The WTE (Waste to Energy) Campus located in Jamnagar, Gujarat, was designed by INI Design Studio to find a solution to India's waste management problems. The campus also promotes sustainability by converting waste energy into a clean energy source and reducing environmental impact.
Waste management is a global issue with local impact. Prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse of waste generation, which is one of the priority issues of the UN is a major concern. India generates 62 million tons of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) annually. However, only 69% of this waste is collected and 28% treated, leading to an increase in open landfills.
The 7,825 square meter WTE project campus in Gujarat converts 220,000 tons of household waste into 7.5 MW of clean energy per year, enough to power 15,000 homes. In doing so, it produces zero toxic emissions and transforms 17 acres of barren land into a green space equipped with social infrastructure such as running tracks, playgrounds, research facilities and common areas. Only 20% of the site is utilized. The rest is reserved for community activities and future expansion. The design of the project keeps human interaction to a minimum, taking into account the type and amount of waste generated.
The architectural features of the WTE Campus project offer an innovative approach to waste management, combining functionality and environmental impact. Simple, open-space and lightweight prefabricated steel structures help optimize the waste handling process. The buildings' permeable, recyclable multilayer polycarbonate facade systems improve thermal performance, reducing energy consumption and minimizing environmental impact. In addition, the project's water conservation and landscaping features ensure environmental sustainability and enhanced quality of life for the users.
The project was recognized as "India's first platinum-rated net-zero Green Waste-to-Energy Campus" by the Green Building Council of India and was awarded the "2023 Green Good Design" award by the Chicago Athenaeum.
