Transforming an Aging STP into a Sustainable and Cost-Saving Asset
A Real-World Success Story from Mantri Greens, Bangalore
Across Indian cities, the conversation around sustainability, compliance, and cost-efficiency in residential apartments has gained urgency. Nowhere is this more evident than in the operation of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) a utility that often runs in the background until something goes wrong.
At Mantri Greens, a prominent residential complex in Bangalore housing over 400 families, this challenge came to a head. With aging infrastructure, surging energy costs, and pressure to meet Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) norms, the RWA had to make a critical choice: keep patching up the STP, or take a bold step toward transformation.
The decision to partner with Greentivity, a sustainable wastewater management firm, changed everything.
This case study isn’t just a story about one apartment — it’s a blueprint for what’s possible in any residential community ready to modernize its STP and turn operational headaches into long-term gains.
The Problem
Mantri Greens had always positioned itself as a green, resident-first community. But by 2023, the signs of stress on its utility infrastructure were clear:
- Odor complaints from residents near the treatment zone
- Inconsistent treated water quality, requiring backup water tanker purchases
- Spiraling electricity costs driven by inefficient motors and pumps
- Risk of non-compliance with PCB discharge standards
The consequences were financial, operational, and reputational. Not only was the RWA spending over ₹1.5 lakh/month on reactive repairs and inefficiencies, but resident trust was beginning to waver.
Sound familiar?
Whether you're managing a 200+-unit apartment or a gated township, these challenges are increasingly common as STPs age — especially if they were installed more than 10 years ago with outdated design philosophies.
The Turning Point
Instead of choosing the lowest bidder for another short-term fix, the Mantri Greens management committee made a radical shift. They developed a structured, transparent in-house tendering process - a first of its kind in Bangalore’s RWA sector.
Their goal: select a partner who could deliver long-term performance, cost-efficiency, and sustainability
The Tendering Framework Included
- A detailed RFP outlining technical, financial, and environmental expectations
- Pre-qualification criteria, including experience with 200+ KLD STPs and PCB-compliant past projects
- A multi-stage evaluation: technical scores (50%), pricing (30%), sustainability focus (20%)
- Resident engagement, including awareness sessions and vendor presentations
The process not only attracted top-tier vendors, but set a benchmark for how RWAs could make infrastructure decisions transparently — a move that caught attention across the city.
Greentivity: A Modern STP Partner for a Modern Community
Greentivity emerged as the unanimous choice for Mantri Greens after the final round of evaluation and live presentations. The reason? A clear alignment with the RWA’s goals - technical reliability, long-term savings, environmental compliance, and resident-centricity.
What Made Greentivity Stand Out?
- Advanced sludge handling and aeration systems
- High-efficiency motors, pumps, and blowers (25–30% energy savings)
- A 3-year AMC with predictive maintenance and fixed pricing
- Resident-focused odor and noise mitigation strategies
- Full compliance with CPCB/KSPCB guidelines
More than just a service provider, Greentivity acted as a consultative partner conducting detailed audits, providing ROI calculations, and helping the RWA communicate plans to residents.
From Plan to Execution: Phases of Transformation
The project rolled out in four strategic phases, ensuring transparency and minimal disruption:
Phase 1: Diagnostic Audit
A comprehensive on-site assessment revealed the following:
- Lack of an Anoxic Zone for biological nutrient removal
- Poor sludge management and outdated filtration
- High energy draw per KLD treated
Greentivity translated this into a plain-language report for the RWA, allowing committee members to understand where every rupee would go — and what returns to expect.
Phase 2: Refurbishment & Upgrades
- Structural Repairs: STP tanks were reinforced and coated with anti-corrosive materials
- Design Enhancements: An Anoxic Zone and new filtration paths were added to meet current PCB discharge norms
Phase 3: Commissioning & Testing
After installation:
- Treated water samples were analyzed independently for BOD, COD, TSS, and fecal coliform
- The system achieved 100% compliance, with test reports shared transparently with residents
Phase 4: AMC Rollout
Unlike typical reactive contracts, Greentivity’s Annual Maintenance Contract included:
Scheduled maintenance every 30 days or as per the running hours of each piece of equipment
- A dashboard of operational KPIs for the committee
- A 24/7 helpline for emergency response within 4 hours
- No surprise costs — everything was documented up front
The Results: Measurable, Multi-Dimensional Gains
Operational Efficiency
- 90% reuse of treated water for flushing and landscaping
- Zero unplanned breakdowns since implementation
Financial ROI
| Cost Area | Before | After | Monthly Savings |
| Energy | ₹85,000 | ₹59,000 | ₹26,000 |
| Tanker Water | ₹40,000 | ₹0 | ₹40,000 |
| Ad-Hoc Repairs | ₹20,000 avg. | < ₹5,000 | ₹15,000 |
| Total Savings | ₹81,000/month |
The refurbishment investment paid for itself within 6-8 months, with continued savings projected for years.
Resident Satisfaction
- Greater transparency from the RWA earned trust
- Residents supported future green initiatives, thanks to proven results
Why This Matters for Your Apartment Complex
If your community is:
- Dealing with foul smells, poor water quality, or frequent repairs
- Facing pressure to comply with new discharge norms
- Struggling to forecast AMC costs or vendor performance
…then you’re in the same position Mantri Greens was. And like them, you don’t have to settle for reactive, stop-gap solutions.
The Greentivity Advantage: More Than Just STP Maintenance
What sets Greentivity apart isn’t just the technical upgrades — it’s how we work with you:
Free Audit + ROI Forecast: Know your current inefficiencies and what you can save
- Committee & Resident Workshops: We simplify the complex and earn buy-in
- Transparent Contracts: No fine print. No last-minute surprises.
- Sustainability Reporting: Helps you showcase green credentials for future certifications
Final Thought: What Leadership Looks Like in Today’s Apartment Communities
Mantri Greens didn't just fix their STP — they led the way. Their process has inspired multiple RWAs across Bangalore to rethink how they select vendors, manage operations, and drive sustainability. This case is proof that with the right partner, you can:
- Save lakhs in utility and maintenance costs
Extend the life of your infrastructure
Build trust with your residents
Stay audit-ready and future-compliant
Ready to Start Your Own Transformation?
Book a Free Site Audit + ROI Consultation
info@greentivity.in | +91 81051 05073
- Identify cost-saving potential
- Assess your STP’s compliance health
- Get a personalized upgrade + AMC plan within 72 hours
Let’s move from reactive repairs to proactive impact. Your residents will thank you. Your balance sheet will too.
