Mira Bhayandar civic school honoured with international green building award

The state has marked another milestone in sustainable development with the recognition of Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) School No. 11, which has been awarded the prestigious EDGE Advanced Green Building Certification by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. This achievement underscores the commitment of MBMC and the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) India to creating climate-resilient schools that are resource-efficient and future-ready.

According to UNICEF (2024), nearly 54 million students faced school disruptions last year due to climate-related events. Many students reported fatigue, lethargy, and reduced concentration due to overheated classrooms and poor airflow. Responding to this challenge, AKAH introduced innovative thermal comfort and resource efficiency solutions in three MBMC schools (school number 2, 11, and 35) located in heat-stressed areas.

At MBMC School No. 11, four targeted interventions were introduced to reduce energy and water consumption. External walls of the school were coated with heat-reflective Solar Reflective Index (SRI) paint to keep them cooler by reflecting heat. Remote-controlled BLDC fans installed to enhance comfort while consuming significantly less electricity. To minimise water wastage, tap aerators were fitted across the school, and dual-tank flush systems were introduced in sanitation facilities to conserve water.

These low-cost, practical measures have delivered measurable environmental and social impact. Collectively, they have achieved 46% energy savings, and 40% water savings —equivalent to conserving approximately 1,000 liters of water every month. The retrofits also reduced operational carbon emissions by 8.52 tCO₂ annually, positioning the school as a model for climate-smart learning environments.

“MBMC’s School No. 11 receiving the EDGE Advanced certification is a proud moment for our city. After winning the Hon’ble President of India’s Award and being ranked Swachh Sheher No. 1, this milestone showcases our commitment to climate-smart, resource-efficient institutions and healthier learning spaces for our students” remarked Radhabinod Aribam Sharma IAS, Municipal Commissioner & Administrator, Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC).

The EDGE-Advanced certification reinforces the potential of data-driven, low-carbon solutions in the built environment.

“The recognition of MBMC School No. 11 with the IFC EDGE Advanced certification marks a milestone for sustainable public education infrastructure. Schools are at the heart of our communities, and by embracing practical green retrofitting measures, we can create healthier, climate-smart learning environments for students. Public institutions have the power to set benchmarks and inspire wider change, showing that sustainability can be both achievable and transformative. As cities strive to become more resilient, such models highlight how urban institutions can lead the way in shaping a sustainable future,” said Prerana Langa, CEO, Aga Khan Agency for Habitat India.

This green retrofitting initiative highlights the dual benefits of improved environmental performance and enhanced health and well-being for students, and communities at large—offering a scalable model for sustainable cities of the future.

“Earlier, our students often felt exhausted in class because of the heat. With the application of SRI paint, classrooms stay cooler, and the new energy-efficient fans add to their comfort. When we explained these measures, students immediately connected them with what they learn in their books about saving water and energy. These sustainable solutions have not only improved the learning environment but also helped the school reduce its resource use.” – Pradnya Krishna Kant, Principal, MBMC School no. 11.