1 Sustainable, healthy and vegan restaurant
Type of listing: Restaurants
Will be interesting for: Foodies, Beauty and Wellness Enthusiast
Chennai's Sante Spa Cuisine shines the limelight on clean eating
Sante strives to be as green as possible: the furniture is made of cane, and the crockery, plates, and bowls for dips are neem wood. The straws are rolled up banana leaves, and the glasses, copper.
• Sante Spa’s menu also has extensive vegan and gluten-free options to raise awareness on healthy eating and eco friendly living. • A Pune based celebrity chef has designed the menu, incorporating local ingredients with global flavours.
Restaurant located at: Get to know more: Nungambakkam Visit the location : Santé Spa Cuisine Contact relevant people Santé Spa Cuisine - Zomato Santé Spa Cuisine - Facebook Read new reports on this: The Hindu, March 05, 2019 Check out images Deccan Chronicle, August 23, 2019 Santé Spa Cuisine
Green and organic restaurants in Chennai, Sustainable restaurants in Chennai, Vegan restaurants in Chennai 2 Terrace gardening at government schools
Type of listing: Training
Will be interesting for: Nature Lover, Knowledge Seeker
Chennai: 100 corporation schools to grow vegetables for noon meal
Members of the Mother Teresa Women’s SHG, which acquired expertise in terrace gardening, will train nearly 40 students who are part art of eco clubs and the national green corps. These children will be provided with seeds and pots for 25 plants.
• Mother Teresa Women’s SHGs will train corporation teachers and students to maintain terrace gardens in their schools.
• Vegetables grown will be used for school's mid day meal scheme.
Model garden of Mother Teresa Women’s Complex located Get to know more: at: Nungambakkam Visit the location: Mother Teresa Women's Complex Contact relevant people Tamilnadu Corporation For Development of Women Ltd Read new reports on this: Times of India, July 3, 2018
Gardening at Schools in Chennai, Gardening tips for kids India, Techniques for terrace gardening in Indian schools 3
Luxury hotel meets organic farming
Type of listing: Event
Will be interesting for: Foodies, Beauty and Wellness Enthusiast.
Chennai chefs join hands with farmers for organic brunch
Chefs at The Park join hands with local farmers from Nalla Keerai to create an organic brunch, complete with a little pop-up vegetable market. The chefs were delighted with the produce that they started exploring a long-term partnership with Nalla Keerai.
• The Park Hotel Chefs offers the city’s first organic brunch, where the recipes are kept simple and traditional, and the focus is on the richness and nutrition levels of the organic produce used. • Nalla Keerai is an organic farming brand that produces natural, pesticide free vegetables, greens and grains. They have partnered with close to 3000 farmers, covering 1.65 lakh acres of farm land for organic produce.
Nalla Keerai Office located at:Koyembedu Get to know more: The Park Hotel located at: Nungambakkam Contact relevant people Visit the location: The Park Chennai, Nalla Keerai The Park Hotel Chennai Nalla Keerai 601 Restaurant - The Park Chennai Read news reports on this: The Hindu, January 18, 2018
Organic food restaurants in Chennai, Organic ingredients used by Chefs in India 4 Reviving wells in residential complexes.
Type of listing: Residential Utility Revamp
Will be interesting for: Homemakers, Society Minded
Well done! Stories of how reviving old wells can benefit residents
Residents of three apartment complexes in Chennai took collective efforts to revive wells in their property and it is helping them tide over the water crisis in the city. They say it is important to revive water conservation techniques for a sustainable future.
• Growing trend of apartment complexes with wells being revived for increased water storage capacity, safer consumption and decreased dependency on metro water. • Rain Centre has helped several houses like these revamp their water management structures for modern consumption needs.
Murali Anand Apartment located at: Mandaveli Get to know more: Acchyuthan’s Hayagreeva located at: Nungambakkam Visit location: Murali Anand Apartments, Acchyuthan’s Hayagreeva Contact relevant people Dr. Sekhar Raghavan - Rain Centre
Read new reports on this: The Hindu, July 13, 2019
Well revival techniques in Chennai, Groundwater conservation techniques for apartments in India, Water management tips in apartment complexes India 5 Reduce water wastage during transportation
Type of listing: Smart Technology
Will be interesting for: Business Minded, Society Minded
Chennai: Smart dispensers to save water spillage
To reduce wastage of water during transportation through tankers, Greater Chennai Corporation and Metro-water has set up 20 smart card-based water dispensers at three filling stations.
• Majority of the tankers fill in more than their actual capacities, causing excess water to spill over during its transportation. • This trial initiative was started to monitor the wastage of water during its transportation through tankers. About 11,700 trips are operated daily distributing 76 million litres of water through 1180 lorries.
Smart dispensers located at: Get to know more: Injambakkam, Nungambakkam, Kilpauk Details of Filling Stations
Read new reports on this: Times of India, September 16, 2019 The Hindu, September 19, 2019 DT Next, January 27, 2020
Water wastage during transportation in India, Automatic water dispensers in India, Smart water management during transportation 6
Segregation and composting at zero waste homes
Type of listing: Products for Home
Will be interesting for: Homemaker, Nature Lover
Zero waste homes for a clean and green city
Zero waste homes are fast becoming the norm. Close to 3500 families in Chennai are using composting as an initiation into sustainable living. Other families in the city are using savvy water management practises and organic, eco-friendly detergents instead of regular cleaners.
• Since 2008, Navneeth Raghavan’s Daily Dump has been selling home composting products. • Preethi Sukumaran and Sruti Harihara Subramanian follow zero-waste lifestyle. Preethi and her husband make eco-friendly detergents, whereas Sruti runs Asvita Bistro in Alwarpet where she also implements waste management practises.
Individuals are from: Get to know more: Alwarpet, Sholinganallur, Nungambakkam Contact relevant people Navneeth Raghavan Preethi Sukumaran Read new reports on this: Sruti Harihara Subramanian The Hindu, November 2, 2016 Citizen Matters, January 8, 2019 Use the product Daily Dump
Zero waste homes in Chennai, How to become a zero waste household in India, Beginner’s guide to zero-waste living in India 7
Converting plastic waste to fuel
Type of listing: Case Study of Start Up
Will be interesting for: Business Minded, Knowledge Seeker, Engineering Enthusiast
Chennai couple develop new tech, turn 150 tons of plastic waste into low-cost fuel
The start-up, founded by husband-wife duo Vidya and Amarnath Maitreyan, converts plastic waste into liquid fuel that is eco-friendly, cheaper and can be used to fuel generators, industrial boilers, and furnaces, amongst others.
