What is the need

Sustainability initiatives are essential for several reasons, as they address both current and future challenges that impact our environment, society and economy. Our natural resources like water, forests and fossil fuels are finite. Sustainable practices ensure these resources are used wisely and are available for future generations. 

Akshaya Patra, as a conscious organisation, is aware of its responsibility of reducing burden on Mother Earth and aligns its mission with 10 United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

By adopting sustainable practices such as cutting back on trash, using less energy and saving water, the organisation lessens its environmental impact. This reduces Akshaya Patra’s carbon footprint and conveys a positive message about environmental responsibility.

How Akshaya Patra is doing it

Here are a few practices which the organisation has incorporated in the kitchen operations as an effort to contribute to a greener planet.

Renewable Energy

Solar Energy: In multiple kitchens, the organisation has adopted solar energy as a power-saving option by installing solar panels. These kitchens use photovoltaic (PV) cells, which convert sunlight directly into power. The installed capacity of these solar panels is 2,350 KWh and an additional installation 931 KWh is in the pipeline.

Biomass Briquettes: The kitchens now use biomass briquettes instead of coal and charcoal for energy production, thus protecting finite, non-renewable resources.

Biogas: As part of its green initiative, the organisation has set up biogas plants in a few kitchens to convert organic waste into energy. These plants are cost-effective and produce organic manure, which is a more sustainable fertiliser than artificial ones and reduces reliance on LPG. 
Electric Vehicles: The kitchens have adopted 86 electric vehicles (EVs) in its fleet of mid-day meal delivery vehicles to lower our energy use and pollution levels. These measures enable us to reduce fuel expenses and lower carbon emissions. The goal is to transition to 200 electric vehicles by 2025-26.

Waste Management

FIFO and FEFO Implementation: The kitchens use the FIFO (First In-First Out) and FEFO (First Expiry-First Out) techniques when issuing raw materials for production to ensure that perishable commodities are used first. This approach helps the kitchens reduce waste and maximise the utilisation of raw materials by correctly identifying, storing and retrieving the raw materials in an appropriate manner. The NGO also practices recycling waste such as plastic and metal waste and adopt and promote source segregation of waste.

Water Management

Effluent Treatment Plants: Every kitchen has a sewage treatment plant to ensure proper treatment, disposal and recycling of kitchen waste.

Reed Bed Plants: The kitchens use this technology to prevent the direct release of untreated water into the environment. It is a natural method of purifying wastewater to make it suitable for use in cleaning outdoor kitchen areas and irrigation.

The goal is to identify and execute water management solutions by 2030 to reduce non-cooking water usage by 50%. Akshaya Patra is also looking into the feasibility of adopting rainwater harvesting at all locations by 2030.

At The Akshaya Patra Foundation, sustainability is fundamental to all that is done because the organisation recognises the importance of saving the environment and conserving natural resources. By integrating environmental concerns into its operations, the NGO is setting a precedent for corporate social responsibility projects that prioritise both social impact and environmental stewardship. The organisation also seeks support from like-minded people to ensure that everyone does their bit for a healthy planet while serving nutritious mid-day meals to children to support their health and education.