Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering
PRE-4: Reporting Methodologies

      INTRODUCTION

   At SSN Institute, we are deeply committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Our institution recognizes the critical role that accurate and comprehensive data plays in advancing our sustainability goals and promoting transparency. The Sustainable Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) provides us with an invaluable framework to benchmark our performance, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate our successes.

As part of our commitment to excellence in sustainability reporting, we employ rigorous methodologies for data collection, analysis, and reporting. These methodologies are designed to ensure that the information we provide is accurate, consistent, and reflective of our institutional practices and achievements. This section outlines the detailed processes and methodologies used by SSN Institute to compile and submit our STARS report, demonstrating our dedication to maintaining high standards of data integrity and transparency.

DATA COLLECTION

   Sources of Data:

• ·    Energy consumption: Utility bills and energy management system
• ·    Waste management: Facilities department records
• ·    Academic data: Registrar’s office and academic departments
• ·    Financial data: Finance department

  Data Collection Tools:

• ·    Online surveys for gathering information from students and staff
• ·    Excel and Tableau for organizing and analyzing data
• ·    Institutional databases for retrieving demographic and enrollment data           

        DATA ANALYSIS

Data Processing:

• ·     Energy data is analyzed using statistically to identify usage patterns and trends.
• ·  Survey data is processed to calculate response rates and analyze qualitative feedback.

Data Verification:

• ·     Cross-referencing utility data with billing statements
• ·     Internal audits by the sustainability committee to verify the accuracy of financial and operational data

        REPORTING METHODS

Reporting Tools:

• ·   Data compiled in Excel and uploaded to the AASHE STARS online reporting tool

   Data Presentation:

• ·   Each credit includes a narrative explanation, supported by quantitative data and visual aids

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 Team Members:

• ·   Sustainability Coordinator: Oversees data collection and reporting process
• ·   Data Analysts: Responsible for processing and analyzing data
• ·   Sustainability consultant: Responsible for sustainable interventions in the campus
• ·   Staff Department representatives: data collection from department point sources 

Oversight: The sustainability team at SSN Institute conducts regular reviews to ensure data accuracy and report comprehensiveness. This involves periodic audits, cross-departmental meetings, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to maintain the integrity of the sustainability data and reporting process

Data Coverage: 

·    Time Period: Data covers the fiscal year from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024

    Sope of Data: Includes all on-campus operations, academic programs, and community engagement activities. Excludes off-campus facilities due to data availability limitations

1.      Dr. V.E. Annamalai, Principal, Head - Sustainability

2.      Mr. Samson, Member, Director – HR, Sustainability Planning and Administration

3.      Dr. P. Kaythry, Associate Professor, ECE, Member, Sustainability Campus Engagement

4.      Dr. P. Sangeetha, Associate Professor, Civil, Member, Sustainability Academics

5.      Mr. Shenbagaraman, Member, Sustainability Operations

6.      Mr. R. Gopalakrishnan, Member Secretary – Sustainability

Mr.Girish R vishwanathan, Director- Earthonmics Engineers

Mrs. Abhinaya Ganesh, Senior Architect - Earthonmics Engineers

At SSN College, students play a key role in the data collection process for sustainability initiatives, contributing to energy, water, waste management, and landscaping monitoring. They assist in tracking energy and water usage, managing composting stations, and collecting data on biodiversity and landscaping practices. Through surveys, monitoring utility meters, and recording waste diversion metrics, students ensure accurate data reporting for environmental certifications like IGBC Green Campus Platinum. Their involvement also includes data analysis, reporting, and research to improve sustainability practices on campus. This hands-on experience empowers students to actively participate in the college's sustainability efforts and fosters a culture of environmental stewardship.

The preparation of sustainability reports at SSN College is supported by a comprehensive system of internal data quality controls to ensure accuracy and reliability. Data collection follows standardized procedures, ensuring uniformity across various departments and initiatives. All monitoring equipment, such as energy meters, water meters, and composting station scales, are regularly calibrated and maintained to ensure accurate readings. Once collected, data undergoes verification, with multiple team members cross-checking the information to identify and correct any discrepancies. Digital tools and software are used to enter and analyze data, providing real-time alerts and flagging potential errors. Automated systems track historical trends, making it easier to spot anomalies. Periodic internal audits and reviews are conducted to assess the completeness and correctness of the data. Any inconsistencies discovered during these audits are promptly addressed. Data quality is also ensured through staff training on proper collection, entry, and analysis techniques. These controls collectively guarantee that the data used in sustainability reports is both accurate and reliable, meeting the requirements for certifications like IGBC Green Campus Platinum.