• The circular economy start-up Paterson Energy recycles plastic water into plastic oil using thermo-chemical depolymerisation technology. • Single use plastic, which does not get recycle, can be used in this model. Their current product can generate 500 L of oil for a tonne of plastic waste
Office is located at: Nungambakkam Get to know more: Visit the location: Paterson Energy Private Limited Contact relevant people Paterson Energy Private Limited Vidya Amarnath Read new reports on this: The Better India, October 22, 2019 The Hindu Business line, October 30, 2017
Plastic to fuel technology in Chennai, Plastic waste to fuel in India, Innovations in plastic waste to fuel technology India 8
Food and farming sustainability at homes
Type of listing: Training
Will be interesting for: Homemaker, Nature Lover
How to raise a farm in an urban nook
Regenerative agriculturist Maya Ganesh says closed-loop farming and regenerative farming are highly suitable for urban spaces. It is easy on resources and does not force its practitioners to reach for something outside their environment.
• Maya Ganesh says that closing the loop is just about ensuring the waste generated go back into the ecosystem as a resource. • Protecting the soil using mulch implies that you can also conserve water while farming at your home, and this protects the soil for the plants’ growth. • Maya Ganesh also teaches APL school children gardening techniques and helps them maintain a school garden.
Maya Ganesh’s home is located at: Nungambakkam Get to know more: APL Global School located at: Visit the school: APL Global School Contact relevant people Maya Ganesh APL Global School Read new reports on this: The Hindu, February, 7, 2019 The Better India, August 14, 2019
Closed loop farming in Chennai, Regenerative farming in India, Urban farming in Chennai 9
Natural history of areas in city
Type of listing: Locations
Will be interesting for: Nature Lover, Culture Lover, Knowledge Seeker
City settlements draw names from their green past
Before it became a concrete jungle, the city had a verdant landscape known for its biodiversity.This is explained by the fact some of its settlements drew their names from the trees and plants once found in abundance
• D. Narasimham, professor from MCC talks about the ecological history of Perambur, Purasaiwakkam and other places in Chennai. • K. Thirunavukkarasu, a historian who studies the Dravidian movement draws emphasis on the cultural history of Mylapore using naturalist Ma. Krishnan’s books.
Natural history of areas such as: Get to know more: Mylapore, Perambur, Pulianthope, Purasaiwalkam, Thirumullaivoyal Contact relevant people D Narasimhan
Read new reports on this: The Hindu, August, 22, 2016 The Hindu, August 22, 2013 Kadhambam Corner, March 21 2018
Natural biodiversity in Chennai, Biodiversity hotspots in Chennai, Environmental heritage of Madras 10
Paper bags initiative by school students
Type of listing: Training
Will be interesting for: Nature Lover, Society Minded
Global Adjustments Foundation comes up with cloth bag-making initiative
It launches the first phase of the project with the help of students drawn from a Mylapore school and a T. Nagar college. Cloth bags made by school students as part of an after-school programme will be distributed to vendors near their school.
• Global Adjustments Foundation offers employee mobility services, providing support for relocation and cross-cultural services. Their workshops for students help raise awareness on different civic issues faced by the community. • In July 2018, 30 students of Lady Sivaswami Aiyyar School worked as a team, made and distributed 5000 paper bags to nearby shops.
Schools located at: Mylapore, Get to know more: College located at: T Nagar Visit the location: Global Adjustments Services. Lady Sivaswamy Ayyar Girls' Higher Secondary School, Global Adjustment Foundation Shri Shankarlal Sundarbai Shasun Jain College for Women
Read new reports on this: The Hindu, August 17 2018
Enabling after school programmes for school students in India, Eco-friendly initiatives for college students, 11
Recharge wells in residential areas
Type of listing: Residents’ Initiative
Will be interesting for: Homemaker, Nature Lover, Society Minded
Recharge wells: solution to flooding and water scarcity
Representatives from five residents welfare associations and SWARAN (Save Water and Recharge Aquifers Network) recently submitted a proposal urging Chennai Corporation to prioritise recharge wells over stormwater drains in their areas.
• Resident welfare associations want recharge wells to be constructed along streets or alongside pavements. • Rainwater can quickly percolate to the sub-soil aquifers through such recharge wells and increase groundwater levels of such areas.
Resident Associations from: Get to know more: Mylapore, T Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur Contact relevant people: Dr. Sekhar Raghavan - Rain Centre
Read new reports on this: The Hindu, July 1, 2018 New Indian Express, August 27 2019 DT Next August 30 2018
Recharge wells in Chennai, Build a recharge well at home, Materials required for recharge wells in India, Different types of recharge wells in India 12
Eco friendly and sustainable alternatives store
Type of listing: Training/ Employment Opportunities
Will be interesting for: Nature Lover, Knowledge Seeker, Homemaker
Ekagrata, a social enterprise, provides employment opportunities to PwDs
Pouches made of recycled fabrics. Bags made of newspapers. Buttons made of coconut shells. These are only a few among the plenty of eco-friendly alternatives for everyday use available at Kavithaa Narasimhan's "Ekagrata" store in Mylapore.
• Ekagrata Store houses eco-friendly items for everyday use. These items are available at affordable pricing options. • People with disabilities from rural areas are trained and employed in this brand. • The brand also comes up with customised up cycled and sustainable options based on clients requirements.
Store located at: Get to know more: Mylapore Visit the location: Ekagrata Contact relevant people Kavithaa Narasimhan Ekagrata
Read new reports on this: Watch a video to know how it works The New Indian Express, June 5 2019 We visit Ekagrata in Chennai. Mylapore Times, February 28 2019
Sustainable alternatives for daily use products in India, Eco- friendly product stores in Chennai, Eco-friendly apparel and jewellery in Chennai 13
Green measures taken up by city temple
Type of listing: Initiatives in places of worship
Will be interesting for: Culture Lover, Society Minded
Temple shows the way to greener future with biogas plants
The temple recently installed two biogas units and has begun to cook the food for “anna-dhanam” for 150 persons daily in its kitchens using biogas. The biogas generated in the plants uses up the 150 kg of cow dung generated from 25-odd cows in the ghosala of the temple.
