The Challenge: Growing Water Demand and Environmental Responsibility
GAET International School, operated by Goenka & Associates Educational Trust (GAET) in Bambolim, Goa, is a premier educational institution committed to academic excellence and holistic development. As the campus grew, so did its water consumption and wastewater generation. The school faced several pressing challenges:
High Freshwater Demand: Daily operations, landscaping, and sanitation required significant amounts of freshwater, straining local resources, especially during dry months.
Wastewater Management: Conventional sewage disposal posed risks of untreated effluent entering natural water bodies, threatening local ecosystems and violating environmental norms.
Sustainability Goals: GAET International School aspired to lead by example in environmental stewardship, aligning its operations with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
The school needed a future-ready, eco-friendly solution to recycle wastewater, reduce its carbon footprint, and inspire students and the community toward sustainable living.
The Requirement: A Smart, Scalable, and Sustainable Sewage Treatment Solution
GAET International School outlined clear requirements for its wastewater management upgrade:
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Advanced Water Recycling: Ability to treat and reuse at least 70,000 litres of water daily for non-potable applications like irrigation and landscaping.
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Energy Efficiency: A system that minimizes electricity consumption and operational costs.
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Compact Footprint: Limited land availability meant the solution had to be space-efficient and modular for future expansion.
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Low Maintenance: Minimal manual intervention and easy upkeep to ensure reliability.
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Compliance & Safety: Treated water must meet stringent environmental standards, ensuring safety for reuse and discharge.
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Educational Value: The solution should serve as a living example of sustainability for students and the broader community.
The Solution: SUSBIO ECOTREAT Smart Sewage Treatment Plant
1. Advanced Dual Treatment Technology
SUSBIO ECOTREAT stands out for its innovative integration of both biological and physical treatment processes within a single, compact system. The plant utilizes a combination of anaerobic and aerobic biological stages to break down organic pollutants, followed by advanced physical filtration and disinfection. This dual approach ensures that wastewater is treated to the highest standards, significantly reducing BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand), COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand), and suspended solids. The result is exceptionally clear, pathogen-free water that is safe for a wide range of non-potable uses such as irrigation, landscaping, and flushing. This not only conserves precious freshwater resources but also supports a lush, green campus year-round.
2. Exceptional Energy Efficiency
One of the most compelling reasons GAET International School selected SUSBIO ECOTREAT is its remarkable energy efficiency. Traditional sewage treatment plants often require energy-intensive aeration and manual interventions, leading to high electricity bills and a larger carbon footprint. In contrast, SUSBIO ECOTREAT is engineered to consume up to 90% less electricity. This is achieved through optimized aeration technology, smart process controls, and highly efficient equipment. The significant reduction in energy use not only lowers operational costs but also aligns perfectly with the school’s commitment to environmental responsibility and climate action.
3. Compact, Modular, and Plug-and-Play Design
Space is a valuable asset on any educational campus. SUSBIO ECOTREAT’s prefabricated, modular design uses high-quality Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP), making the plant lightweight, durable, and easy to transport. Its plug-and-play nature allows for rapid installation—often completed in just days—without major civil works or disruption to school activities. The modularity of the system means that as the school expands or its needs change, additional treatment modules can be seamlessly integrated. This future-proofs the investment and ensures the STP can grow alongside the institution.
4. Durability and Low Maintenance
Reliability is critical for any infrastructure investment, and SUSBIO ECOTREAT delivers on this front with its robust FRP construction. FRP is inherently resistant to corrosion, chemicals, and harsh weather conditions, ensuring the plant’s longevity even in coastal environments like Goa. The system is designed for minimal maintenance, with automated cleaning cycles and self-monitoring features that reduce the need for manual intervention. This means school staff can focus on their core responsibilities, confident that the STP will operate smoothly and efficiently for years to come.
5. Fully Automated, Operator-Free Operation
Unlike conventional STPs that require daily oversight and manual adjustments, SUSBIO ECOTREAT is fully automated. Advanced controllers and sensors manage every aspect of the treatment process—from inflow regulation and aeration to sludge removal and water quality checks. The plant operates seamlessly without the need for a dedicated operator, eliminating the risk of human error and ensuring consistent, high-quality performance. This hands-off approach is especially valuable for educational institutions where technical staff may be limited.
6. IoT-Enabled Smart Monitoring
Setting a new industry standard, SUSBIO ECOTREAT incorporates world-first IoT-enabled smart monitoring. The plant is equipped with a suite of advanced sensors that continuously track critical water quality and operational parameters, including:
COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand)
BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand)
TSS (Total Suspended Solids)
pH levels
Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
Water and tank levels
Pump and equipment health
All this data is transmitted in real time to a secure cloud-based dashboard, accessible from any device, anywhere. Facility managers and administrators receive instant alerts if any parameter deviates from the set standards, allowing for rapid response and preventive action. This level of transparency and control ensures regulatory compliance, enhances operational reliability, and provides valuable insights for ongoing sustainability initiatives.
Results: Tangible Environmental and Social Impact
1. Water Conservation
GAET International School now recycles and reuses up to 70,000 litres of water daily, significantly reducing its reliance on municipal and groundwater sources. This not only eases pressure on local water resources but also ensures year-round greenery and hygiene on campus.
2. Pollution Reduction
The advanced treatment process ensures that no untreated wastewater enters nearby water bodies, protecting aquatic life and preserving the region’s natural beauty.
3. Energy and Cost Savings
With up to 90% lower electricity consumption, the school enjoys substantial savings on utility bills, making the initiative financially sustainable.
4. Minimal Maintenance, Maximum Reliability
The automated, low-maintenance design ensures uninterrupted operation, freeing school staff from daily oversight and reducing the risk of breakdowns.
5. Sustainability Leadership and Educational Value
GAET International School has become a role model for sustainability in education. The STP serves as a live demonstration for students, integrating environmental consciousness into the curriculum and inspiring the next generation of eco-leaders.
6. Compliance and Recognition
The school’s proactive approach aligns with national and international sustainability standards, earning recognition from the community and educational sector.
Conclusion: Setting a New Standard for Sustainable Campuses
The partnership between GAET International School and SUSBIO marks a landmark achievement in campus sustainability. By choosing SUSBIO ECOTREAT, the school has:
Transformed wastewater from a liability into a valuable resource
Reduced its environmental footprint and operational costs
Protected local ecosystems and contributed to water security
Set a powerful example for students, staff, and the wider community
This initiative is more than just an infrastructure upgrade—it’s a statement of values and a blueprint for other institutions to follow. As water scarcity and environmental challenges intensify, GAET International School’s bold step demonstrates how smart technology and visionary leadership can create lasting positive change.
Looking to make your institution a sustainability leader? Contact SUSBIO today to discover how ECOTREAT can help you save water, cut costs, and inspire your community.
