Marico Eco Campus Project – Turning Schools into Hubs of Sustainability

The Eco Campus Project is redefining what school campuses can be — not just spaces for academic learning, but dynamic models of environmental stewardship. In partnership with local schools, Marico has transformed 16 educational institutions into living laboratories of sustainability, where rainwater harvesting is both a practical solution and an inspiring, hands-on educational experience.

The initiative addresses one of the most pressing issues in India’s urban and rural landscapes — water scarcity. By equipping each school with custom-designed rainwater harvesting systems, the project demonstrates how an accessible, low-cost technology can deliver significant long-term ecological and social benefits.

A Tailored Approach for Maximum Impact

Every system is custom-built to suit the unique size, structure, and needs of each campus, as well as the local rainfall patterns. Large rooftop catchment areas are fitted with gutters and downpipes to channel rainwater into advanced filtration units. These filters remove dust, leaves, and other debris, ensuring that the collected water is clean and safe for its intended uses.

Once filtered, the water follows two main pathways:

1. Storage for Daily Use – A portion of the rainwater is directed into underground storage tanks, where it remains available for essential non-potable needs such as gardening, sanitation, cleaning, and handwashing. This reduces the schools’ dependence on municipal or borewell water, saving costs and easing pressure on local resources.

2. Groundwater Recharge – Excess water is diverted into scientifically designed recharge pits. These pits channel water deep into the soil, replenishing local aquifers and helping restore the natural water table — a crucial step in combating the depletion of groundwater reserves over time.

Educational Integration – Turning Infrastructure into a Teaching Tool

What makes the Eco Campus Project unique is that it is not just an installation — it’s an integrated learning model. Students are actively involved in understanding how the system works, measuring water collection during rainfall, and learning the science of hydrology, conservation, and climate resilience. Teachers incorporate these practical insights into science and environmental studies lessons, making sustainability a lived experience rather than a theoretical concept.

The Ripple Effect

The benefits of these systems go far beyond the school walls. By reducing dependence on external water sources, these schools serve as examples for the broader community, showing how simple, replicable interventions can address both environmental and social challenges. The restored aquifers benefit surrounding neighborhoods, while the students become ambassadors for water conservation, taking these lessons home to their families.

A Vision for the Future

With the success of these 16 campuses, the Marico Eco Campus Project paves the way for scaling up sustainable water management practices in more schools and community spaces. The vision is clear — empowered children, water-secure communities, and a future where sustainability is second nature.