Recognizing the efforts of St Joseph’s Engineering College at Pala in utilizing renewable energy, the Kerala government has selected the institution for the Akshaya Urja Award for 2018. The award comprises a cash component of Rs 1 lakh along with a plaque and citation.

The college initiated steps to reduce the carbon footprint by 100 tonnes and check global warming with the setting up of a solar power plant that is connected to the grid. The use of LPG at the college canteen and hostel was also brought down significantly by installing a biogas plant and a 2,000-litre solar heater. Other ecofriendly initiatives of the college include a rainwater harvesting reservoir, facility to recharge groundwater sources and a waste treatment plant.

Meanwhile, the college has launched measures to set up a 100 KW power plant in addition to the 110 KW solar plant to achieve self-sufficiency in energy. The technological achievements of the college are fully utilized by the students and faculty for carrying out research related to the energy sector.

According to the college chairman Mon Dr Joseph Malepparambil, vice chairman Fr Mathew Koramkuzha and principal Dr J David, the institution was selected for the award as it has been giving much importance to tapping non-conventional energy sources and popularizing the cause. The management and the faculty congratulated the head of the Electrical and Electronics Department Prof P V Varkey, assistant professor Liju Mathew and other team members whose tireless efforts earned the college the award.