• Storage facility is also provided for uninterrupted supply of gas. Leftover slurry is mixed with kitchen waste and used in the temple’s garden. • ITC’s Mangaldeep Green Temple Mission — Sunehra Kal Division provided the funds for this project.
Temple located at: Get to know more: Mylapore Visit the location: Arulmigu Kapaleeswarar Temple Contact relevant people Kapaleeshwarar temple
Read new reports on this: DT Next, August 27, 2018 The Hindu, January 22, 2017 DT Next, January 23, 2017
Waste management in temples in Chennai, Green temples of India, Green initiatives started by Indian temple authorities 14
Waste segregation practises in Residential Colony
Type of listing: Residents’ Initiative/ Training
Will be interesting for: Homemaker, Society Minded
Nochikuppam: one step away from achieving an improbable zero-waste status
Assisted by the Chennai Trekking Club (CTC), 160 families in the colony's A block have been segregating waste for the last 15 days, thereby reducing nearly 100kg of waste from being sent to landfill every day.
• Approach to convince the families to start segregating waste in their homes was advocated for in an efficient manner through a variety of campaigns and involved the colony’s different social groups. • The families of this colony are a step away from achieving a zero-waste status.
Colony located at: Get to know more: Mylapore Visit the location: Nochi Nagar Contact relevant people Chennai Trekking Club
Read new reports on this: DT Next, June 29, 2016 Times of India, August 1, 2016
Zero-waste communities in Chennai, Source segregation of waste at home, Strategies for waste segregation at community levels India 15
School students practise organic farming and composting
Type of listing: Eco-friendly project/initiative - Educational Institutions
Will be interesting for: Nature Lover, Knowledge Seeker
Lessons from a school garden: Growing fruits and vegetables to composting!
Besides growing fruits and vegetables, students of Vidya Mandir with the help of a Kapaleecharam (formed with support from Mylapore Residents’ Welfare Association) member, have started working towards increasing the green cover and learnt to reduce waste generation on their campus
• Vidya Mandir Mylapore has set up organic gardens in three places which includes a terrace garden. • The school’s students have also cleaned the temple tanks of Chitrakulam and Virapaksha Temples.
School is located at: Mylapore Get to know more: Visit the location: Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School Contact relevant people Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School Kapaleecharam
Read new reports on this: The Hindu, September 21, 2017
Green initiatives in Chennai schools, How to inspire environmental awareness in school kids, Green measures by school kids in India 16
School students craft mini forest
Type of listing: Eco-friendly project/initiative - Educational Institutions
Will be interesting for: Nature Lover, Knowledge Seeker
Have you tried the Miyawaki method of afforestation?
Thuvakkam, a Mylapore-based voluntary organisation, has started a project that shows how to “construct” a forest in one’s backyard, based on a revolutionary concept that originated in Japan and is spreading to other parts of the globe.
• Thuvakkam has started a project based on growing native species in Miyawaki method of afforestation. • The initiative was launched in a school, crafting a mini forest on 800 sq. ft. of land in Thirumudivakkam.
Thuvakkam’s office is located at: Ekkaduthangal. Get to know more: School is located at: Chrompet Visit the school: Jain Public School Contact relevant people Visit the NGO Office: Thuvakkam Thuvakkam - Facebook
Learn more Read new reports on this: Thuvakkam - Planting Saplings DT Next November 26 2019 The Hindu, November 30, 2018
Volunteer for Thuvakkam, Build a forest in your backyard in Chennai, Afforestation initiatives in Chennai, Afforestation in schools India 17
Increasing green building projects
Type of listing: Case Study - Industries
Will be interesting for: Business Minded
Chennai ranks fourth among Indian cities with 313 projects for going green
With the Central government announcing smart cities mission, there is an increased focus on adopting green initiatives. Chennai is already home for 88 certified eco-friendly buildings, of which 21 received platinum grade which is the highest category rating.
• Green Evolution, a sustainable architecture firm, says that Chennai is seeing a substantial increase in green projects since the bigger green building projects (above 20,000 sq. ft.) obtain the environmental clearance if they get a green building certification. • En3 Solution, a green building consultancy, mentioned that there is a 25% savings in the operational cost of green building. • Chennai has the first platinum rated green home in Madipakkam.
Ramakrishna Mission Home is located at: Mylapore Get to know more: Visit the location: Ramakrishna Mission Home Contact relevant people Kavin N - En3 Solutions Green Evolution
Read new reports on this: Watch a video to know how it works Economic Times, February 14, 2019 Veedu: Low budget eco friendly house in Deccan Chronicle October 2, 2015 Madipakkam
Green homes in Chennai, Green building features in India 18
Residential waste management and terrace gardening
Type of listing: Residents’ Initiative/ Training
Will be interesting for: Society Minded, Homemaker
Home gardeners tips for the summer
From sunscreen to pest protection, home gardeners offer various tips including pet bottles, water reuse, herbal mixtures and simple relocation, to keep your plants safe from summer.
• The long time home gardeners provide traditional methods, measures and techniques to maintain terrace gardens during the summer. • People across the city mention the various terrace garden specific water management techniques to be applied during the summer. • Nandini Gopinath, who owns Phokkisham, has planted a mango sapling inside her old washing machine barrel.
Individuals are from: Mylapore, Mandaveli, Nungambakkam, Anna Get to know more: Nagar Contact relevant people Nandini Gopinath
Read new reports on this: The Hindu, May 19, 2017
Tips of protecting plants during summer in Chennai, Tips for a home garden maintenance in Chennai, Supplies for gardening at home in Chennai 19
EV experience centre in the city
Type of listing: Case Study - Industries
Will be interesting for: Business Minded, Engineering Geek, Knowledge Seeker
An eco-friendly test drive with Ather
The Ather Space is primarily optimised for a guided experience and deep understanding of the electric vehicle product. And unlike a conventional auto dealership, the Ather space is not fundamentally meant for sales but rather the experience takes top priority.
• Ather Space is the company’s only experience centre in Tamil Nadu for their flagship products - Ather 450 and Ather 340. • The space is a must visit for its treasure trove of knowledge about electrical vehicles and the chance to experience the electric bike in the heart of the city.
