IIM Bangalore Electric Bus Sustainability Initiative 2025 | Green Campus Innovation

Discover how IIM Bangalore’s electric bus sustainability initiative 2025 promotes eco-friendly campus transport and green innovation with NeSL and Canara Bank.

IIM Bangalore and NeSL Launch Electric Bus to Champion Campus Sustainability

Bengaluru, 24 October 2025 – The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), in partnership with the National E-Governance Services Ltd (NeSL), inaugurated a cutting-edge electric bus today, signaling a transformative step towards sustainable mobility on campus. This initiative, under NeSL’s comprehensive Sustainability Programme, underscores the commitment of both institutions to clean energy, carbon emission reduction, and environmentally conscious operational practices.

The launch ceremony featured key dignitaries, including Shri Debajyoti Ray Chaudhuri, Managing Director and CEO of NeSL; Smt. Nivedita E.P., Executive Director of NeSL; Shri Bhavendra Kumar, Executive Director of Canara Bank; and Prof. U. Dinesh Kumar, Director In-charge of IIMB. Also present were Prof. Haritha Saranga, Chairperson of the Sustainability Taskforce at IIMB, Prof. M. Jayadev, Dean Administration, and Rohit Jaisingh, CEO of IIMB Development Foundation.

Honouring Green Warriors: Canara Bank’s Role in Sustainability

A highlight of the event was the felicitation of Canara Bank officials recognized as ‘Green Warriors’ for their outstanding contributions to the Bank’s sustainable and digital initiatives. Certificates of Merit were awarded across multiple categories:

• Top 10 performers in the Gold Loan portfolio
• Top 5 performers in the Vehicle Loan portfolio
• Recognition for staff from Retail, Gold Loan, IT/LAPS Wings at Head Office Bengaluru
• Global Trade Processing Centre, Manipal, and Best Performing Branch in electronic Bank Guarantees issuance

The awards celebrated the bank’s dedication to operational efficiency, digital transformation, and sustainable financial practices, reflecting the successful collaboration between Canara Bank and NeSL.

NeSL’s Vision: Efficiency Through Green Innovation

In his keynote address, Shri Debajyoti Ray Chaudhuri emphasized the dual benefits of electric vehicles – reduced carbon footprint and improved energy efficiency. NeSL’s sustainability projects at IIMB extend beyond electric mobility, encompassing the installation of fast-charging EV stations and solar panels, fortifying the campus’s green infrastructure.

Shri Chaudhuri highlighted NeSL’s pioneering Digital Document Execution (DDE) platform, a paperless contract storage and execution system that enhances cost efficiency while promoting environmental responsibility. Canara Bank’s collaboration in scaling DDE nationwide has streamlined operations, minimized paper consumption, and reinforced the principles of sustainable finance.

IIMB’s Commitment to a Green Campus

Prof. U. Dinesh Kumar, Director In-charge of IIM Bangalore, lauded the ongoing partnership with NeSL and Canara Bank, acknowledging their crucial role in IIMB’s sustainability journey. He underscored the Institute’s dedication to serving as a benchmark for peer institutions by implementing best practices in environmental management.

Prof. Haritha Saranga detailed the campus-wide initiatives aimed at water, energy, and waste management, showcasing IIMB’s 100-acre campus that hosts over 25,000 trees and a thriving ecosystem of birds and flora. She emphasized the Institute’s holistic approach to sustainability, including:

• Rainwater harvesting through six primary collection points with a total capacity of 350,000 litres
• Recharge wells capturing 1.43 million litres of groundwater annually
• Raising the water table to 6.5 meters, meeting up to 20% of domestic water requirements
• Solar energy adoption, including solar water heaters and rooftop panels targeting Net Zero goals
• Waste management, featuring NSRCEL-incubated Padcare for sanitary waste recycling, reducing reject waste to 5%

Over the past five years, IIMB has achieved a 10% reduction in overall carbon emissions, reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship.

Canara Bank’s Role in Sustainable Finance

Shri Bhavendra Kumar highlighted Canara Bank’s 120-year legacy and its deep roots in Karnataka, emphasizing how partnerships with NeSL advance sustainability through digital innovations like the DDE platform, which optimize gold loan processing and reduce operational costs.

He also discussed Canara Bank’s strategic investment in technology and fintech engagement, offering over 300 online banking features, alongside CSR initiatives in education, health, and infrastructure. By integrating ESG principles into risk management, the Bank addresses climate change-related risks while promoting sustainable finance practices.

The Road Ahead for Campus Sustainability

The collaboration between IIMB, NeSL, and Canara Bank represents a comprehensive approach to sustainable mobility, renewable energy adoption, and digital transformation. The electric bus initiative is part of a broader roadmap to reduce emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and foster environmental responsibility within India’s premier business education ecosystem.

This milestone also encourages other educational institutions and corporate campuses to integrate clean technology solutions, such as electric vehicles, renewable energy installations, and innovative waste management systems, thereby creating a replicable model for sustainable operations across India.

Key Features of IIMB Sustainability Initiatives

• Electric Bus Fleet: Reduces carbon emissions and promotes sustainable campus transportation.
• Solar Power Infrastructure: Maximizes renewable energy generation and reduces dependency on conventional sources.
• Water Management: Rooftop rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge systems.
• Waste Reduction: NSRCEL-incubated Padcare technology for sanitary waste recycling.
• Digital Transformation: Paperless operations and contract management through DDE platform.

Expert Insights

Sustainability experts suggest that initiatives like IIM Bangalore electric bus sustainability initiative 2025 not only reduce environmental impact but also contribute to operational cost savings and enhanced brand reputation. Integrating renewable energy, efficient water management, and waste reduction creates measurable outcomes that can guide other institutions aiming for Net Zero campus targets.

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10 FAQs About IIM Bangalore’s Electric Bus and Sustainability Initiative

1. What is the main goal of the IIM Bangalore electric bus sustainability initiative 2025?
   To promote sustainable mobility, reduce carbon emissions, and strengthen the campus’s green infrastructure.
2. Who collaborated with IIMB for this sustainability initiative?
   National E-Governance Services Ltd (NeSL) and Canara Bank.
3. What is the Digital Document Execution (DDE) platform?
   A paperless financial document execution and storage platform that promotes cost efficiency and sustainability.
4. How does IIMB manage water sustainability on campus?
   Through rooftop rainwater harvesting, recharge wells, and water table management, supplying 20% of domestic water needs.
5. How many trees are there on the IIMB campus?
   Over 25,000 trees spanning diverse species.
6. What waste management technology is implemented at IIMB?
   NSRCEL-incubated Padcare technology for recycling sanitary waste.
7. What are Canara Bank’s contributions to sustainable finance in this initiative?
   Digital innovations like DDE, ESG-based risk management, and investment in technology for operational efficiency.
8. How has IIMB reduced carbon emissions in the past five years?
   By 10%, through renewable energy adoption, EV usage, and improved waste and water management.
9. What renewable energy projects are present on campus?
   Solar water heaters, rooftop solar panels, and biogas plants.
10. How can other institutions replicate IIMB’s sustainability model?
    By integrating EVs, renewable energy, water and waste management systems, and digital transformation initiatives.