Chitkara International School (CIS), Panchkula, became the only school among the schools of six states listed in the Chandigarh Chapter of CII, to successfully achieve the highest-level ‘Platinum’ ranking for outstandingly following an exemplary protocol that meets the Green School Standards under the IGBC Green Schools Rating System (New School).The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) was formed in the year 2001. The vision of the council is, "To enable a sustainable built environment for all and facilitate India to be one of the global leaders in the sustainable built environment by 2025". IGBC’s School Rating System is unique in the sense that it addresses eco-education, Health & hygiene besides the infrastructural facilities, energy efficiency, water conservation and waste management. Aspects like nutrition, physical activity & safety are also addressed.Outshining in the 52 parameters categorized under the requirements like Site Selection & Planning, Sustainable Water Practices, Conserving & Harvesting Energy, Eco-Friendly School Material, Indoor Environment Quality, Health & Hygiene and Green Education, the school stood immensely proud to receive a fantastic rating of 89.
Eminent dignitaries from IGBC, Ar Jit Kumar Gupta, Chairman, IGBC, Chandigarh Chapter and Mr Nilesh Kumar Rana, Executive Officer, CII, IGBC presented the prestigious award to Ar Sukumar Jairath, Principal Architect, Studio by Design, Dr Madhu Chitkara, Chairperson, Chitkara International School, Dr Niyati Chitkara, Director, Chitkara International School, Chandigarh and Panchkula at the Felicitation Ceremony organised at Panchkula Campus of the school. The ceremony commenced with the salutation and orientation programme that comprised of welcoming of the esteemed personages of IGBC and the diligent members of CIS and a comprehensive school tour. The programme was followed by an informative presentation by Ar Sukumar Jairath that highlighted Chitkara International School’s standpoint on the significance of Green Schools. Next, Ar Jit Kumar Gupta addressed the audience and appreciated the school for taking such noteworthy initiatives for revolutionizing the educational process that supports global sustainability in every way.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Madhu Chitkara, Pro-Chancellor, Chitkara University, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, said “The entire Chitkara Fraternity, works towards enriching the learning experience of the students starting from pre-primary level to doctoral level and devises methods of successful transformation from one level to another keeping in mind the need of the changing & demanding industry. The green initiatives undertaken at Chitkara Institutions bespeak their commitment towards the preservation of the environment’s health and conservation of resources for a healthier tomorrow.”In addition to this, the generation next educationist, Dr Niyati Chitkara, Director, Chitkara International School, Chandigarh and Panchkula, asserted, “Going green isn’t just a choice, but a judicious act of prioritising the health of community members, environment and the entire planet. CIS understands it and thus believes in being a Green School. The school is also doing every bit to get a step closer towards accomplishing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.”Chitkara International School is a green school that begins with the future in mind, fabricating a teaching-learning experience that promotes a healthier, cleaner & greener environment. The school thus, exemplifies an outstanding case-study for the other existing and upcoming schools of the region.