MAHE boosts green initiative with electric cars 

Manipal: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) in association with Mahindras has started use of electrically powered cars to supplement its transport fleet in Manipal. The cars were flagged off for duty by the Chairman, Manipal Education and Medical Group, Dr Ranjan Pai on Sunday.

“We are the first to start this ecofriendly initiative in this part of the country,” said Pro Chancellor, Dr H. S. Ballal and added that we already have a lot of other green initiatives on the campus, and this is one more initiative from MAHE towards a friendly environment.

Various green initiatives like water recycling, green cover development, clean energy generation etc. have earned MAHE the distinction of being one of the best green campuses in the country and is known globally too for its contribution to sustainability.

“As we have a number of vehicles going to Mangaluru airport every day, to pick and drop our staff and visitors, these cars are going to be really helpful as they do not pollute,” Dr Ballal said. “Once fully charged, the vehicles can run about 120 kilometres. There is a charger in the university and the airport authorities have agreed to install one at the airport. One will be made available at MAGE campus in Mangaluru as well”.

Mr Derrick I. Joshua, Assistant Director, Environment Sustainability, MAHE said, “This initiative will help further reduce an estimated 50 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emission per annum. This translates to roughly 5000 additional trees which would otherwise be needed to absorb such emissions. Zero tail-pipe emissions of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides helps reducehuman health impact on local community.Another significant contributor is that the electric charging station is fed with solar generated electricity, thus practically implying a zero emission factor”.