster its efficient utilization as we strive to cultivate a sustainable campus ecosystem. Our commitment to water conservation is evidenced by a variety of initiatives aimed at enhancing awareness and encouraging ethical practices among faculty, staff, and students. By instilling the importance of water conservation within the university community and implementing prudent measures, we can significantly reduce our water footprint. To date, over 24 scholarly articles have been disseminated in the domain of Clean Water and Sanitation.

Water Consumption Tracking

As part of its commitment to water sustainability, Integral University (IU) systematically monitors water consumption on a daily basis across its campus. To assess the campus's water footprint, IU quantifies the volume of water utilized, processed, recycled, and repurposed. Water consumption, which encompasses activities such as drinking, sanitation, laundering, culinary practices, and various other uses, represents the most straightforward approach to initiating the measurement of the water footprint. Each building is equipped with a water meter to track its water consumption. A dedicated team diligently records daily water usage, and this data is communicated to the maintenance officer. Subsequently, the maintenance officer analyzes the weekly water consumption data and provides recommendations for necessary interventions.

Waste Water Treatment

Water conservation encompasses the protection, regulation, and sustainable enhancement of freshwater resources including both surface water and groundwater systems. It further involves proactive measures to prevent contamination, maintain ecological integrity, and ensure the long-term availability of safe and potable water. Effective water governance relies on a coherent framework of technologies, management practices, and policy interventions that collectively uphold equitable and resilient water systems.

Integral University, Lucknow recognizes the strategic importance of water conservation as a core component of environmental stewardship and sustainable campus development. The University has instituted a comprehensive water-management regime designed to minimize wastage, maximize efficiency, and ensure responsible treatment and reuse of wastewater. In anticipation of rising water demand and increasing environmental pressures, the University remains committed to strengthening its water-conservation infrastructure and operational protocols.

To operationalize SDG-6 within the campus ecosystem, Integral University has deployed the following key systems, practices, and regulatory measures:

• Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) System : Multiple RWH units are installed across academic, residential, and administrative blocks to capture rooftop runoff and recharge groundwater aquifers. These systems reduce dependency on external water sources and strengthen the campus’s hydrological resilience.
• Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) : The University operates a dedicated STP that treats wastewater through a multi-stage purification process. The treated effluent is utilized for horticulture, landscaping, and other non-potable applications, thereby promoting a closed-loop water-reuse cycle.
• Sensor-Based Water Tanks : Automated water-level sensors regulate supply and prevent overflow, ensuring efficient storage and distribution. This IoT-enabled intervention substantially reduces water loss due to manual errors and system inefficiencies.
• Groundwater Recharge Wells: Strategically located recharge wells facilitate natural percolation, restoring groundwater levels and improving aquifer health. These wells support long-term water sustainability, especially during periods of high demand.
• Construction of Bunds The University has developed bunds and micro-catchment structures to enhance in-situ water retention, reduce runoff, and support soil-moisture conservation within the campus landscape. Through these integrated measures, Integral University demonstrates a robust and proactive commitment to SDG-6, ensuring responsible water stewardship, sustainable wastewater management, and the creation of a resource-efficient academic environment.

In order to mitigate the incidence of water wastage, the University employs a cadre of full-time plumbers tasked with the maintenance of the water distribution infrastructure that traverses the campus. To facilitate the recycling of wastewater, Integral University has instituted an on-site Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). This facility boasts a treatment capacity of 1.5 MLD (Million Liters per Day).

Preventing Water System Pollution

An elaborate solid waste management framework, crucial for environmental conservation, has been established by Integral University. By implementing stringent protocols that mitigate pollution and safeguard the surrounding ecosystem, the institution is committed to maintaining ecological integrity. The strategic approach of IU exemplifies a robust commitment to sustainable campus operations and environmental stewardship.

