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Indian Express
08-07-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Cost, convenience ‘major barriers' for Gen Z in adopting sustainable habits: CEPT study
A recent study by the CEPT University attempted to map why the Gen Z—despite being environmentally aware and digitally savvy—often does not act on sustainable intentions. Tangible messaging and financial incentives were found to be key drivers in bridging what the researchers called an 'intention-action' gap. The study, conducted by the Faculty of Urban Management at Ahmedabad's CEPT University between January and April 2025, surveyed 911 students and young professionals from ages 18 to 25 across several states — most notably Uttar Pradesh (26.5%), Gujarat (24.5%), and Maharashtra (12.2%). Lead researcher Vijayeta Laxmi, who completed her Master's in Urban Management at CEPT in May 2025, noted that while 83% of respondents reported high awareness of sustainability and circular economy principles through school or university education, this awareness often didn't translate into action. 'Most participants agreed that individuals share equal responsibility for climate action, but still expect the government to lead the way,' Laxmi said. For instance, telling Gen Z that taking the bus reduces 10 kg of CO₂ emissions per trip or that reducing food waste saves 2,500 litres of water per meal proved 'far more persuasive' than abstract appeals. Cashback incentives for returning reusable containers also emerged as effective motivators. The study shows that Gen Z prefers sustainable actions when they are affordable and easy — with cost (61.5%) and convenience (47.9%) emerging as top barriers. 'While many young individuals endorse values like recycling or reducing plastic use, actual adoption remains inconsistent,' said Prof Mercy Samuel, Senior Associate Professor at CEPT. 'Gen Z, given its digital fluency and strong social consciousness, is uniquely positioned to lead a sustainability shift, if the right interventions are in place.' Over 62 percent of respondents were influenced by messaging focused on environmental harm, while 68.8 percent responded positively to tangible metrics. A strong 70.8 percent preferred cashback incentives for using reusables, and 81 percent said they would consider switching transport modes if financial subsidies were offered. However, nearly 95 percent agreed individuals play an equal role in tackling climate change. Social influence also played a significant role: 67 percent of respondents said they had changed their habits due to peer pressure or social media trends. However, there remains some skepticism (24.9 percent of respondents) toward corporate sustainability efforts, with many distrusting brands that market themselves as 'eco-friendly.' Prof Samuel said, 'This research provides valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and marketers. By addressing Gen Z's specific cognitive and contextual barriers, targeted campaigns, urban service designs, and behavioural nudges can be developed to drive lasting change.' The researchers, however, offered the caveat that results from an Indian urban context may not apply globally.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
How bad air & urban heat have cancelled out 88% of Delhi's comfortable hrs in a yr
New Delhi: Air pollution and urban heat cancel out 88% of Delhi's comfortable hours in a year. According to the latest research, Delhi experiences around 2,210 thermally comfortable hours in a year, defined using an outdoor temperature range of 18 to 31 degrees Celsius. However, 1,951 of these hours coincide with poor air quality (AQI above 150), leaving just 259 hours in a year for residents to enjoy both clean air and comfortable temperatures. Chennai mirrored Delhi's challenge, with 88% of its comfortable hours too impacted by air pollution, suggesting that the convergence of climate stress and ambient pollution is becoming more common across Indian metros. The study found the situation to be better in other cities like Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, providing more usable outdoor conditions than Delhi. The research by CEPT University and Respirer Living Sciences advocated Personalised Environmental Control Systems (PECS) to design and manage better indoor environment to provide comfort in polluted and warming cities. The study said that conventional building operations, which are either based on fully sealed air-conditioned spaces or unfiltered natural ventilation, no longer met the needs of urban India, especially in cities where thermal comfort and clean air rarely overlapped. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Jeder schwärmt von dieser Wärmepumpe GmbH Hier klicken Undo The study proposed the incorporation of a personalised environment which offered localised thermal comfort and air quality using proper ventilation. The study also introduced the concept of "temporal mixed-mode buildings" or designs that adapt dynamically to outdoor conditions. These buildings combine sensor-based feedback with intelligent ventilation and filtration strategies, enabling occupants to breathe clean air without unnecessary energy expenditure. "PECS contributes to both short-term and long-term health and energy performance outcomes. With ongoing improvements in AQI across Indian cities, there is growing potential for occupants to utilise natural ventilation when outdoor conditions permit," said Rajan Rawal of CEPT University. "Nevertheless, PECS continues to offer substantial energy savings under prevailing conditions, serving as a contextually appropriate strategy to ensure thermal comfort, safeguard occupant health, and reduce energy demand. PECS work especially well in conjunction with low-energy solutions like ceiling fans and task-based ventilation, which enhance perceived comfort through increased air movement without the energy costs of cooling the entire space." The modelling conducted by the research team also showed that buildings using PECS could achieve major energy savings for ventilation, which is 72% in Chennai, 70% in Ahmedabad, and 68% in Delhi, when compared with conventional air-conditioned setups. "PECS is also an equity solution. It allows even schools, community centres or homes without full heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems to deliver healthier environments. We're not just rethinking comfort; we're reimagining what low-energy, people-centric buildings can look like in polluted and warming cities," said Ronak Sutaria, founder and CEO, Respirer Living Sciences.
