Kanpur, August 12, 2025: Kotak Mahindra Bank and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur have laid the foundation stone for the Kotak School of Sustainability (KSS), an upcoming institution focused on advanced research, innovation, and leadership in sustainability and climate resilience.
The ceremony at IIT Kanpur was attended by senior Kotak Mahindra Bank officials, including Rajeev Ratan Sharma, Senior Executive Vice President, and Himanshu Nivsarkar, Senior Executive Vice President & Head – CSR & ESG, alongside IIT Kanpur Director Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Dean of KSS Prof. Sachchida Nand Tripathi, faculty members, administrators, and advisory council members.
Spanning approximately 18,000 square metres, the Kotak School of Sustainability will house over 25 advanced research laboratories, interactive learning zones, faculty offices, eco-zones, and dedicated workspaces for PhD and post-doctoral scholars. The building is planned to achieve LEED Platinum certification and Net Zero Energy status, incorporating sustainable materials such as bamboo, hempcrete, and mycelium, while ensuring the preservation of trees and waterbodies on the campus.
Speaking on the initiative, Himanshu Nivsarkar, Sr. EVP & Head – CSR & ESG, Kotak Mahindra Bank, said, “Sustainability is central to our CSR and ESG vision, and we are committed to supporting transformative projects that can shape a greener and more equitable future. The Kotak School of Sustainability will provide a platform for research, education, and collaboration to address some of the most pressing environmental and social challenges of our time.”
Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur, added, “The Kotak School of Sustainability will be a centre of excellence, bringing together multidisciplinary expertise to work on innovative solutions for climate resilience and sustainability. This partnership with Kotak Mahindra Bank is a step forward in building capacity for impactful research and developing leaders who can drive meaningful change.”
Prof. Sachchida Nand Tripathi, Dean, KSS, said, “Through cutting-edge labs, sustainable infrastructure, and a collaborative learning environment, KSS will nurture talent and ideas that can make a tangible difference. Our goal is to inspire the next generation of sustainability leaders while ensuring our operations set a benchmark for green campus development.”
The project is part of Kotak Mahindra Bank’s CSR mission, which aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and seeks to empower future changemakers for a sustainable and inclusive future.
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