Chennai’s Panimalar Medical College has taken a significant step towards sustainability by teaming up with Green Connect to address their food waste management challenges. As part of this endeavor, the college installed a state-of-the-art biogas plant in 2020, converting a staggering 500 kg of food waste generated by the hostel into valuable biogas. This remarkable initiative not only benefits the institution but also the environment at large.
Recognizing the pressing need for effective food waste management, Panimalar College joined forces with Green Connect to explore sustainable solutions. The installation of a biogas plant emerged as the ideal choice. This innovative system utilizes food waste to produce clean and renewable biogas, marking a significant step towards a greener future. Since its implementation, the biogas plant has been successfully generating 40 cubic meters of biogas per day, equivalent to 20 cubic meters of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
The utilization of biogas for cooking purposes in the college kitchen has not only reduced the institution’s reliance on conventional cooking gas but also resulted in substantial cost savings. By substituting LPG with biogas, Panimalar College has effectively curtailed its expenditure on cooking gas, making it a financially advantageous solution.
The biogas plant at Panimalar College boasts several notable features. The biogas digester is constructed using mild steel material with rust proof coating, while the gas holder is made of flexible nylon PVC material. This portable model is equipped with various accessories that enhance its functionality, including a biogas booster to increase pressure, a cutter pump to break down large amounts of waste into smaller particles, a flow meter to monitor biogas production, and a shed to protect the gas holder balloon from tampering. These additional features ensure improved efficiency and security of the biogas plant.
The installation of the biogas plant effectively manages food waste, reduces environmental impact, and plays a crucial role in the college’s accreditation by the esteemed National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), which places a strong emphasis on sustainable practices.
This initiative not only provides environmental benefits but also yields substantial financial savings, fulfills accreditation criteria, and serves as an inspiring example for other institutions to follow. The successful partnership between Panimalar College and Green Connect showcases the immense potential of innovative waste management solutions in driving sustainability and creating a positive impact on the institution.