Ather Experience located in: Nungambakkam Get to know more: Visit the location: Ather Space - Ather Energy's Experience Center Contact relevant people ◦ Ather Energy ◦
Read new reports on this: Economic Times, July 24, 2019 The Hindu, September 5, 2019
Top performing electric vehicles in India, Top performing electric vehicles in Chennai 20
IoT based waste management innovation
Type of listing: Case Study - Industries
Will be interesting for: Business Minded, Engineering Enthusiast, IT Geek
Kabadiwalla Connect: going the e-way for waste management
Waste management is now just a text message away, with Kabadiwalla Connect’s tech-savvy attempts to make waste segregation smoother. Kabadiwalla Connect’s initiative Recycle Chennai employs smart bins called Urbins.
• Urbins have built in sensors that help scrap dealers know when they are full. • The project is part of 150 innovations to be showcased by the Global Innovation Fund at Expo Live 2020 in Dubai.
Kabadiwalla Connect’s office is located in: Nungambakkam Get to know more: One of the Urbin’s is installed in: Mylapore Visit the location: Kabadiwalla Connect Corporate Office Contact relevant people Kabadiwalla Connect Siddharth Hande
Use the product Read new reports on this: Recykle App DT Next, October 30, 2018 The Hindu, July 12, 2018
Smart garbage bins in India, Tech based waste management in India, Informal waste collection in Chennai 21
Petroleum waste converted into food preservative
Type of listing: Environmental Innovation
Will be interesting for: Business Minded, Engineering Geek, Knowledge Seeker
IIT Madras converts petroleum waste toluene into useful product
Using platinum nanocatalyst, a two-member team at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has successfully converted petroleum waste-product toluene into benzoic acid. Benzoic acid is used as a food preservative (E210) and medicine for fungal/ bacterial infection.
• The oxidation takes place in a selective and controlled environment using a platinum based catalyst. • Green oxidant and water used for converting does not generate toxic waste, making it eco-friendly.
University is located at: Adyar Get to know more: Visit the university: Indian Institute of Technology - Madras Contact relevant people Dr. G Sekar Dr. Rajib Saha
Read new reports on this: ◦ The Hindu March 30, 2019
Petroleum waste and its uses, Latest research on petroleum by- products India, Uses of benzoic acid 22
Sustainable food packaging in a eco-friendly retail store
Type of listing: Grocery Store - Organic
Will be interesting for: Business Minded, Foodie
Chennai supermarket embraces environment-friendly banana leaves to wrap veggies
Sunny Bee, a sustainable store chain founded by Sanjay Dasari, got inspired by a Thailand supermarket to use banana leaves to wrap veggies. It helps retain moisture and increases shelf life.
• Sunny Bee is an offbeat environmentally conscious retail store that deals with 35,000 farmers across its 12 outlets in Chennai.
Stores are located at: Adyar, Gopalapuram, Kilpauk Get to know more: Store locations: Sunny Bee Stores Contact relevant people Sanjay Dasari
Use the product Read new reports on this: Shop at Sunny Bee India Times, April 20, 2019
Farmer’s markets in Chennai, Sustainable food packaging, Sustainable packaging ideas in India, Sustainable packaging for food in Chennai 23
Ambulance for trees offers maintenance and plantation services
Type of listing: Eco-friendly project/initiative
Will be interesting for: Knowledge Seeker, Nature Lover
Chennai gets a tree ambulance to relocate and revive trees
K Abdul Ghani, also known as the "Green Man of India", introduces a tree ambulance to the roads of Chennai to help in planting trees that have been uprooted and offer services such as the distribution of plants, removing dead trees, relocating trees and helping citizens in tree plantation drives.
• Post Cyclone Vardah (2016) and Gaja (2018), Tree Ambulance was launched to revive and replant uprooted trees in the city. • The ambulance offers many services including shifting trees from one place to another, removing dead trees and helps citizens in tree plantation drives as well.
Tree ambulance’s route: Adyar, Alwarpet, Anna Nagar, Besant Get to know more: Nagar, Chepauk, Egmore, Fort St. George, Gopalapuram, Guindy, Kilpauk, Kolathur, Kotturpuram, Mandaveli, Mylapore, Nandanam, Contact relevant people Palavakkam, Pallavaram, Royapettah, Saidapet, Sowcarpet ◦ K Abdul Ghani
Read new reports on this: Your Story, May 26 2019 Times of India, May 22, 2019
Relocating trees in Chennai, How to revive uprooted trees in Chennai?, Removing dead trees in Chennai, Tree ambulances in India 24
Natural fibre based yoga mats
Type of listing: Eco-friendly products - Fitness
Will be interesting for: Fitness Enthusiast
Want PVC-free yoga mats? This Chennai woman shows you how
City-based Juru Yoga says no to PVC, and makes mats out of sustainable materials such as cork, natural rubber and jute.
• Juru Yoga Mats develops and manufactures PVC free yoga mats made of cork, jute and rubber. • The organic and natural Juru mats were the result of Puja Borker finding out the ill effects of PVC mats. She also sells cotton bolsters of cylindrical and rectangular shapes, and props such as an eye pillow.
Individual is from: Adyar Get to know more:
Contact relevant people ◦ Juru Yoga Read new reports on this: ◦ The Hindu May 27, 2019 Your Story, February 19, 2018
Natural fibre products for eco-friendly living in India, Natural fibre product store Chennai, DIY crafts using local organic filers India, Eco-friendly yoga mats in Chennai, PVC free yoga mats in India 25
Restoring historical rivers through community action
Type of listing: Case Study of Government Initiative
Will be interesting for: Business Minded, Culture Lover, Nature Lover
NDRF launches ‘Clean Cooum Campaign’ to restore polluted waterway
Governor Banwarilal Purohit participated in cleaning drive called 'Clean Cooum Campaign' where 1,500 volunteered to restore the Cooum and Adyar rivers.
• Clean Cooum Campaign is 4th Battalion NDRF’s initiative to restore the river to the standards that existed during the 1950s. • About 1500 volunteers will be involved in cleaning the rivers 2-3 times a month across several locations in the city in a 13 km stretch.
