Leading the Way in Sustainability Education at IIT Kanpur

India’s first fully integrated school of sustainability was established at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur in partnership with Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited. The Kotak School of Sustainability will offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs focusing on various aspects of sustainability.

The institute will be located in a green building on IIT Kanpur’s main campus, which will be platinum-rated and follow net zero practices for energy, water, and waste management, according to an official statement.

The Union Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, who was the chief guest at the launch event, emphasized that the school will not only focus on technology and economics but will cover all aspects of sustainability to help India achieve the target of net zero by 2070.

The minister highlighted that the Kotak School of Sustainability will provide global leadership in the field, building on the legacy of IIT Kanpur and its alumni who are leaders in organizations worldwide.

As a CSR initiative of Kotak Mahindra Bank, the institute will be led by tenured professors and industry experts from around the world.

The National Research Foundation was established to enhance research and innovation through funding from industry and government. The minister thanked Kotak Mahindra Bank for their contribution in setting up the School of Sustainability.

Emphasizing the importance of collaboration in addressing sustainability challenges, IIT Kanpur director S Ganesh stated that the Kotak School of Sustainability aims to provide thought leadership, develop practical solutions for sustainability, and prepare future leaders in the field.

The event was attended by Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Department of Science and Technology Secretary, Nagendra Nath Sinha, Steel Ministry Secretary, and Prakash Apte, Chairman of Kotak Mahindra Bank.

The Kotak School of Sustainability aims to promote high-quality education, research, and outreach initiatives, blending environmental science, clean technology, and social, economic, and ecological aspects of sustainability. Through Education, Empowerment, and Engagement (3E), academic institutions can drive climate action and conservation efforts.