Through the Annadaana initiative, ACU provides free, nutritious meals to thousands of beneficiaries daily, averaging ~10,000 meals a day for patients, visitors, and the local community via the associated Mutt (spiritual centre). The University also conducts awareness programs on nutrition and food security, and sustainable food and community-feeding practices strengthen food accessibility and community well-being.

ACU advances healthcare through medical research, publications, and patents — securing 565 research publications and 76 patents in health-related fields over the last five years, with 437 SDG-3-aligned papers published in AY 2024–25 alone, by far the University’s largest single-goal research output. SANKALP health camps provide free medical, dental, and eye care (including surgeries) to underserved rural populations, and the University promotes mental health, wellness, and preventive healthcare practices to improve community health outcomes and quality of life.

The University promotes gender equity through equal opportunities, inclusive policies, and awareness programs. Women-empowerment initiatives, mentoring, and leadership opportunities are actively encouraged, and ACU ensures a safe and supportive campus environment — strengthening the participation and representation of women.

ACU adopts an integrated approach to water conservation, wastewater treatment and sanitation. Nearly 80% of the University buildings are equipped with rainwater-harvesting systems, with filtered rainwater collected in two 1-lakh-litre sumps and groundwater recharge supported through 15 recharge pits. The University operates a 750 KLD MBBR-based Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) for treating domestic wastewater and a 100 KLD Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) for pretreatment of effluent from AIMS and AHRC. Approximately 500 KLD of wastewater is presently treated, with around 450 KLD of treated water reused for gardening and toilet flushing, supporting a zero-discharge approach. The sludge generated, approximately 40–45 kg per month, is reused as manure. These measures promote water conservation, sanitation, wastewater reuse and responsible water management.

ACU promotes renewable energy and energy efficiency through a 600 kWp grid-connected rooftop solar photovoltaic system installed in collaboration with Tata Power Solar, supported by a monitoring and management system with data-logging facilities. The campus also has 176 solar water heaters and 300 solar streetlights. Energy conservation is further supported through 18,477 LED fixtures, 100 LED street-light fixtures, 300 TR of energy-efficient air-conditioning systems and four heat pumps. Together, these initiatives reduce conventional energy consumption, promote renewable energy adoption and contribute to a lower carbon footprint. The University’s reported sustainability initiatives collectively generate approximately ₹263.7 lakh in annual cost savings and significant reductions in CO₂ emissions.

ACU is committed to reducing social and economic inequalities by promoting inclusive, equitable and accessible education for students from rural, economically disadvantaged and socially diverse backgrounds. Guided by the principle of “Rural University – KG to PG,” ACU supports first-generation learners through scholarships, fee concessions, government schemes and need-based financial assistance. Special support is extended to SC/ST/OBC, minority, EWS and other disadvantaged groups, helping reduce financial barriers to higher education. With more than 11,000 scholarship beneficiaries and 52% of students receiving financial aid in 2024–25, ACU promotes equal opportunity, social mobility and inclusive participation in academic and professional life.

ACU promotes sustainable, inclusive and resilient communities through responsible campus planning, resource-efficient infrastructure and community-oriented initiatives. The campus incorporates renewable energy, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, wastewater treatment and reuse, solid and liquid waste management, biogas generation and extensive green cover. Green campus measures include pedestrian-friendly spaces, restricted parking, public and college transport facilities and a plastic-free campus approach. The University also promotes a barrier-free environment through ramps, wheelchairs and ambulance facilities. These initiatives demonstrate how institutional infrastructure and campus management can contribute to safer, inclusive and environmentally responsible communities.

ACU follows responsible waste-management and resource-recovery practices across the campus. Wet and dry waste are segregated at source using colour-coded bins, with dry-waste management undertaken through authorised waste-management partners. The University also maintains systems for biomedical waste and e-waste management through authorised agencies. A 300 kg-capacity KVIC-model biogas plant processes approximately 250 kg of food waste every day, converting organic waste into useful biogas and saving approximately 10 LPG cylinders per month at the hostel. Treated wastewater is reused for gardening and toilet flushing, while approximately 40–45 kg of sludge generated per month is reused as manure. These practices support resource recovery, waste minimisation, circularity and responsible consumption.

ACU undertakes a range of measures to reduce emissions and strengthen climate-conscious campus practices. Renewable energy generation through the 600 kWp rooftop solar system, energy-efficient infrastructure, solar water heating and solar street lighting reduces dependence on conventional energy sources. The campus also promotes food-waste-to-biogas conversion, wastewater reuse, tree plantation and biodiversity conservation. According to the University’s consolidated sustainability assessment, the implemented energy initiatives result in approximately ₹263.7 lakh in annual cost savings and reported CO₂ emission reductions of approximately 2,700 tonnes per year. Environmental awareness programmes, plantation drives and student participation further strengthen climate awareness and responsible environmental action.

ACU contributes to the protection of aquatic ecosystems through responsible water and wastewater management. The 750 KLD STP and 100 KLD ETP support systematic treatment of domestic and institutional wastewater before reuse. Approximately 450 KLD of treated wastewater is reused for secondary purposes such as gardening and toilet flushing, reducing the discharge of treated effluent and freshwater demand. Rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge measures further support sustainable water-resource management. Awareness activities promote water conservation and highlight the importance of protecting freshwater and aquatic ecosystems.

ACU places strong emphasis on biodiversity conservation and the development of a green campus. The University campus has 4,585 trees representing 44 varieties, maintained by the horticulture department. Herbs, shrubs and trees are labelled with QR codes providing information for educational and awareness purposes. Plantation and green-campus activities undertaken by students, NSS, Eco Clubs and academic departments contribute to biodiversity awareness and ecological stewardship. The University’s green cover is estimated to contribute to the absorption of approximately 108 tonnes of CO₂ per year, while dedicated green spaces and the Medicinal Plants Garden further support campus biodiversity and ecological balance.