NDTV
17-06-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Only 3% Of Hours A Year Offer Clean Air, Comfortable Conditions In Delhi: Study
New Delhi: Only three per cent of the hours in a year in Delhi offer both clean air and thermally comfortable conditions necessary for safe natural ventilation, according to a new study. The study, conducted by CEPT University and climate-tech firm, found that Delhi records around 2,210 thermally comfortable hours with outdoor temperature in the range of 18 degrees Celsius to 31 degrees Celsius. But 1,951 of those hours also coincide with poor air quality (air quality index above 150). That leaves just 259 hours in the year, about three per cent, when residents can enjoy both clean air and pleasant temperatures. The study, presented at the Healthy Building 2025 Conference of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality on June 8, said the overlap of heat and air pollution severely limits opportunities for safe natural ventilation. Compared to Delhi, Bengaluru fared much better with over 8,100 hours of acceptable air quality and minimal overlap between thermal comfort and pollution. Ahmedabad, despite being warmer, also offered more usable outdoor conditions. However, Chennai, like Delhi, saw 88 per cent of its comfortable hours affected by poor air quality. The researchers said the study shows that convergence of heat and pollution is becoming widespread across Indian metros. Conventional building operations, either based on fully sealed air-conditioned spaces or unfiltered natural ventilation, no longer meet the needs of urban India, they said. To address the challenge, the study recommends mainstreaming Personalised Environmental Control Systems (PECS) in Indian buildings. These systems offer filtered ventilation, occupant-level control and localised thermal comfort and are especially useful in mixed-mode buildings that shift between natural and mechanical ventilation based on time of day, season or pollution levels. "PECS (ventilation) contributes to both short-term and long-term health and energy performance outcomes," said Rajan Rawal of CEPT University, a leading building science expert. "With ongoing improvements in AQI across Indian cities, there is growing potential for occupants to utilise natural ventilation when outdoor conditions permit. Nevertheless, PECS continues to offer substantial energy savings under prevailing conditions," he said. The modelling by researchers found that PECS can save up to 72 per cent energy used for ventilation in Chennai, 70 per cent in Ahmedabad and 68 per cent in Delhi, compared to conventional air-conditioned setups. "PECS work especially well in conjunction with low-energy solutions like ceiling fans and task-based ventilation," Mr Rawal added.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Plastic waste from households choking landfills in Ahmedabad, segregation at source is key to tackling plastic pollution
Ahmedabad: It is often the habit in our households to collect domestic waste in a polythene bag and then dispose it for door-to-door collection or by other means. Without realising, these bags, along with PVC, PET, HDPV, etc. , account for more than 10% of the solid waste generated by the city that ends up at landfill sites such as Pirana. As the World Environment Day theme this year is 'Beat Plastic Pollution,' city-based experts said that the first step towards ensuring this will be to ensure segregation at source so that more recyclable material can be processed properly. Batul Sethwala, a 5th-year Bachelor's of Urban Design student at CEPT University, in her directed research project (DRP), focused on understanding how waste moves through a community—from the point of generation to its transformation into something new. "I began by mapping the entire waste flow and identified segregation at the household level as the most critical step. Based on conversations with residents, I designed a three-compartment dustbin tailored to the types of waste commonly generated at home: wet waste (mostly food scraps), plastic, and a third section for miscellaneous items. This simple structure makes it easier for residents to separate their waste correctly," she said. She added that with some training and intervention, the community could use repurposed plastic to create products, including shading structures, and create a circular system where waste not only leaves the home cleanly but returns in a new, functional form. Lok Sabha data indicated that Gujarat was sixth in the country in 2022-23 in generating plastic waste at 2.71 lakh tons annually. The number, however, came down from 4.08 lakh tons recorded in 2019-20. City-based experts said that microplastics are also a major concern, primarily due to improper processing of waste generated at every step. Several products used daily generate microplastic that is difficult to process.