The following measures are undertaken by IU to avert pollution of the water systems:

• Each building is equipped with its distinct pipelines for roof/rainwater, blackwater, and greywater.
• The university upholds and engages in environmentally conscious campus operations. Waste receptacles for both dry and wet refuse are strategically placed throughout the university.
• All female hostels are furnished with incinerators for sanitary napkins.

On campus, we discourage the utilization of single-use plastics and advocate for the consumption of free, safe drinking water provided by the Reverse Osmosis (RO) facility for visitors, staff, and students.

Free Drinking Water Provided

Reverse osmosis (RO) facilities and hydration stations are strategically located throughout the buildings and communal areas on our campus to facilitate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG-6) and to ensure the provision of potable drinking water in the future. All individuals, including visitors, staff, and students, utilize these sites, which deliver clean and safe water. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to the health of the community and the principles of environmental sustainability.

• Daily, the university provides over 11,000 individuals on campus with access to clean and safe drinking water.
• To ensure the availability of potable water, purification systems are installed in every university building and residence hall. We believe that this initiative will prevent issues related to water scarcity and inadequate supplies from arising on campus.

Each month, a microbiological assessment of the water's safety for consumption is carried out.

Water-Conscious Building Standards

Through the implementation of comprehensive water-efficient systems throughout the campus, Integral University emphasizes a robust commitment to sustainable resource management. The facilities are equipped with waterless urinals, sensor-activated flushing mechanisms, dual flush toilets, and low-flow aerators installed on faucets. All water tanks are overseen by intelligent water level controllers, while IoT-enabled dishwashers and washing machines operate in communal areas. To significantly reduce water consumption, the campus employs a steam boiler in the kitchen for the preparation of rice and lentils, as well as a solar-powered water pump. Our commitment to environmental sustainability is reflected in the fact that over 90% of campus appliances are designed to use minimal water.

Water-Conscious Planting

During the landscaping process, plant species that demand minimal water and require little post-plantation maintenance are selected. The optimal choices for landscaping include succulents, drought-resistant plants, and resilient species that can endure extreme weather while requiring minimal water. For the growth of these species, rainfall alone suffices.

Water Reuse Policy

Integral University has formulated a Policy for water reuse. (In-place since 2020, Last Reviewed/ Revised in 2024, Next schedule review in 2027), https://www.iul.ac.in/IQAC/Policy.aspx

Water Reuse Measurement

In pursuit of wastewater reclamation, Integral University has constructed a dedicated Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) situated on its campus. This STP possesses a treatment capability of 1.5 MLD (Million Liters per Day) Moreover, the University has instituted a Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) system, which comprises channels extending over 0.5 kilometers, designed with suitable gradients to facilitate the unimpeded flow of water. stagnation. Each of the university buildings is equipped with a separate drainage pipe that carries rooftop rainwater which is filtered and stored in sumps for re-utilization. University also has constructed bunds of varying depths at different locations in the campus for water harvesting purposes.

Water Management Educational Opportunities

The institution is imparting knowledge to the rural populace regarding water management, solid waste management, sanitation, and hygiene practices. These awareness-raising and educational initiatives are being conducted at no cost by the University’s affiliated organizations, such as the National Service Scheme (NSS). The instructional team organizes a variety of webinars, seminars, and Faculty Development Programs (FDPs) on both domestic and international platforms. A significant proportion of these seminars and FDPs are offered free of charge. These educational programs are often related to pollution prevention and control measures. Our Faculty of Agriculture and Sciences provides an academic curriculum that encompasses traditional rainwater harvesting techniques, dryland farming practices, water management strategies, and natural resource management principles.

Off-Campus Water Conservation Support

Through innovative projects aimed at empowering local communities and fostering sustainable practices, Integral University demonstrates its steadfast commitment to off-campus water conservation initiatives, ensuring a secure and clean water future for all. Beyond addressing immediate water needs, the University cultivates an ethos of environmental responsibility among the youth by engaging in activities such as the installation of tube wells, tree planting initiatives, and educational workshops. This proactive approach underscores IU's role as a leader in sustainable water management and promotes collective efforts to safeguard vital water resources while enhancing the resilience of local ecosystems for future generations.

