Green Audit is a process of systematic identification, quantification, recording, reporting and analysis of components of environmental diversity of institute. It aims to analyze environmental practices within and outside of the concerned place, which will have an impact on the eco-friendly atmosphere.
Green audit is a valuable means for a college to determine how and where they are using the most energy or water or other resources; the college can then consider how to implement changes and make savings. It can create health consciousness and promote environmental awareness, values and ethics. It provides staff and students better understanding of Green impact on campus. If self-enquiry is a natural and necessary outgrowth of a quality education, it could also be stated that institutional self-enquiry is a natural and necessary outgrowth of a quality educational institution. Thus it is imperative that the college evaluate its own contributions toward a sustainable future. As environmental sustainability is becoming an increasingly important issue for the nation, the role of higher educational institutions in relation to environmental sustainability is more prevalent.
The process of green audit based on operational activities within an institution happens not necessarily based on laws and regulations. It might be largely based on awareness and concerns on environmental performances within and outside the institute’s premises. This further strengthens the fact regarding social responsibilities of the organization. Majority of the institutions that conducted green audits in the recent past has realized the importance of the same as they could easily manage their operational costs and provide a good atmosphere for their stakeholders. The green audit also provides opportunities to identify full range of operations within an organization, the impacts of maintaining and functioning of its operational goods and services, the actual source of raw materials for different activities within the organisation, the costs of operations of its offices, functional units, and other facilities. It also provides chances to understand the relationship with employees, material suppliers, stakeholders, etc. The recommendations, findings and suggestions that emerge during green audit would certainly, help the management of the organisation to set up future action plan that best suits them.
General steps involved in Green Audit
1. Systematic and exhaustive data collection.
2. Evidence based documentation of activities.
3. Regular monitoring.
4. Provide standards and methods for improvement by establishing cost effective green action plan.
The Green Audit Process:
1. Selection of area/activities/parts of the campus.
2. Planning of visit to campus to discuss about the audit process.
3. Scope of audit process was identified in consultation with the auditee.
4. A meticulous plan of action was designed.
5. A team consisting of teachers, non-teaching staff and students was constituted with specific tasks and a proper time schedule.
6. Data pertaining to identified parameters for green auditing of the campus were collected directly through an on-site visit.
7. Available background information on the identified activities and other parameters were collected.
8. The role of each stakeholder in green-related activities has been collected.
9. Historical aspects of green activities in the campus including flora fauna, water usage and waste generation, etc. were collected.
10.A questionnaire based on the preliminary visits and other evaluations was communicated to the authorities who are involved in the in-house data collection.
11.Data collection based on questionnaire.
12.Visit the campus by audit team.
13.Data analysis and evaluation.
14.Discussion on the findings.
15.Report preparation.
Onsite audit activities
1. The preliminary visit and meeting with the campus authorities was the first step between the audit team and auditee.
2. Site inspection for determining parameters for audit.
3. Site visit and evaluation of collected information of the audit team.
4. Meeting with the Principal, IQAC coordinator, teachers, non-teaching staff and students.
5. Meeting with the in-house audit team for evaluation and clarifications.
