Sakarya University has implemented various practices to promote sustainable transportation and reduce its carbon footprint. The university's strategic plan includes goals for societal contribution and sustainability, which are monitored across all departments and evaluated through the Institutional Management Information System.
Bus and minibus services within and outside the campus are free, and shuttle services are provided at no cost to staff. Additionally, in collaboration with the municipality, discounted public transportation options are available. To encourage people to opt for more eco-friendly transportation, the campus offers 10 kilometers of bike paths, shared bicycles, and electric scooter options. Electric vehicle use is encouraged, with charging stations and free permits available on campus. To limit the number of vehicles entering the campus, vehicle tracking is conducted through decals, and a high decal fee is applied.
To reduce vehicle traffic, numerous pedestrian pathways have been created on campus, and entry requires permits and fees. Only authorized vehicles may enter campus under the necessary circumstances. Awareness of sustainable transportation is raised through events such as European Mobility Week, and vehicle usage is limited on high-traffic days.
For campus logistics, over ten electric vehicles are in use, and delivery points are set up at campus entrances to prevent traffic congestion from online shopping deliveries. Through all these initiatives, Sakarya University aims to promote eco-friendly transportation and minimize its carbon footprint.
Before the implementation of COVID-19 measures in 2020, Sakarya University had already been supporting remote work and distance education alternatives. Sakarya University was the first university in Turkey to launch distance education programs and has been developing technologies, making investments, and running programs in the field of distance education since the 1990s. During the pandemic, thanks to its experience in this area, it took a leading educational role in providing infrastructure support to other universities at the national level. Within the Distance Education Center, both students and educators can work remotely.
Flexible working hours are applied to administrative staff at certain time intervals. Additionally, academic staff are granted permission on specific days of the week to engage in academic work.
Although the ownership of housing by public institutions in Turkey is restricted, Sakarya University offers affordable housing options for its employees. Administrative and academic staff can benefit from housing located at various points on the university campus for a nominal rental fee. The university has established rules regarding the use of these housing units, which are outlined in the Housing Regulation published on the university's website. Employees can submit their housing requests through the information system
In Turkey, student accommodation services are centrally managed by the Credit and Dormitories Institution of Turkey (KYK), and universities are prohibited from providing such services. Therefore, Sakarya University students can benefit from dormitories owned by KYK, located near the campus, at very low fees or through scholarships. Additionally, there are private paid dormitories in the campus area.
Sakarya University is among the first universities to implement the Pedestrian Priority Traffic System to raise awareness of pedestrian rights and increase the use of pedestrian crossings. Through our comprehensive pedestrian-focused policy, we prioritize creating a safe, inclusive, and environmentally friendly campus environment. Separate pathways for vehicles and pedestrians, along with green space walkways, provide pedestrians with enjoyable and sustainable routes. Dedicated bike lanes and numerous pedestrian crossings promote active transportation, and regular maintenance throughout the year enhances safety and usability. With these measures, Sakarya University is committed to creating a pedestrian-friendly campus that supports health, accessibility, and environmental management.
Additionally, a Traffic and Aesthetics Commission has been established at Sakarya University to ensure pedestrian priority on campus, and the campus traffic rules, penalties to be applied, Traffic Directive, and Road Action Plan are available on our website.
Our university collaborates with local governments to meet the needs of individuals in more suitable conditions. Sakarya University supports affordable housing opportunities on campus and works with Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality to provide reasonable accommodation services as part of social services. Additionally, Sakarya University academics participate in national and international studies, events, and projects on urbanism, planning, and sustainable cities and environments. In Sakarya, a region located in the first-degree earthquake zone, studies related to earthquake and building safety are also included in these efforts. Several examples of these works are shared in the evidence.
Sustainable Building Design: Increasing energy efficiency in buildings through projects that integrate natural ventilation, maximize daylight usage, and comply with green building certification standards. To utilize daylight efficiently, the university integrates natural lighting systems into new buildings and has adapted 90% of existing buildings to optimize daylight usage. Since 2011, buildings in Türkiye must comply with energy efficiency standards. The Energy Performance Regulation in Buildings establishes performance criteria and implementation principles, guided by the 2012-2023 Energy Efficiency Strategy Document, which sets out policies and targets. With the Presidential Decree on Energy Conservation in Public Buildings, the energy savings target for public buildings required to appoint an energy manager under the Energy Efficiency Law No. 5627 has been set at a minimum of 30% by 2030. The tasks and procedures to be implemented to achieve energy savings are defined in the Public Buildings Savings Target and Implementation Guide (2024-2030). Within this scope, new buildings are equipped with energy management units and sensor devices (for doors, lighting, flush tanks, faucets, etc.); renovation and maintenance works adhere to the Green Certification Regulation for Buildings and Settlements. Energy-efficient practices are preferred, including building management systems, fire and flood alert systems, energy management and monitoring panels, natural heating, ventilation, lighting applications, LEDs, sensors, and areas with natural light.