Sustainable Water Extraction on Campus

To optimize water utilization, the campus has established comprehensive water extraction and monitoring systems that integrate traditional methods with advanced technology. To ensure the utmost standards of water quality for the campus populace, the sourced water undergoes rigorous purification via state-of-the-art Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems before it is rendered suitable for consumption. The university has deployed sensor-based water level controllers across its water storage facilities in pursuit of technological excellence in water conservation. These sophisticated devices effectively prevent tank overflow, reflecting the institution's commitment to the "zero waste of water" philosophy. Moreover, the integration of renewable energy into water management practices is facilitated by the installation of solar-powered water pumps for extraction purposes. The institution employs an integrated treatment and recycling system to manage wastewater as part of its dedication to water sustainability. The campus operates a water treatment plant (WTP) and a biological sewage treatment plant (Bio-STP), ensuring that treated wastewater is efficiently recycled for appropriate applications. The infrastructure of the university buildings, which incorporates modern water-saving features such as flush tanks, dual flush systems, and sensor-activated urinals, further exemplifies this commitment to conserving water resources.

Cooperation on Water Security

The availability of potable water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene practices serves as essential metrics of water security. Authorities across various tiers—local, regional, national, and international—are pivotal in safeguarding water security, particularly within developing countries. Integral University is dedicated to enlightening stakeholders on issues related to water security, encompassing topics such as water conservation, pollution mitigation, and the ecological importance of aquatic resources. Water conservation encompasses the preservation, regulation, and enhancement of all types of clean water sources, including both surface and groundwater. Furthermore, it involves the prevention of pollution that degrades and contaminates these vital resources. This concept underscores the various measures, strategies, and policies that aim to equitably manage the natural resources associated with potable water. Integral University is extremely conscious of the importance of water conservation and adopts all such measures and strategies that take good care of water usage and prevent the wastage of water in the entire university campus. To meet ever increasing demand for water, at present and future, University stays proactive in placing efforts to conserve water resources as far as possible.

• Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) System
• Sewage Treatment Plant (STP)
• Sensor-based Water Tanks
• Water Recharge Wells
• Construction of Bunds

Promoting conscious water usage on campus

1. Integral University has in fact put in place a number of thorough and active water-conscious projects.

• IoT-enabled washing machines that track and modify water consume.
• Dual-flush toilets that let customers choose a flush volume.
• Sensor-controlled water systems that stop needless water flow.

2. Methods for Conserving Water

• Rainwater harvesting
• Wastewater recycling

3. Technological Implementations

• Biological Sewage Treatment Plants (Bio-STPs)
• Water Treatment Plants (WTPs)
• Solar-powered pumps for water systems
• Water meters to track consumption

4. Sustainable Landscaping

• Plantation of drought-tolerant species

Promoting conscious water usage in the wider community

Through engaging with and educating the public regarding the significance of water conservation, Integral University is diligently promoting responsible water consumption beyond its campus. IU aims to foster responsible water utilization among community members by enhancing awareness of sustainable water management practices via various outreach initiatives, workshops, and partnerships with local organizations. Organizing community seminars that provide practical guidance on water-saving strategies, such as repairing leaks, employing water-efficient appliances, and installing rainwater harvesting systems, constitutes one of the primary approaches. To cultivate a collective commitment to water conservation and underscore the importance of collaboration in addressing water scarcity issues, IU collaborates with educational institutions, municipal authorities, and non-governmental entities. Furthermore, to demonstrate to the community that Integral University is at the forefront of environmental stewardship, the institution disseminates its research and projects related to water management. Through an array of programs aimed at enhancing awareness and promoting sustainable practices, Integral University advocates for responsible water use among the general populace.

Rain Water Harvesting System at Lawn - 1

STP Operation Room

RWH system pipe rooftop to recharge well (Block - F)

RAWE system drain pipe (Block - B)