Evaluating the economic viability and environmental impact of energy-efficient technologies in educational institutions

Abstract The incorporation of energy-efficient technologies (EETs) is essential for global climate change mitigation and sustainable development. Nonetheless, there is a substantial deficiency in delivering the benchmarked economic validation of these practices within Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) campus. This paper tackles this issue to some extent by providing an analytical summary of important EETs that can be used in institutional buildings. It overviews all modern technologies that include solar rooftop, rainwater harvesting, waste management, water conservation, and electric vehicles. The study highlights their utilisation in practical applications including their economic, and environmental benefits. The work is supported by a thorough, quantified case study. The MAHE Campus has put into place many sustainability practices. The main finding shows that the campus is very financially viable, saving about Rs. 154 crores (about $18.5 million USD) per year and cutting CO 2 emissions by 220.7 tonnes. This research presents an essential framework for sustainable infrastructure planning, delivering vital insights into economic feasibility, scalability, and obstacles to implementation for institutions aiming to transition to climate-resilient built environments.