Restoration is taking place across: Nungambakkam, Egmore, Get to know more: Chintadripet, Anna Nagar Learn more ◦ Chennaiites have responsibility to restore Cooum, Adyar rivers
Read new reports on this: ◦ The Hindu November 1, 2019 Times of India, November 1, 2019
River restoration initiatives in Chennai, River restoration measures in India, Reviving rivers through community action in India, Restoration of Cooum and Adyar River 26 Individual’s effort in urban water management
Type of listing: Eco-friendly initiative - Non-for Profits
Will be interesting for: Nature Lover, Engineering Geek,
Chennai water crisis: 71 year old ‘Rain Man’ helps hundreds recharge their groundwater
Dr Sekhar Raghavan, founder of 'Rain Centre', is visiting housing complexes every day, hoping to use the upcoming monsoons to recharge the groundwater levels of Tamil Nadu’s capital.
• In early 2000s, Dr. Raghavan’s efforts in installing rainwater harvesting structures helped increase ground water levels by 20 feet. • Started Rain Centre in 1995 to strategise and implement harvesting rainwater measures on a city level.
Office located at: Adyar Get to know more: Visit location: Rain Centre Office Contact relevant people Dr. Sekhar Raghavan
Learn more Read new reports on this: Akash Ganga Trust The Better India, June 29, 2019 The News Minute, June 20, 2019
Optimal design for rain water harvesting at home, groundwater recharge in Chennai, Groundwater recharge methods India, Rainwater harvesting in cities in India 27 Places of worship go green and sustainable
Type of listing: Eco-friendly initiative - Not-for Profits
Will be interesting for: Culture Enthusiast, Nature Lover, Society Minded
Green worship: These Chennai temples show the way by composting floral waste
In order to encourage eco-friendly practices in temples, a few like-minded individuals and organisations use a twin strategy – composting of flowers and discouraging the use of plastics in temples of Chennai and it has both environmental and economic benefits.
• Several temples across Chennai have invested in sustainability - with biogas units, source segregation initiatives, zero waste programs - decreasing waste generated in their premises. • Floral waste composting is a popular method followed by several temples in Mylapore.
Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple located at: Adyar Get to know more: Sri Kapaleeswarar Temple located at: Mylapore Sri Rathnagireeswarar Temple located at: Besant Nagar Contact relevant people Visit the locations: Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple, Namma Ooru Foundation Kapaleeswarar Temple, Rathnagireeswarar Temple Learn more Read new reports on this: Namma Koil Citizen Matters, June 28 2018 The Hindu, February 17, 2017
Waste management at Chennai Temples 28 Residential water management initiative in public spaces
Type of listing: Residents’ Initiative/ Training
Will be interesting for: Nature Lover, Society Minded
Residents join effort to harness rainwater
With the twin objectives of reducing water-logging and improving groundwater levels, residents of several areas are now keen on harnessing rainwater in public spaces as well. They have begun constructing recharge wells along corners of roads and pavements.
• RA Puram (West) Residents Association have constructed 12 recharge wells in their areas with support from the local people. • Rain Centre is providing technical advise on the construction of these recharge wells.
Rain Centre located at: Adyar Get to know more: RA Puram Residents Association (RAPRA) located at: RA Puram, Alwarpet, Mylapore Contact relevant people Visit Rain Centre: Rain Centre Adyar Dr. Sekhar Raghavan - Rain Centre
Read new reports on this: The Hindu, October 27, 2018 DT Next June 30, 2018
Rainwater harvesting in public areas in Chennai, Recharge wells construction in Chennai, Recharge well types in India 29 Local green spaces and eco parks worth visiting
Type of listing: Case Study
Will be interesting for: Nature Lovers, Knowledge Seekers
Here is a guide to a Chennai eco-spot-hopping
Congested with people, vehicles and buildings, Chennai gasps for breath and it's a miracle there are green areas that allow one to breathe some fresh air. They are real, outdoor, semi-wildernesses, within city limits. Know them?
• Theosophical Society, Guindy National Forest, Nanmangalam Reserve Forest are some of the eco-spots in Chennai worth visiting. • The coastal landscape in Chennai offers many other green landscapes and activities people of different ages can be a part of.
The Theosophical Society located at: Adyar Get to know more: Guindy National Park located at: Guindy Tholkappia Poonga located at: Adyar Learn more Pallikarnai Marsh located at: Velachery Nanmangalam Reserve Forest Other Eco Spots located at: Mangadu, Perambur, Red Hills, Visit the location: Tholkappia Poonga, The Theosophical Society, Watch a video to know how it works Guindy National Park Pallikaranai Marsh Land becomes Bird Sanctuary Read new reports on this: Guindy National Park The Hindu, July 25, 2016 Adyar Poonga The Culture Trip, November 28, 2017
Biodiversity hotspots in Chennai, Green spaces in Chennai, Eco parks in Chennai, Ecological heritage of Chennai 30 Residential community’s waste management pioneers
Type of listing: Residents’ Initiative/ Training
Will be interesting for: Nature Lovers, Society Minded, Knowledge Seekers
Zero-waste homes have been a way of life for these Chennai women
These women are proud of their zero waste homes and lifestyle. They minimize, segregate, recycle and compost waste in their homes and also inspire others to do the same.
• Source segregation and composting are some of the techniques followed by Meenakshi Sriram, Sowmya Mahadevan, Radhika Rammohan and Charitra Parthasarathy from Chennai while tackling waste management in their households and communities.
Individual’s homes located at: Adyar, T. Nagar Get to know more:
Contact relevant people Charitra Parthasarathy Radhika Rammohan
Read new reports on this: The Hindu, June 2, 2016 The Better India, March 19, 2019
Zero-waste families in Chennai, Beginner’s guide to zero-waste at homes in India 31 Local biodiversity hotspot’s maintenance of green cover
Type of listing: Eco-friendly initiative - Not-for Profits
Will be interesting for: Nature Lover, Knowledge Seeker, Society Minded
How Chennai’s Theosophical Society maintains its greenery even in the summer
The campus, a green lung of sorts, is open to walkers from all sections of society; its diverse eco-system is studied all the time; birds enjoy the bonanza of flowers and fruits in summer and it all comes down to careful planning, maintenance and conservation efforts.
• Theosophical Society is one of the three areas in Chennai that boasts of greenery during summer. • Post Cyclone Vardah in 2016, the gardening department has come up with different measures to restore the urban forest.
