Promoting conscious water usage

At JGU, we believe that sustainable water management requires the active participation of our entire campus community. Awareness and education are key to promoting mindful water usage, and we leverage various platforms to engage students, staff, and faculty in water conservation practices. We recognise that every drop of water matters. As a global institution committed to sustainability, we promote conscious water use through a combination of efficient operations, behavioral awareness, outreach programmes, research, and teaching. Our approach integrates technology, design, and education to reduce water wastage, maximize reuse, and build a culture of conservation across and beyond campus. 

Conscious Water Management through Operations 

Water efficiency at JGU begins with our systems. 

All water released after use in hostels, kitchens, and residential areas is channelled to seven advanced Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) on campus. These plants employ physical, chemical, and biological treatment processes to remove contaminants and produce treated water suitable for multiple non-potable uses. 

Treated STP water is reused for: 

• Horticulture and irrigation 
• Cooling towers 
• Toilet flushing 
• Construction activities such as curing, water sprinkling, and tyre washing 
• Gardening, floor washing, and dust suppression 

To ensure accountability and efficiency, flow metres track all water reused on campus. Hot water recirculation pumps further enhance efficiency by preventing unnecessary water drainage during winters, ensuring warm water availability without waste. 

Our green spaces are designed to be both aesthetic and sustainable, with 132,966 trees and shrubs thriving through the use of only treated wastewater — no freshwater is used for irrigation. 

Water-Conscious Landscaping 

We prioritise native and drought-tolerant plant species that require minimal water, such as: 

• Mitragyana parviflora (Kadamb) 
• Bauhinia purpurea 
• Erythreena indica 
• Ficus infectoria 
• Dalbergia sisso 
• Terminalia arjuna 
• Cassia siamea 

Our drip and sprinkler irrigation systems ensure water is distributed efficiently, reducing evaporation losses and maintaining a healthy ecosystem. 

Encouraging Behavioral Change 

Sustainability at JGU is as much about mindset as it is about systems. We actively promote water-conscious habits through visual reminders, awareness drives, and campus-wide initiatives that empower every member of the community to make small but impactful changes in their daily routines. 

Across campus washrooms, awareness posters remind users of the water impact of every flush: 

• A full flush uses 15 litres of water 
• A half flush uses only 5 litres 

By simply choosing the smaller flush, every user can save up to 10 litres each time. These posters are placed in all accessible washrooms, helping build lasting habits of water conservation through constant visual engagement. 

Creating a Culture of Consciousness 

Behavioural change at JGU goes beyond reminders — it is embedded in our campus culture. Regular sustainability workshops, student-led awareness campaigns, and orientation sessions for new residents ensure that responsible water use becomes second nature. 

Information boards across hostels and academic buildings share water-saving tips such as: 

• Turning off taps while brushing or washing hands 
• Reporting leakages immediately to maintenance teams 
• Using buckets instead of showers for shorter baths 

Apart from the above, JGU also participates in regular Green Audits. The Green Audit Report 2023–24 highlights O.P. Jindal Global University’s commitment to sustainability through measurable progress in energy, water, waste management, and green initiatives. Water conservation measures include treated wastewater reuse and leak detection, while waste management practices focus on recycling, composting, and responsible disposal. With over 12,000 saplings planted and 59 recharge pits established, the university continues to enhance its green cover and promote a plastic-free, eco-conscious campus.  

Through these consistent nudges, JGU transforms individual awareness into collective responsibility. 

Student and Staff Engagement 

Our Infra team also conducts routine water audits, organise inter-school competitions, and promotes creative campaigns on water conservation. These activities not only build accountability but also strengthen the idea that sustainable living begins with behavioural choices. 

Washrooms across campus are designed to be accessible to all, equipped with efficient fixtures and monitored systems to minimise wastage. Regular inspections ensure that all equipment functions optimally, supporting our broader goal of operational efficiency paired with behavioural mindfulness. 

Educational and Community Outreach 

JGU’s approach to promoting conscious water usage extends far beyond campus. Through structured Water, Sanitation, and Health Outreach Programmes, students and faculty collaborate to engage rural and urban communities in sustainable hygiene and water use practices. These programmes combine interactive sessions, demonstrations, and participatory learning methods to create real-world impact. 

Recent Outreach Initiatives 

• Rajkiya Prathamik Vidyalaya, Jagdishpur Village, Sonipat – 12th August 2024 
• Aanganwadi Kendra, Jagdishpur Village, Sonipat – 26th August 2024 
• Model Sanskriti Senior Secondary School, Badh Malik, Beeswanmeel, Rai, Sonipat – 9th September 2024 
• Haiderpur Slum Clusters, Delhi (including MCD Primary Girls School and Ambedkar Nagar Colony) – 30th September 2024 
• Health and Wellness Centre and Anganwadi Kendra, Barota Village, Sonipat – 7th October 2024 

These outreach efforts aim to: 

• Educate children and families on the importance of hygiene and water conservation 
• Demonstrate simple and practical methods for safe water use and sanitation 
• Build local leadership and awareness for water-sensitive behavior in everyday life 

Building Awareness through Higher Education 

The message of water consciousness also flows through JGU’s academic and global engagement initiatives. For instance, the 3rd Jindal-Melbourne Distinguished Lecture, held on 7th October 2025, focused on “From Learners to Leaders: Developing Future-Ready Graduates to Shape a Better World”, delivered by Dr. Daniela Acquaro, Associate Dean (Global Engagement), Faculty of Education, The University of Melbourne. 

This lecture underscored how universities can cultivate dispositions, skills, and values to prepare students for sustainable leadership—connecting directly to JGU’s broader mission of developing responsible, conscious citizens who prioritise sustainable resource use, including water. 

Integrating Water Consciousness in Research, Teaching & Learning 

JGU’s academic community continuously engages in research, teaching, and innovation that advance sustainable water management. 

Through interdisciplinary collaborations, faculty and students explore new approaches to: 

• Wastewater recycling and reuse 
• Water-efficient campus design 
• Hydrological resilience and climate adaptation 
• Policy frameworks for water governance 

Courses and experiential learning opportunities ensure that water sustainability is embedded in the learning experience, inspiring the next generation of leaders to adopt and advocate for water-conscious practices in their professions and communities. 

Our efforts are guided by a simple belief — responsibility begins with awareness. 
From high-efficiency infrastructure and sustainable landscapes to outreach and education, JGU’s approach creates a campus ecosystem that values, conserves, and celebrates water as a shared resource. 

Together, we make every drop count!