Real-Time Sustainability Performance Monitoring System for Educational Institutions

Abstract

Achieving institutional sustainability requires real-time data visibility and structured performance evaluations, often unmet in traditional university operations. This paper presents Sustain oMeter, a web-based platform developed for NSBM Green University to centralize and streamline sus tainability monitoring across operational domains such as canteens, hostels, and the examination department. Conventional manual methods lacked efficiency insights, traceability, and actionable feedback, making sustainable decision-making difficult. SustainoMeter addresses these limitations through real time data collection, algebraically defined efficiency models, and a normalization-based scoring system that evaluates metrics like resource utilization (electricity, water, LPG), waste, and productivity. Built using the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, Node.js) and Tailwind CSS, the system delivers responsive, scalable dashboards tailored touser roles. Contributors can input operational data and track division-level performance, while administrators access extended controls including score reviews and PDF-based monthly reports, generated via Puppeteer. Data visualization is powered by Recharts, and system reliability is ensured through comprehensive testing using Jest, Supertest, Vitest, and Cypress. The development process followed a structured SDLC model, encompassing requirement analysis, design, implementation, and testing.SustainoMeter not only improves transparency and institutional accountability but also promotes continuous improvement through feedback loops and ranking systems. Looking forward, its architecture supports extensions such as AI-driven recommendations, making it a robust foundation for smart sustainability ecosystems in education.