Q1.

Describe the factors which include eco-friendly materials and manufacturing industries to
achieve sustainability.
(10 Marks)

Answer:

To achieve sustainability, both eco-friendly materials and green manufacturing practices are very
important. These factors help reduce pollution, save natural resources, and protect the environment
for future generations. The main factors are:

1. Use of Eco-Friendly Materials

• These materials are biodegradable, recyclable, and non-toxic.

• Examples include bamboo, organic cotton, recycled plastics, and natural fibers.

• They reduce waste, energy use, and carbon footprint.

2. Recycling and Reuse

• Using recycled materials (like paper, glass, plastic, or metals) reduces the need for new raw
materials.

• It also saves energy and reduces environmental pollution.

3. Energy-Efficient Manufacturing Processes

• Industries can use clean and renewable energy like solar, wind, or hydroelectric power
instead of fossil fuels.

• Energy-efficient machines help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

4. Waste Management and Pollution Control

• Factories should follow proper waste disposal and pollution control techniques.

• This includes using filters, treating wastewater, and reducing emissions.

5. Low Carbon Footprint

• Sustainable industries aim to lower their carbon footprint by using green transport, smart
logistics, and clean fuels.

6. Sustainable Design and Packaging

• Designing products with less material and using biodegradable packaging reduces resource
consumption.

• Minimal and smart packaging helps avoid plastic waste.

7. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

• It checks the environmental impact of a product from raw material to disposal.

• Helps in selecting better materials and processes.

8. Green Certifications and Standards

 • Following international eco-standards like ISO 14001, LEED, and Energy Star proves
commitment to sustainability.

• It also builds customer trust.

9. Employee and Community Awareness

• Training workers and creating awareness in society promotes sustainable habits and
encourages responsible production and consumption.

Q2. Explain how IoT and AI can be integrated into water resource management to ensure
sustainable food production.
(10 Marks)

Answer:

Water is one of the most essential resources for food production. Due to climate change and
population growth, water scarcity is becoming a big challenge. Integrating IoT (Internet of Things)
and AI (Artificial Intelligence) helps in smart water management and promotes sustainable
agriculture.

1. Smart Irrigation with IoT Sensors

• IoT devices like soil moisture sensors, humidity sensors, and temperature sensors are placed
in the fields.

• These sensors collect real-time data about soil and weather conditions.

• Smart irrigation systems use this data to supply the right amount of water, preventing
overwatering or water wastage.

2. AI for Data Analysis and Prediction

• AI algorithms analyze the data collected by IoT devices.

• It can predict water demand, droughts, and rainfall patterns.

• This helps farmers plan water usage more efficiently.

3. Automated Water Distribution Systems

• AI can control automated pumps and valves that supply water only where and when it is
needed.

• This reduces manual effort and ensures efficient use of water.

4. Leakage Detection and Maintenance

• IoT systems can detect leaks in pipelines and inform farmers through alerts.

• Early maintenance prevents water loss and system damage.

5. Water Quality Monitoring

• IoT sensors monitor pH levels, salinity, and contaminants in water.

• AI helps in analyzing whether the water is fit for crops.

 • This ensures better crop health and food quality.

6. Weather Forecasting for Irrigation Planning

• AI-based weather prediction helps farmers avoid watering before rainfall, saving water.

• Forecasts also help in planning crop cycles more effectively.

7. Decision Support Systems

• AI can give recommendations on best irrigation times, water needs of crops, and farming
techniques.

• These systems support precision agriculture and avoid unnecessary water use.

8. Remote Monitoring and Control

• Farmers can control water systems using mobile apps or dashboards from anywhere.

• This is helpful for large or remote farms and saves time and labor.

Q3 or Q10: Explain smart grid technologies and how they help in energy systems and climate
resilience.

(10 Marks – Easy Answer)

Answer:

Smart grid is a modern electricity system that uses smart technology like sensors, meters, and
automation to manage electricity in a safe, clean, and efficient way.

Here are the main smart grid technologies:

1. Smart Meters (AMI – Advanced Metering Infrastructure)

• Show real-time electricity usage at homes and buildings.

• Help users reduce electricity waste and save money.

• Also help power companies manage supply better.

2. Demand Response

• Reduces power use during peak times automatically.

• For example, ACs or machines slow down when power demand is high.

• Prevents power cuts and balances the grid.

3. Energy Storage Systems (like big batteries)

• Store extra electricity made from solar or wind energy.

 • Used later when there is no sun or wind.

• Keeps energy supply stable and clean.

4. Self-Healing Grids (Automation)

• Uses sensors and smart systems to fix power failures quickly.

• Helps restore electricity after storms or faults without human help.

