Climate Action Unit (CAU), Digital University Kerala

The Climate Action Unit (CAU) of Digital University Kerala has been established as an institutional mechanism to promote sustained, measurable, and participatory climate action across the University ecosystem. In the context of accelerating climate change and the growing responsibility of higher education institutions, the Unit seeks to integrate climate responsibility into everyday academic and campus life, moving beyond awareness to meaningful action.

Institutional Alignment

The Climate Action Unit aligns with key national and institutional frameworks, including:

• The mandate of the All India Council for Technical Education for Climate Action Units in higher education institutions
• Mission LiFE, promoting mindful and sustainable living practices
• The University’s vision of fostering a responsible digital world, extending this responsibility to environmental stewardship

Core Approach

The CAU adopts a structured and action-oriented approach through:

• Daily and monthly climate-positive actions for students, faculty, and staff
• Engagement at campus, household, and community levels
• Measurable tracking of energy use, water consumption, waste generation, and behavioural change
• Student-led monitoring through trained Climate Action Ambassadors

Inauguration

The Climate Action Unit was formally inaugurated by Swaminathan Manohar, Co-founder of the Simputer, during the 5th Foundation Day celebrations of the University on 20 February 2026. The launch of the Climate Action Unit logo on this occasion symbolized the University’s commitment to climate leadership, collective responsibility, and long-term sustainability.

Governance Structure

CAU Committee

• Athira K, Assistant Professor, School of Informatics (SoI), KUDSIT – Chair
• Jose Joseph, Assistant Professor, School of Engineering (SoE), KUDSIT – Member
• Shanujas V, Assistant Professor, School of Digital Humanities & Liberal Arts (SoDiHLA), KUDSIT – Member
• Jayachandran M B, Chief Technology Officer, KUDSIT – Member
• Murali R, Deputy Registrar, VC Office, KUDSIT – Convenor

Student Climate Ambassadors

• Akash S, MSc. Data Analytics & Computational Science
• Amal Madhu, MTech Electronics Engineering
• Hizan Rahman, MSc Computer Science -Cyber Security
• Nayana Shaji, MSc. Environmental Science
• Shipra, MSc. Data Science and BioAI
• Sivahari R S, MBA
• Uzma Haseeb, MSc Computer Science -Cyber Security

The Climate Action Unit places strong emphasis on student participation through the Climate Action Ambassadors programme. These ambassadors play a crucial role in:

• Promoting climate-positive behaviours across campus
• Monitoring and reporting sustainability practices
• Leading peer engagement and awareness initiatives
• Supporting data collection for climate action metrics

Vision for the Future

Through the Climate Action Unit, Digital University Kerala aspires to emerge as a model institution where climate action is embedded in daily choices, institutional practices, and community engagement, demonstrating how digital innovation and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.