Children Striving For A Greener Tomorrow A Biogas Plant Set Up By Young Minds At Canadian Internatio

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When biogas is used, many advantages arise. In North America, utilization of biogas can generate enough electricity to meet up to three percent of the continent's electricity expenditure. In addition, biogas could potentially help reduce global climate change.
The advantages of biogas are manifold. Biogas by itself can positively affect the economy of rural areas. The principal benefits of biogas include conversion of natural organic waste into fertilizer, Eco friendly energy production, considerable workload reduction in rural areas; visible improvement in rural hygiene, environmental benefits on a global scale and also protects the earth's natural resources. A clean and particulate-free source of energy also reduces the likelihood of chronic diseases that are associated with the indoor combustion of biomass-based fuels, such as respiratory infections, ailments of the lungs; bronchitis, asthma, lung cancer, and increased severity of coronary artery disease.
Students at the Canadian International School, Bangalore realized their responsibility at a very young age and believed that they could create a change - A ...
... change that can save our environment and make life easy. Recently, two Grade 10 students from Canadian International School, Ramita Kondepudi and Jaewon Saw started an environmental organization called “The Green Idea.” As one of their first projects, under the guidance of IB Coordinator Mr. Regis Caudrillier, Canadian International School’s Green Idea embarked on a journey to implement biogas in the school. This initiative kept them on their toes, tingling with excitement and anticipation. Canadian International School would be the first school in Bangalore to have a portable biogas tank, turning the food waste of the cafeteria into a usable form of gas for the school kitchen itself… not just any gas, but biogas!
The first step for them was to figure out exactly how the tank worked. Everyone in school was new to the idea of implementing a biogas processing unit, so the team set out to visit Wipro’s biogas tank in Whitefield. It was quite an interesting visit; they learned about the air compressor, predigester, inlet chamber, balloon, water jacket, and the list could go on. The important thing was that they understood the basic requirements for the biogas tank at school. The next challenge for them was to initiating the process.
With approximately 450 plus students and staff eating in the cafeteria at lunch time, plus the boarders’ breakfast and dinner waste, the food waste wasn’t a problem. The process of the anaerobic respiration of the bacteria inside the tank started. The pressure started building up and within weeks, the drum was visibly, pressurized by the gas inside. It was very exciting, but the big question in their minds was – When will the gas flow out?
And it happened! Last month, The CIS Green Idea managed to make their first batch of bio-coffee with the biogas. “It was an amazing experience – seeing months of waiting come together,” Mr. Regis Caudrillier says. All three sciences came together - the biological anaerobic respiration, the chemical reactions producing methane for the cafeteria, and finally, the implementation of a renewable energy resource (the physics aspect) was just as fulfilling for the green team! As of now, the teachers’ tea and coffee is being made with this green gas. Their next aim is to produce enough biogas which will be sufficient to provide the whole cafeteria with biogas. “Now that’s the next green moment to look forward to.”
"We are proud to be the first school in India to install a bio gas plant. As a school, we are always finding ways to stay ahead of the curve and with our green initiatives, I am glad we are making a difference" – Ms. Shweta Sastri, Executive Director – Canadian International School, Bangalore
This is how students at the Canadian International School have started to work towards a greener and better future. Such initiatives at the school level have created a revolution and set an example for the rest of the students.
About The CIS Green Idea
The Green Idea was established in April 2011 at the Canadian International School, Bangalore, by two students. It now has about ten members now and is still growing! The main aim of the environmental club is to increase awareness among students and staff about various global green issues and find ways to implement simple solutions at school.
The Green Idea has done multiple initiatives in addition to the biogas, including -
• Implementing the first successful recycling program at school.
• Sending out monthly e-newsletters that focus on the green activities around school.
• Organizing the first High School Green Conference in 2011 where schools around Bangalore discussed environmental issues and solutions.
• Setting up a fundraiser Christmas snack sale. The money earned was used for ‘adopting’ an endangered Snow Leopard, with the World Wildlife Fund’s Adopt an Animal scheme.
• A successful Flea Market was held to raise funds for the upcoming Earth Day celebrations at CIS, emphasizing on the importance of reusing and recycling items.
• Establishing a sparrow box initiative around the school campus.