Comprehensive Campus Sustainability: Reducing Carbon Footprint and Enhancing Soil Health through Leafy Vegetable Cultivation and Community Engagement

The college climate project produced significant environmental and community benefits through sustainable urban agriculture. It achieved up to a 35% reduction in carbon emissions with greenhouse covers and 29% without, lowering the carbon footprint from 0.5 kg CO2e to as low as 0.325 kg CO2e, showcasing the effectiveness of these interventions. Soil health improved, with organic matter increasing from 2.5% to 3.0% and nutrient levels enhancing, indicating better soil quality and greater carbon sequestration potential. The initiative provided fresh, chemical pesticide-free leafy vegetables to the campus canteen, promoting healthier eating practices. Community engagement through surveys, events, and social media raised awareness about sustainable agriculture and fostered environmental responsibility. Overall, the project illustrated the potential of urban agriculture to mitigate climate challenges, improve soil health, and enhance community well-being.

TEAM MEMBERS

• Shivani Bonagiri
• Punyamurthy Nishitha
• Sahithi Aleti
• Adla Sathvika Reddy