Theosophical Society located at: Adyar Get to know more: Visit the location: Theosophical Society Contact relevant people The Theosophical Society - Adyar
Watch a video to know how it works Theosophical Society | Unseen mysterious Read new reports on this: place in Chennai The Hindu, May 18, 2018 Theosophical Society- Adyar LBB Chennai, October 5, 2019
Urban biodiversity management in India, Green spaces in Chennai, Eco parks in Chennai, Biodiversity in Theosophical society campus 32 Local school girl turns environmentalist
Type of listing: Eco-friendly project/initiative - Individual Effort
Will be interesting for: Nature Lover, Society Minded
17-year-old girl helps Adyar, RA Puram go plastic-free
Nidhi Sajit Menon, a class 12 student distributes cloth and paper bag, made using her pocket money, to some shops in and around Adyar and RA Puram.
• 17 year old girl from Sishya School helps shops in RA Puram and Adyar go plastic free through her Initiative “For Earth’s Sake”. • Nidhi Sajit menon, who aims to become a marine biologist, distributes cloth and paper bags to nearby shop keepers and the canteens in her school.
Individual is from: Adyar Get to know more: Visit the school: Sishya School Adyar Learn more Visit Sishya school website
Read new reports on this: Times of India, January 5, 2019 DT Next, June 14, 2019
Green initiatives by school students in Chennai, Green schools in Chennai, Sustainable initiatives in educational institutions India 33 Local nature conservancy to preserve area’s biodiversity
Type of listing: Eco-friendly initiative - Not-for-Profits
Will be interesting for: Nature Lovers, Knowledge Seekers, Society Minded
Conserving Adyar’s biodiversity
The Adyar Nature and Environment Centre aim to preserve the Adyar’s biodiversity by documenting the flora and fauna, keeping the Adyar beach clean, and inculcating a love for nature in children.
• The Adyar Nature and Environment Centre will undertake studies and activities to preserve the unique biodiversity in the Theosophical Society campus to start with. • The Centre which started on Adyar Day also aims to arrest salt water intrusion through groundwater studies in the area.
Organisation located at: Adyar Get to know more: Visit the location: Theosophical Society Contact relevant people Adyar Nature and Environment Centre
Watch a video to know how it works Read new reports on this: Theosophical Society | Unseen mysterious The Hindu, February 24, 2018 place in Chennai The Hindu, March 13, 2019 New Indian Express, March 12, 2019
Theosophical Society Adyar, Protecting urban biodiversity in India, Biodiversity spots in Chennai, Biodiversity in Theosophical Society 34 Students win sustainability themed international competition
Type of listing: Environmental Research and Innovation - Educational Institution
Will be interesting for: Society Minded, Engineering Geeks, Knowledge Seekers
IIT Madras students bag two of top three prizes in waste management innovation challenge
The UK India Social Innovation Challenge aims to find, fund and support innovative and sustainable solutions to the global problems and civic concerns. Waste Management was the theme of the innovation challenge in 2019.
• IIT Madras students win the first and third places in the UK India Social Innovation challenge 2019 out of 12 projects that made it to the final round. • The top three winners will receive cash prizes of £1,400, £1,000 and £500 for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd places respectively.
University is located at: Adyar Get to know more: Visit the university: Indian Institute of Technology - Madras Contact relevant people Ram V G Aneesh J
Read new reports on this: Learn more India Today, February 11, 2019 UK India Social Innovation Challenge Times of India, February 12, 2019
Waste management innovations in India, Green innovations by college students India, Green innovations in educational institutions India 35 New technique developed to recycle urine
Type of listing: Environmental Research and Innovation - Educational Institution
Will be interesting for: Engineering Geek, Business Minded
IIT-M student designs system to recycle urine
Anusha Ganta, a second year Ph.D student of the Civil Engineering Department, has retrofitted urinals on the campus to collect urine, that is then processed into several useful materials for use in manufacturing.
• Project Water Chakra is IIT Madras’s new technology developed to recycle human urine. • The project won the Indian Innovation Growth Programme 2.0 in July 2019.
University located at: Adyar Get to know more: Visit the university: Indian Institute of Technology - Madras Contact relevant people Anusha Ganta
Read new reports on this: The Hindu, August 2, 2019 Live Chennai, August 9, 2019
Black water recycling in India, Wastewater management in educational institutions in Chennai, Re-using water in colleges in Chennai, Wastewater management in educational institutions India 36 Innovative waste management strategies in educational institutions
Type of listing: Environmental Research and Innovation - Educational Institution
Will be interesting for: Nature Lover, Society Minded, Engineering Geek
This is how our college campuses say no to plastic
Colleges have already taken steps and some are in the process of finding ways to banish plastic from the campus. Awareness programmes, recycling plastics into reusable materials that do not harm the planet, alternatives to go plastic-free are all afoot in campuses.
• Technology developed by IIT Madras converts non degradable plastic to fuel oil. • WCC and Amrita University have taken up different measures to reduce and manage the plastic waste generated in their campus.
IIT Madras is located in: Adyar Get to know more: Women’s Christian College is located in: Nungambakkam Visit the locations: Womens Christian College (W.C.C. / D.P.I.), Contact relevant people Indian Institute of Technology Madras Dr. Indumathi M Nambi WCC - Centre for Environmental Studies
Read new reports on this: Times of India, December 25, 2018 NDTV, September 24, 2018
Plastic free initiatives in Chennai’s college campuses, Waste management initiatives in Chennai’s colleges, Plogging in Chennai, Plastic free university campus in India 37 Educational institute’s innovation in e-waste treatment
Type of listing: Environmental Research and Innovation - Educational Institution
Will be interesting for: Business Minded, Engineering Geek, IT Geek
Turning e-waste to electricity: IIT Madras innovation is looking for takers
Scientists at IIT, Madras have come up with a novel technique to use LED/LCD glass as an electrode in Microbial Fuel Cells (MFC) which is primarily a technology used for wastewater treatment.
• E-waste can be used as a resource to treat wastewater and generate electricity simultaneously in the new technique developed by IIT Madras. • At present, three-fourths of e-waste is handled in an unscientific manner.
