Schools can play a key role in meeting India's 2022 renewable energy target. Here are a few learnings from the solar initiative of Centre for Science and Environment.

Once upon a time humans depended on the labour of animals and other humans to meet their daily energy requirements. From transport to agriculture, humans made use of natural resources like wind, water and gravity for their energy needs. 

Sunlight, readily available for 250 to 300 days in most parts of India, can help schools operate better.

India has set a target of 227 GW of installed capacity from renewable energy by 2022. Of this, nearly 144 GW would be sourced from solar energy, while 67 GW would come from wind energy. Although wind, solar, biogas and water are all renewable energy sources for power, solar energy is considered to be the most affordable alternative to polluting fossil-fuel based power-plants. Easy installation and electricity generation also make solar energy the best bet among renewables...

Green schools are taking initiatives to clean the polluted air around us

As we gear up for winter, we cannot ignore that this is the time when we experience the worst of air quality across cities and towns. The air we breathe is filled with toxic pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM 2.5, PM 10), lead (Pb), ozone (O3), among others, arising from multiple sources such as vehicles, industries and power plants.

Delhi has been infamous for its air pollution, for years, especially after the World Health Organisation reported it to be the most polluted city in the world in 2014.

Moreover, Delhi residents are not alone in grappling with air pollution. Many other cities such as Allahabad, Varanasi, Patna and Kanpur are also equally at risk.