2025-11-19
St. Teresa's College, Ernakulam (Autonomous), has achieved a
significant milestone by becoming the third institution in Kerala to receive
international accreditation for its Green Audit. This accolade underscores the
college's steadfast commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
The comprehensive Green Audit assessed the college across
multiple critical areas, including its Environment Management System (EMS),
Energy Management System (EnMS), Water Efficiency Management System (WEMS),
Campus Biodiversity Management System (CBMS), Waste Management System (WMS),
Occupational Health & Safety Management System (OHS), and Carbon Footprint
(CF). These systems, developed in accordance with ISO standards, exemplify a
progressive approach to sustainability, positioning St. Teresa’s College as a
carbon-neutral campus with outstanding health and safety protocols.
Certified internal auditors addressed non-conformities
identified in the final external assessment conducted by the Tropical Institute
of Ecological Sciences (TIES). The entire process—ranging from the initial
audit to the issuance of the ISO-compliant certificate—was efficiently
completed within a six-month timeframe.
To celebrate this achievement, a certification ceremony was
held in the college's Seminar Hall. During the event, Rev. Sr. Neelima,
Chairperson of the institution, received the ISO Green Audit certificate and
the Manual of Documented Information from Dr. Punnen Kurian, Director of TIES,
along with the ISO Green Audit report from Project Manager Abhirami K. P. The
program featured a welcome address from Dr. Pearly Antony O., EMS Coordinator,
and included remarks from Rev. Sr. Tessa, CSST, and Rev. Sr. Francis Ann, CSST,
as well as an inaugural address by Dr. Anu Joseph, College Principal. Insights
were also shared by Ms. Ann Joseph, Head of the Psychology Department and
internal auditor. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr.
Sreehari S. Nair, Assistant Professor and EMS Committee member.
This milestone reaffirms St. Teresa's College dedication to
environmental sustainability and highlights its role as a leader in promoting
a greener future.