University located at: Adyar Get to know more: Visit the university: Indian Institute of Technology - Madras Contact relevant people Dr. Indumathi M Nambi ◦ Read new reports on this: Times of India, February 24, 2017
Uses of E-waste components in India, E-waste to wealth in India, E-waste disposal initiatives in Chennai, E waste disposal initiatives India 38 Plans for Ecology and recreational spaces through Eco-river restoration
Type of listing: Eco-friendly project - Government
Will be interesting for: Business Minded, Nature Lover, Society Minded, Knowledge Seeker
Third phase of Adyar eco-restoration to begin soon
After the development of the Adyar Poonga and the estuary, the third phase of the project involves the restoration of a 40-km portion of the Adyar river from the Thiru Vi Ka bridge to the Adhanur lake.
• Besides removing the silt deposits, the plans includes building of retaining walls along the river in locations that are vulnerable to floods. • Riverfront development is another component of the third phase involving reviving ecology and recreational space along the river banks.
Organisation located at: Adyar Get to know more: Visit the location: Adyar River, Chennai River Restoration Trust Contact relevant people Chennai River Restoration Trust Water Resource Department
Read new reports on this: The Hindu, September 16, 2019 Times of India, November 14, 2019 New Indian Express, September 16, 2019
River restoration in Chennai, Adyar eco-restoration initiatives, River front development in India 39 State of art environmental labs in educational institutions
Type of listing: Environmental Research and Innovation - Educational Institution
Will be interesting for: Business Minded, Engineering Geek
CUBE, Environment Lab of IIT Madras to be launched in May
The Centre for Urbanization, Buildings and Environment (CUBE) facility at IIT Madras has established a state-of-the-art Environment Laboratory, which will provide testing and analytical services for water, wastewater and solid waste.
• The laboratory will function in collaboration with Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB).
• CUBE extends its services to the construction, environment and sustainability, smart cities and urban planning industries.
University located at: Adyar Get to know more: Visit the university: Centre for Urbanization, Building & Environment [CUBE] Contact relevant people Centre for Urbanization, Building & Environment Read new reports on this: New Indian Express, April 25, 2019
Environmental laboratories in Chennai, Environmental testing services in Chennai 40 Community driven river restoration and design project
Type of listing: Eco-friendly initiative - Non-for Profits
Will be interesting for: Nature Lover, Business Minded, Society Minded
Share your ideas for reviving Chennai’s Buckingham Canal
Eyes On The Canal is an initiative focused on reimagining the Buckingham Canal. They had floated an open call for ideas to raise awareness on the issue of climate change in urban areas and especially to propose visionary, but also feasible, solutions to improve the current situation alongside the canal.
• Eyes on the Canal is an initiative to reimagine Buckingham Canal being climate proofed and encouraged as a liveable space in the city’s future development.
Focused on Buckingham Canal’s stretch between: Adyar and Get to know more: Thiruvanmiyur Contact relevant people Eyes on the Canal
Read new reports on this: Citizen Matters, July 25, 2018 DT Next, December 21, 2018
Urban water body restoration in Chennai, Initiatives to revive Chennai’s rivers, River front development initiatives in India 41 Water body restoration through government and community action
Type of listing: Eco-friendly project - Government
Will be interesting for: Business Minded, Society Minded, Nature Lover
Discover mangrove forests inside Chennai’s Adyar Poonga
Inside the Adyar creek and estuary, one can explore mangrove islands and a world of fish, turtles, and snakes nested beneath their gravity-defying roots. Planting native mangrove trees were part of the eco-restoration of Adyar creek and estuary. The impact of mangroves on the estuarine ecology has been dramatic.
• A walk in the Adyar Creek and Estuary along the Adyar river is a biological and engineering intervention with salty backwaters on one side containing 6 mangrove varieties and a tropical evergreen forest surrounding a man made rainwater lake.
Adyar Creek located at: Adyar Get to know more: Visit the location: Adyar Eco-Park Contact relevant people Chennai River Restoration Trust
Learn more Read new reports on this: Adyar Eco-Restoration The Hindu, November 13, 2019
Adyar river eco-restoration initiatives, Reviving biodiversity hotspots in urban regions in India, Green spaces in Chennai, Biodiversity in Adyar Poonga and Creek 42 Environmental friendly solution for leather industries
Type of listing: Environmental Research and Innovation - Government
Will be interesting for: Business Minded, Engineering Geek
Central Leather Research Institute’s eco-friendly leather technology set to go abroad
Chennai-based Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) has finalised a deal with the Ethiopian government to transfer home-grown Waterless Chrome Tanning Technology (WCTT). The research institute has developed the game changing eco-friendly WCTT for the leather industry.
• WCTT is patented and has been adopted by 70 tanneries in India, of which about 22 are in Erode, Ranipet and Ambur of Tamil Nadu. • The technology is being sought after by the leather factories across the world for its zero liquid discharge innovation.
Central Leather Research Institute is located at: Adyar Get to know more: Visit the location: CSIR- Central Leather Research Institute Contact relevant people Central Leather Research Institute
Read new reports on this: New Indian Express, March 21, 2019 The Hindu, Business One, May 21 2019
Eco-friendly innovation in leather treatment in India, Eco friendly innovation in leather treatment 43 Industry leaders and educational institutions mentor green ventures
Type of listing: Partnership/Mentoring
Will be interesting for: Business Minded, Knowledge Seeker
IIT-M, CII team up to promote innovative green startups
Gopalakrishnan-Deshpande Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship of IIT-Madras and Sohrabji Green Business Centre of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) will be collaborating to nurture and promote innovative green startups across the country.
• Tie up between IIT Madras and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to facilitate novel ideas and start-up ventures in clean technology. • Collaboration with CII will enable the young researchers and entrepreneurs to validate their ideas and assumptions with experienced industry veterans.
University is located at: Adyar Get to know more: Visit the location: IC&SR Building IIT Madras Contact relevant people Gopalakrishnan-Deshpande Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship CII - Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre Read new reports on this: Economic Times, September 9, 2019 Business Standard, September 9, 2019 DT Next, September 10, 2019
Green research centres for start ups in Chennai, Clean tech ventures’ research space in Chennai 44 Innovative clean technology for power generation.