Business Standard
29-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
CEPT University Students Bring India Its First Victory at ULI Hines Student Asia Pacific Competition
PRNewswire Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], May 29: In a landmark achievement, a team of five students from CEPT University have clinched first place in the 2025 ULI Hines Student Competition - Asia Pacific, placing CEPT on the global map as the first Indian institution to win this internationally renowned competition in its 23-year history. The winners were announced today at the ULI Asia Pacific Summit in Hong Kong, where the CEPT team presented their visionary proposal before an audience of global industry leaders, academics, and peers. This year's competition saw participation from 33 multidisciplinary teams across 10 countries and territories in the Asia Pacific region. Finalist teams included CEPT University (India), The University of Melbourne (Australia), and Chulalongkorn University (Thailand). CEPT University had first entered the competition in 2024 and secured the first runner-up position. Representing India as the Zoning Out Crew, the winning team included Danish Sikkander, Pooja Save, Pranav Amarnath, and Rishi Kumar from the Master's in Urban Design, and Sriram Soni from the Master's in Urban Infrastructure program. The team worked under the mentorship of Purvi Chhadva, Program Chair of the Master's in Urban Design, and Dr. Mona Iyer, faculty member at Faculty of Planning, CEPT University. As part of their prize, the team will receive ULI memberships, travel and accommodation support, and the opportunity to engage with leading global professionals in real estate, planning, and urban innovation. The proposal 'Kai Tak 2050: The Active Shared City' submitted by CEPT University students reimagined the Kai Tak Waterfront in Hong Kong as a next-generation 'sharing city'--a vibrant urban model where density, integrated infrastructure, and community-driven design foster innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth. The concept was anchored in five core pillars: shared mobility, green spaces, living, culture, and resources. The team proposed an urban future where sharing is not a compromise but a means to elevate quality of life. By treating density as an advantage, encouraging social interaction and active living, and fostering economic self-sufficiency, the proposal positions Kai Tak as a potential global benchmark for future high-density, livable, and resilient cities. The proposal featured a car-free, multi-level transit system, climate-resilient parks and rooftop farms, co-living and innovation hubs, a cultural corridor for learning and creativity, and a zero-carbon district powered by renewable energy and circular systems. Together, these components formed a forward-looking, inclusive urban blueprint. The jury praised the submission for its originality, financial feasibility, and community-first approach--recognizing it as a scalable and future-forward model for equitable and sustainable urban development. CEPT student Rishi Kumar, who led the Zoning Out Crew, said, "Leading the team in the ULI Hines Competition was an incredible experience of collaboration and growth. Each member deepened their skills--from strategy and storytelling to visualization and practical implementation--allowing us to craft a thoughtful, well-rounded design. Together, we embraced diverse perspectives and sharpened our ability to design beyond conventional boundaries." Reflecting on the significance of this achievement, Prof. Shalini Sinha, Dean, Faculty of Planning at CEPT University, emphasized the global relevance of the students' approach and the academic ethos that shaped it. "This award is not just a celebration of design excellence but a testament to our curriculum that encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and socially responsive urban solutions. It reinforces our belief that thoughtful planning, when backed by rigorous analysis and innovation, can drive transformative change," she said. Praising the team's exemplary performance and the global recognition the students have won, Prof Barjor Mehta, President of CEPT University, said, "This win is a proud moment. Our students have demonstrated that bold, people-centric ideas--when grounded in feasibility--can shape global conversations on the future of cities. This achievement is a milestone and a reflection of our growing role in shaping global urban futures." Organised by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) in partnership with Hines, the ULI Hines Student Competition - Asia Pacific is regarded as the region's most prestigious urban ideas challenge. It invites final-year undergraduate and graduate students to form interdisciplinary teams and respond to real-world urban development scenarios with innovative, sustainable, and financially viable proposals. Teams are given three weeks to deliver a comprehensive vision--covering planning, design, and financial analysis--for a real site in a major Asia Pacific city. The winning proposal can be accessed online. To view the narrative summary, click: About CEPT University CEPT University is a recognized leader in education and research in the areas of architecture, planning, design, technology and urban management. Its teaching programs aim to build thoughtful professionals and its research programs deepen understanding in its areas of expertise. CEPT University also undertakes advisory projects to support the national, state and city governments and large sections of private industry. Through its education, research and advisory activities, the University strives to contribute to enriching the lives of people in India's villages, towns and cities. The University comprises five faculties: viz. the Faculty of Architecture, the Faculty of Planning, the Faculty of Technology, the Faculty of Design, and the Faculty of Management. In December 2023, CEPT University was recognized by the Government of India as a Centre of Excellence in Urban Planning and Design. This comes with an endowment of Rs. 250 Crore to be used towards the research and training on India specific knowledge in Urban Planning and Design over the next 25 years. CEPT University was established by the CEPT University Act of 2005 enacted by the government of Gujarat. It was originally started in 1962 as the School of Architecture supported by the Ahmedabad Education Society. The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) of the Government of India recognizes the University as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO). CEPT University is recognized as a Center of Excellence by the Government of Gujarat. CEPT University has over 30 ongoing collaborations and exchange programs with top-ranked universities across the world.