• Makes cities stronger during climate problems.

5. Renewable Energy Integration

• Smart grids allow better use of solar and wind power in cities.

• Supports clean energy and reduces pollution.

• Helps in climate protection.

Q4. Illustrate the different approaches towards clean water, health, and poverty with respect to
SDG 1, 3, and 6.

(10 Marks)

Answer:

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations aim to create a better world
by 2030. Among them:

• SDG 1: No Poverty

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Each goal has specific approaches to solve global issues.

1. SDG 1 – No Poverty

• Providing employment opportunities through skill training and job creation.

• Government welfare schemes like free education, food, housing, and health insurance.

• Financial inclusion – Easy access to bank accounts, microloans, and digital payments.

• Support for rural development – promoting agriculture, small industries, and self-help
groups (SHGs).

2. SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being

 • Universal healthcare access through hospitals, clinics, and health insurance schemes.

• Vaccination and disease prevention programs (e.g., COVID-19 vaccine drive).

• Awareness about hygiene, nutrition, and mental health through campaigns.

• Use of digital health technology like telemedicine and health monitoring apps.

3. SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation

• Safe drinking water supply systems in rural and urban areas.

• Water purification and treatment plants to remove pollutants.

• Building toilets and proper sewage systems to prevent open defecation.

• Rainwater harvesting and water recycling methods to conserve water.

Q5. Create a model of a carbon-neutral campus.

(10 Marks)

Answer:

A carbon-neutral campus is a campus that produces zero net carbon emissions. This means the
amount of carbon released is balanced by the amount absorbed or offset. Such a model helps in
fighting climate change and promoting sustainability.

Here is a simple model of a carbon-neutral campus:

1. Renewable Energy Sources

• Install solar panels on rooftops for electricity.

• Use wind turbines or biogas plants where possible.

• Replace diesel generators with battery backup and clean energy systems.

2. Green Buildings

• Construct buildings with natural lighting, ventilation, and insulation.

• Use energy-efficient lights (LEDs) and appliances.

• Install rainwater harvesting systems on rooftops.

3. Sustainable Transport

• Use electric vehicles (EVs), bicycles, and walking paths.

• Set up EV charging stations on campus.

• Ban or limit fuel-based vehicles.

4. Waste Management

• Promote waste segregation – dry, wet, and hazardous waste.

• Use composting for food and garden waste.

• Recycle paper, plastic, and e-waste through authorized centers.

5. Green Cover and Carbon Offset

• Plant more trees and create green spaces like herbal gardens.

• Each tree absorbs CO₂ and helps in balancing emissions.

• Encourage students to participate in plantation drives.

6. Digital and Smart Systems

• Use smart meters and apps to monitor electricity and water use.

• Encourage paperless communication and digital learning.

7. Awareness and Education

• Include climate education in the syllabus.

• Organize workshops and campaigns on sustainability.

Q6. Justify how interdisciplinary collaboration between engineers, public health experts, and
economists can drive sustainable development outcomes.

(10 Marks)

Answer:

Sustainable development means fulfilling today’s needs without harming future generations. To
achieve this, experts from different fields must work together. Engineers, public health
professionals, and economists play key roles in solving complex problems.

Here’s how their collaboration helps in sustainable development:

1. Engineers

• Design green infrastructure, clean energy systems, and water-saving technologies.

• Build sustainable buildings, roads, and smart cities.

• Use new tech like IoT and AI for resource management.

2. Public Health Experts

• Ensure that environmental solutions do not harm human health.

• Help design clean water systems, waste disposal, and pollution control.

• Monitor diseases linked to poor sanitation or climate change.

3. Economists

• Study cost-effectiveness of sustainable projects.

• Help plan budgets and policies that support green practices.

• Promote green jobs and responsible consumption.

4. Benefits of Collaboration

• A water project designed by an engineer, guided by a health expert, and funded with
economic planning will be more effective, safe, and affordable.

• Solving climate change, poverty, or pollution needs a team approach – not just one subject’s
knowledge.

Example:
For building a clean energy village:

• Engineers design the solar grid,

• Health experts check air and water quality,

• Economists calculate investment and savings.

Q7. Data analytics is a most emerging technology in market. Illustrate how this technology
supports various SDGs and engineering practices.

(10 Marks)

Answer:

Data Analytics is the process of collecting, analyzing, and using data to make better decisions. It
helps in improving efficiency, solving problems, and predicting future trends. In today’s world, it
plays a major role in supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and modern engineering
practices.

A. Support to SDGs

1. SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being

• Data analytics is used in healthcare systems to track diseases, predict outbreaks, and
improve patient care.
 • Example: Tracking COVID-19 cases and planning vaccinations using data.

2. SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation

• Helps monitor water usage, leakage, and quality in cities using IoT and sensors.

• Predicts areas facing water scarcity.

3. SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy

• Analyzes energy consumption patterns.

• Helps design better solar and wind energy systems using weather and usage data.

4. SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Used in smart city planning, traffic control, waste management, and pollution monitoring.

• Improves public transport systems using real-time data.

B. Support to Engineering Practices

1. Design and Innovation

• Engineers use data to improve product design, materials, and efficiency.

• Example: Predicting failure in machines using sensor data (predictive maintenance).

2. Construction and Civil Engineering

• Data is used for site planning, material optimization, and project management.

• Reduces cost and delays in large construction projects.

3. Environmental Engineering

• Analyzes pollution levels, waste data, and carbon emissions.

• Helps in creating eco-friendly solutions.

4. Manufacturing

• Smart factories use data analytics for quality control, inventory, and automation.

• Promotes lean manufacturing and reduces waste

Q8. Compare the outcomes of CSR in different companies.

(10 Marks)

Answer:

CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) is a company’s effort to improve society and the environment
beyond profit-making. Different companies have unique CSR goals depending on their industry.
Below is a comparison of CSR outcomes in various companies:

1. TATA Group (India)

 • Focus: Education, healthcare, rural development.

• Outcomes:

o Runs schools, hospitals, and clean water projects.

o Set up Tata Trusts for social development.

o Helped improve lives of millions in rural India.

2. Infosys

• Focus: Environment, education, and digital literacy.

• Outcomes:

o Became a carbon-neutral company.

o Promotes digital education through Infosys Foundation.

o Supported rural schools and public libraries.

3. Reliance Industries

• Focus: Health, women empowerment, sports.

• Outcomes:

o Built hospitals and organized health camps.

o Promoted girls' education and sports like football and athletics.

o Set up Reliance Foundation.

4. Google

• Focus: Education, climate action, diversity.

• Outcomes:

o Provides free internet in rural areas (e.g., Google Station).

o Funds AI-based solutions for climate change.

o Promotes diversity and inclusion in tech industry.

5. Unilever

• Focus: Clean water, hygiene, sustainability.

• Outcomes:

o Campaigns on handwashing and hygiene.

 o Reduced plastic use in packaging.

o Promotes sustainable living through brands like Lifebuoy and Surf Excel.

Q9. Analyze the policy landscape for sustainable engineering in India.

(Only 5 national policies – simple and scoring format)

India is focusing on sustainable engineering to build a cleaner and greener future. The government
has launched several national-level policies to reduce pollution, save energy, and promote eco-
friendly development.

Here are five important national policies:

1. National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)

• Launched in 2008 by the Government of India.

• Includes 8 missions, such as:

o National Solar Mission

o National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency

o National Water Mission

• Encourages use of clean energy, green buildings, and efficient technologies.

2. National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP)

• Launched to promote electric vehicles (EVs) in India.

• Reduces air pollution and saves fossil fuels.

• Engineers are involved in designing EV charging stations, smart roads, and low-emission
transport systems.

3. National Green Hydrogen Mission

• Started in 2023 to promote green hydrogen fuel.

• Green hydrogen is clean and made from renewable energy.

• Engineers work on production, storage, and usage of hydrogen in industries and transport.

4. National Smart Cities Mission

• Launched in 2015 to make Indian cities smart and sustainable.

• Focuses on waste management, smart traffic, water saving, and clean energy.
 • Engineers use IoT, AI, and green designs in urban development.

5. National Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC)

• Created by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).

• Sets rules for energy-efficient buildings (lighting, insulation, AC systems).

• Helps engineers design buildings that use less power and are eco-friendly.

Q11. Analyse the role of engineers in various sectors to contribute towards the 2030 sustainability
agenda.

(10 Marks)

Answer:

Engineers play a vital role in achieving the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Their
technical knowledge and problem-solving skills help create sustainable solutions across different
sectors.

1. Civil Engineering

• Designs green buildings, sustainable roads, and eco-friendly bridges.

• Helps achieve SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities).

2. Mechanical Engineering

• Develops energy-efficient machines and renewable energy systems (solar panels, wind
turbines).

• Supports SDG 7 (Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

3. Electrical/Electronics Engineering

• Works on smart grids, electric vehicles, and low-power electronics.

• Helps improve energy usage and reduce carbon footprint.

4. Computer/IT Engineering

• Designs software for IoT, AI, and data analytics used in smart cities, clean water systems,
and climate tracking.