Type of listing: Environmental Research and Innovation - Educational Institution
Will be interesting for: Business Minded, Engineering Geek, Knowledge Seeker
IIT-M working on tech to generate power from estuaries
Prof. Vishal Nandigana of the department of mechanical engineering, IIT-M is working on a novel technology that utilises osmotic power to generate electricity in estuaries where salt and sea water meet.
• IIT Madras has developed a unique membrane technology to generate power from estuaries. • With this tech just 1 sq meter can generate enough to power 50,000 light bulbs.
University is located at: Adyar Get to know more: Visit the location: Department of Mechanical Engineering- IIT-M Contact relevant people Dr. Vishal V. R. Nandigana ◦ Read new reports on this: Times of India, August 18, 2019 India Today, August 16, 2019 Outlook India, August 16, 2019
Osmotic energy innovation in India, Electricity from estuaries technology in India, Osmotic energy innovation 45 Innovative environmental process to minimise plastic waste
Type of listing: Environmental Research and Innovation - Educational Institution
Will be interesting for: Business Minded, Engineering Geek, Knowledge Seeker
IIT Madras finds an eco-friendly way to degrade plastics
IIT Madras has successfully demonstrated environmental friendly way to degrade PTFE. The team has demonstrated a strategy to degrade the chemically inert and physically stable plastic fluoropolymer — polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) of which Teflon is made.
• IIT Madras was able to degrade plastic into molecules by the continuous stirring in water containing 1,000 ppm glucose and metal ions for about 15 days at 70 degree C.
University is located at: Adyar Get to know more: Visit the location: Department of Chemistry- IIT M Contact relevant people Prof. T Pradeep
Read new reports on this: The Hindu, September 14, 2019 Your Story, September 19, 2019
Eco-friendly methods to degrade plastics in India, Plastic waste degradation methods in Chennai 46 Innovative clean technology for water management
Type of listing: Eco-friendly Government Initiatives
Will be interesting for: Business Minded, Engineering Geek, Knowledge Seeker
IIT-Madras sets up India’s 1st solar-powered desalination plant
Prof. A Mani of the refrigeration and air conditioning lab at IIT-M was part of the Rs 1.22 crore experimental project where surface seawater is pumped in and a collector that traps sun’s radiation converts it into heat.
• Vivekananda Memorial in Kanyakumari is going to see the country’s first solar-powered desalination plant having the capacity to generate 10,000 Litres of freshwater.
University is located at: Adyar Get to know more: Visit the location: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Lab Contact relevant people Mani A
Read new reports on this: Times of India, March 21, 2019 Deccan Chronicle, March 30, 2019 Business Today, June 2, 2019
Solar powered desalination plants in India, Desalination plants in Chennai 47 Rooftop solar systems installed on public buildings
Type of listing: Case Study of Government Initiative
Will be interesting for: Business Minded, Society Minded
Smart city funds to support rooftop solar projects
The Chennai Corporation has dropped the proposal of using the public-private partnership (PPP) mode to commission rooftop solar panels public buildings in the city.
• Smart City funds are to be used through the CAPEX model where the Corporation will own the assets. • Corporation is planning to implement rooftop solar plants in 1378 public buildings in the city.
Public buildings are located in: Adyar, Alandur, Ambattur, Anna Get to know more: Nagar, Kodambakkam, Madhavaram, Manali, Perungudi, Shollinganallur, Thiruvotriyur, Tondiarpet, Valsaravakkam Contact relevant people Visit the location: Greater Chennai Corporation Chennai Corporation Contacts
Learn more Read new reports on this: The Hindu, March 28, 2018 Mercom India, November 29, 2018 ◦
Rooftop solar potential in Chennai, Rooftop solar potential in India, Smart city initiatives in Chennai, Smart city initiatives across cities in India 48 Apartment complex recycles grey water
Type of listing: Resident Initiatives
Will be interesting for: Homemaker, Nature Lover, Society Minded
Canna plant may be able to solve your water woes
Recycling grey-water with the roots of plants like Canna can give you a perennial source of water as it gets purified by the action of the Canna roots, natural microbes present in the soil, and the treated water can enter the groundwater table.
• Eight flat apartment complex in Adyar recharges its ground water with 4000 litres of water everyday.
• Canna Indica plant is extensively used in residential grey-water recycling.
Apartment complex is present in: Adyar Get to know more:
◦ Contact relevant people Dr. Sekhar Raghavan
Read new reports on this: The Hindu, July 30, 2013
Water management at household in Chennai, Recycling grey water using plants in Chennai, Recycling residential grey water India 49 Optimal HVAC solutions for commercial buildings
Type of listing: Eco-Friendly Technologies - Industries
Will be interesting for: Business Minded, Engineering Geeks
IIT-Madras startup Swadha Energies raises funds from IAN
Swadha is incubated at IIT-Madras’ Rural Technology Business Incubator and designs smart HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems.
• For commercial buildings, the company has developed a special technology to manage and control centralised air conditioning systems. • Swadha Energies claims to reduce 40% of the energy costs of commercial buildings.
Incubated at IIT madras Research Park located in: Adyar Get to know more: Visit the location: IIT Madras Rural Technology Business Incubator Contact relevant people Ankit Poddar ◦
Read new reports on this: ◦ Times of India, April 17, 2019 VC Circle, April 17, 2019 The Hindu Business Line, August 8, 2016
Efficient HVAC systems in Chennai, HVAC systems management for commercial buildings in Chennai, Optimal HVAC solutions in India 50 Eco friendly alternatives for community events
Type of listing: Eco- Friendly Initiatives
Will be interesting for: Society-Minded, Party Goers, Foodie
Rent,reuse,reduce with cutlery in Chennai
Cutlery banks have been set up by different individuals and organisation throughout the city to encourage citizens to reduce waste generated at events. The cutlery banks offer services like renting cutlery with home delivery options as well.
• Rent A Cutlery initiatives saves the single use plastic disposables from contributing to the landfill waste. Useful for reducing plastic waste generated during functions and festivals. • The cutlery banks in the city take care of the hygiene by washing the utensils with soap nut and bio-enzyme to maintain quality.
Namma Ooru Foundations’s Namma Cutlery Bank located at: Get to know more: Adyar Rent a Cutlery operates from: Anna Nagar Contact relevant people Rent-A-cutlery Namma Ooru Foundation
Read new reports on this: New Indian Express, April 3, 2019 ◦
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