Infrastructure and Learning Processes

The 16,000 sq.ft. building of the Bharati Vidyapeeth Institute of Environment Education and Research is specially designed as a model of environment management. The building includes an administrative section, a formal education facility with classrooms, laboratories and library for its Masters Program in Environmental Sciences; a non-formal environment education section with training facilities for school teachers and facilities for conducting environment related activities for students which incorporates an Environment Museum and Activity Centre and an auditorium for audio-visual presentations, plays, lectures, etc.
The Institute building has a unique environmentally friendly architectural design and has used environment friendly materials for its construction. The plan is based on the traditional Maharashtrian Wada style with a central open-to-sky courtyard. Wind direction has been studied to circulate air through the complex. A series of water tanks channels and fountains have been incorporated into the design, which is reminiscent of Mogul gardens. The water is circulated through the channels by a fine spray fountain, which increases the moisture levels to produce a cooling effect in the building. The circulation device is operated by a special pump that uses solar energy. The building has composite walls of white Gokak and brick for a cooling effect and is aesthetically appealing for a building that housed an Environment Institution. Greenery adds to this overall ambience, which enhances the working environment for faculty and students.

The Institute has a unique environmentally friendly auditorium. The floor of the auditorium forms a giant wind catcher, which is blowing air through the flooring. On one side there is a large water sprinkler system, which moisturises the air for summer days when Pune is very dry. On the other side, there is a complex exhaust ducting system. It uses an environmentally friendly wind powered impeller device, which sucks air out of the auditorium without using electricity. The auditorium has no fans and no AC. This new structure has also incorporated measures for rainwater harvesting. This auditorium is used not only the students programs but also for organizing School Environment Education Programs, in the form of Audio–Visual shows for schools at least four or five times a week. Similarly NGOs interested in environmental protection and Forest Department also use it for their programs.

The Institution has an office space that covers 1161.54 sq. feet area, a computer lab of 641 sq. feet, laboratories of 2050 sq. feet, library of 1210.35 sq. feet, 3 lecture halls of 4047.40 sq. feet, one auditorium for 200 individuals and two large halls of 3868.43 sq. feet for the Environment Museum and Activity Center. The total built up area is 15,542 sq. feet.
The Institute has a well-equipped library with books and audio-visual material, laboratory with up-to-date with equipment necessary for environmental monitoring as well as audio-visual equipment.

Well equipped library

Chemistry Laboratory

The Institute also has sufficient computers and printers for both staff and students. The computers are linked through a Local Area Network (LAN) having internet facilities shared between terminals. The computer section is frequently open till late night as and when required especially for project work.

Computer Laboratory

The BVIEER shares common hostel facilities with the University. These facilities are made available for workshop participants during residential workshops.
The Institute also has a Nature Trail and a nursery of indigenous plant species in its environs. Some of the trees in the Nature Trail have been transplanted from various locations where they were under threat from being cut. Both the Nature Trail and the nursery are used as teaching-learning tools. The environs of the Environment Museum and Activity Centre have a Nature Trail with a variety of labelled trees and shrubs. An interactive booklet that interprets the trail is used for training environment educators and creating awareness for the need for species conservation among students.

Nature trail at BVIEER

BVIEER has also developed an Environment Museum and Activity Center with environment information displays and interactive facilities. This facility is being made available for students linked to the BVIEER’s School Environment Education Program and other outreach programs as well as students from other institutions and the public at large.

Activities at the EnvironmentMuseum and Activity Centre (EMAC)

The Institute has developed a unique Environment Museum and Activity Centre. Several interactive exhibits in the form of charts, dioramas, an environmental laboratory, computer games, etc. have been initiated for enhancing environmental consciousness in the student community at school and college level through the Museum facilities. It has a collection of CD-ROM’s and audio-visuals which include an interactive component. The programs offered at EMAC are tailor made to suit the needs of individual schools.

Students have an interactive session in the Environment Museum