• Aids in achieving multiple SDGs like SDG 6 (Clean Water), SDG 3 (Health), and SDG 12
(Responsible Consumption).
5. Environmental Engineering

• Works on waste management, water treatment, and pollution control.

• Directly contributes to SDG 6 (Water), SDG 13 (Climate), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

6. Agricultural/Biotech Engineering

• Develops smart irrigation, precision farming, and bio-based solutions.

• Helps in SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 (Sustainable Agriculture).

Q12. Examine the key barriers to implement sustainable engineering projects and their impact on
the environment and sustainability.

(10 Marks)

Answer:

Although sustainable engineering is important for the environment, there are many barriers that
affect the implementation of such projects. These barriers lead to delays, cost overruns, and negative
environmental impacts.

1. High Initial Cost

• Green technologies like solar panels or EV infrastructure require high investment.

• Many organizations avoid sustainability due to budget concerns.

Impact:
Delays adoption of clean energy and continues pollution.

2. Lack of Awareness and Training

• Engineers, builders, and contractors may not be trained in eco-friendly techniques.

• Limited awareness about sustainability benefits.

Impact:
Results in poor project design, inefficient systems, and resource wastage.

3. Regulatory and Policy Gaps

• Inconsistent or weak government policies on green building codes, waste laws, or energy
use.

• Lack of strict enforcement.

Impact:
Projects continue with non-sustainable methods, harming the ecosystem.

4. Resistance to Change

• Industries may prefer traditional methods due to habit or lack of incentives.

• Fear of risk in trying new sustainable technologies.

Impact:
Slows innovation and adoption of greener alternatives.

5. Lack of Funding and Support

• Limited support from banks or government for green projects, especially in rural areas.

• Startups face difficulty in finding eco-friendly investors.

Impact:
Good sustainable ideas fail to grow or reach the public.

Q13. List out the emerging renewable energy technologies.

(10 Marks – List and Brief)

Answer:

Here are some emerging renewable energy technologies that are shaping the future of sustainable
power:

1. Floating Solar Panels

– Solar panels installed on lakes or reservoirs.
– Saves land and increases efficiency due to cooling effect of water.

2. Tidal and Wave Energy

– Uses ocean tides and waves to generate electricity.
– Clean and predictable energy source.

3. Green Hydrogen
– Hydrogen produced using renewable electricity (from solar/wind).
– Used as clean fuel in transport and industries.

4. Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS)

– Produces energy from biomass and captures CO₂ emissions.
– Helps reduce carbon footprint.

5. Perovskite Solar Cells

– New type of solar cell with higher efficiency and lower cost.
– Flexible and lightweight.
 6. Solar Windows
– Transparent solar panels in windows that generate electricity.
– Used in buildings and vehicles.

7. Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS)

– Extracts heat from deep underground rocks.
– Works in areas without natural geothermal sources.

8. Offshore Wind Farms

– Wind turbines placed in oceans for strong, steady winds.
– More efficient than land-based turbines.

Q14. Define post-2030 sustainability agenda.

(10 Marks – Definition + Focus Areas)

Answer:

The post-2030 sustainability agenda refers to the global goals and strategies that will be followed
after the year 2030 to continue sustainable development beyond the current UN SDG deadline.

Key Focus Areas after 2030:

1. Tackling Climate Change Continuously

– Long-term solutions for carbon neutrality and disaster resilience.

2. Green Technology and Innovation

– Emphasis on AI, robotics, and IoT for smart cities and energy systems.

3. Circular Economy Models

– Reduce, reuse, recycle to eliminate waste.

4. Global Health and Well-being

– Focus on air quality, mental health, and health equity.

5. Sustainable Infrastructure
– Eco-friendly urban development, water systems, and transport.

6. Social Inclusion and Equity

– Empowerment of women, youth, and marginalized groups.

7. Education for Sustainability

– Sustainable development to be included in all education systems.

Q15. Summarize lessons learned from a real-world sustainability case study.

(10 Marks – Real Example + Lessons)

Answer:

Case Study: Solar Power in Cochin International Airport, Kerala

Cochin Airport became the world’s first airport to run fully on solar power in 2015. It installed a 12
MW solar plant and later expanded it.
Lessons Learned:

1. Renewable energy is reliable

– The airport operates 100% on solar, proving clean energy can support heavy infrastructure.

2. Cost-saving in the long term

– Initial costs were high, but long-term savings on electricity bills are massive.

3. Replicable model
– Inspired other airports and buildings in India to adopt solar power.

4. Government and private collaboration

– Smooth coordination between authorities and engineers helped success.

5. Land optimization
– Used unused land and rooftops, proving sustainability doesn't need extra space.

6. Supports SDG Goals

– Helps meet SDG 7 (Affordable Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 9
(Infrastructure).