BITS Pilani Takes the Lead in QS Sustainability Rankings 2024: Secures Top Spot Among Private Institutes
BITS Pilani, a renowned institution known for its commitment to innovation, has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing the 1st position among private Institutes and the 7th position among all institutes in India in the latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Sustainability Rankings 2024. The rankings are determined by assessing performance in nine crucial areas within three overarching categories – Environmental Impact, Social Impact, and Governance.
BITS Pilani has outperformed worldwide through outstanding work done in the following Sustainable Development Goals:
- Climate Action
- Responsible Consumption and Production
- Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Affordable and Clean Energy
- Clean Water and Sanitation
- No Poverty
Speaking about the development, Prof Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani said. “BITS Pilani’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainable practices has always been our focus and this recognition is a testament to that. As we celebrate this milestone, we renew our commitment to fostering a culture of sustainability and global responsibility. BITS Pilani remains steadfast in its mission to empower future leaders and contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable and resilient world.”
One notable initiative showcasing BITS Pilani’s commitment to sustainability is the establishment of the Center of Excellence (CoE) in Waste to Energy. This center is a pioneering effort to address environmental challenges while promoting innovation. The CoE focuses on upcycling agricultural waste, turning it into a valuable resource for various stakeholders. The CoE upcycles agricultural waste and make it accessible to innovators, researchers, academia, industry, entrepreneurs, and incubators. It also focuses on establishing core facilities for R&D, testing, and validation, including design, engineering, and verification capabilities. The CoE provides resources by creating a collaborative ecosystem involving entrepreneurs, industry players, researchers, NGOs, students, and farmers to absorb and deploy CoE-developed technologies.
BITS Pilani is also implementing sustainable practices through the proposed Center of Excellence (CoE) in Semiconductor: Material & Devices. This CoE aims to make BITS Pilani the leading academic institution for Semiconductor Research and Innovation in India. It focuses on producing semiconductor industry-ready professionals, cutting-edge innovations, IPs, and research publications, and establishing an ecosystem (infrastructure, resources, and know-how) for students, researchers, and startups. The CoE also focuses on developing sustainable applications such as smart sensors/biosensors, smart coatings, antimicrobial/antifouling, energy harvesting, and environmental characterization’.
In all, 56 Indian Universities made it to the QS World University Sustainability Rankings 2024.