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The Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, successfully hosted the third edition of the Environmental Sustainability Exhibition (ESE 3.0), a national-level platform dedicated to advancing knowledge, innovation, and collaboration in environmental protection and sustainable technologies, on September 19, 2025.

The event was inaugurated by Prof. Ch Satish Kumar, Vice Chancellor (I/C), who declared the exhibition open in the esteemed presence of Prof. C V Tomy, Dean of the School of Engineering and Sciences, Dr Rangabhashiyam Selvasembian, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, along with the, Heads of Departments, faculty members, staff, and students from various Universities and schools around the region.

In his inaugural address, Prof. Satish Kumar, Vice-Chancellor (I/C) , connected the exhibition’s vision to global efforts, stressing, “Sustainability is not an abstract idea but a responsibility towards future generations. Platforms like ESE 3.0 enable students to dream, innovate, and contribute to India’s commitment towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement.” He also emphasised the importance of achieving net zero emissions, drawing examples from states like Sikkim and nations like Bhutan.

Carrying forward the legacy of the successful ESE 1.0 (2024) and ESE 2.0 (March 2025), this edition brought together 155 participants, hailing from states such as Punjab, Bihar, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Around 60 exhibits, including 23 posters, 10 demos, and 25 oral presentations, represented prestigious colleges and universities nationwide. Each showcased innovative ideas rooted in their local contexts and challenges.

The top three winners were awarded a prize pool of ₹20,000, ₹15,000, and ₹10,000. Team P Akhila & V Yagneswari (Aditya University) secured the first prize, followed by Swarna Baisa & Bhanu Naik Jaloth (SR University, Warangal) and J Meghanasiri & P Sharon (SRR & CVR Govt. Degree College), who were awarded the second and third prizes, respectively.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Rangabhashiyam Selvasembian noted: “ESE 3.0 serves as an exceptional platform for students across India to present innovative ideas and initiatives for building a sustainable future. It motivates them to showcase their projects, interact with experts, and contribute meaningfully to the ongoing discourse on sustainability.”

Prof. C V Tomy further emphasised the importance of personal responsibility in everyday choices: “Every technological advancement, while beneficial, has an environmental cost. Even small, mindful actions such as conserving water and electricity make a significant difference when adopted collectively. Cultivating these habits early is the foundation of sustainability.”

The exhibition highlighted themes of air and water pollution mitigation, resource optimisation, sustainable development practices, waste management, renewable energy, and circular economy models. Participants presented working models, prototypes, posters, and research-based solutions, fostering rich academic exchange and dialogue.

Beyond the exhibition stalls, the event also included Poster presentations on climate change, environmental health, and resource equity, Hands-on training sessions introducing sustainability-driven advancements, Laboratory and campus visits offering exposure to SRM-AP’s state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge environmental research infrastructure.

With enthusiastic participation, thought-provoking exhibits, and meaningful interactions, ESE 3.0 reaffirmed SRM University-AP’s role as a hub for environmental innovation and sustainability research, dedicated to shaping solutions for the most pressing global challenges.