Policy for Energy-Efficient Renovation, Construction, and Building Upgrades
Sakarya University has established an institutional framework that ensures all renovations and new constructions comply with national energy efficiency standards. In addition, the University has developed comprehensive and ongoing plans to upgrade existing buildings to higher energy efficiency levels.
Sustainable Building Design
The University continuously enhances energy efficiency in its buildings through projects that integrate natural ventilation, maximize daylight utilization, and comply with green building certification standards. To optimize natural lighting, daylight-integrated systems are incorporated into all new constructions, while 90% of existing buildings have been retrofitted to enhance daylight efficiency. Since 2011, all buildings in Türkiye have been required to comply with the Energy Performance Regulation in Buildings, which sets performance criteria and implementation principles guided by the Energy Efficiency Strategy 2030 and the Second National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (2024–2030). Since 2011, buildings in Türkiye have been required to comply with the Energy Performance Regulation in Buildings, which establishes performance criteria and implementation principles guided by the Energy Efficiency Strategy 2030 and the Second National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (2024–2030).
In accordance with the Green Certification Regulation for Buildings and Settlements, renovation and maintenance works adopt green building criteria, prioritizing eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient equipment (A+, A++, A+++). Within this framework, new buildings are equipped with energy management systems and sensor devices (for doors, lighting, flush tanks, and faucets) to minimize energy waste. The university is also implementing a long-term plan to upgrade existing facilities to higher energy efficiency. According to the 2024 Activity Report of the Directorate of Construction and Technical Affairs, roof and façade insulation works have been completed in the Faculty of Education (Hendek Campus), Congress Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medico Building, Library, and M7 Building, aiming to reduce heat loss and improve performance.
To ensure systematic improvement, pre-assessment activities for the ISO 50001 Energy Management System have been initiated, enabling continuous monitoring and performance-based upgrades. These measures collectively demonstrate that Sakarya University has both a policy ensuring all new constructions meet energy-efficiency standards and an institutional plan to upgrade existing buildings in line with Türkiye’s Net Zero 2053 vision.
Renewable energy and daylight efficiency applications at Sakarya University.
Carbon Management and Emission Reduction Process
Sakarya University operates a comprehensive and data-driven carbon management and emission reduction process. This process monitors, evaluates, and minimizes carbon impacts across all university operations, aligning with the national Net Zero by 2053 Vision.
The university has implemented a Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Program, including the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, promotion of electric scooter and bicycle use, and closure of the campus to vehicular traffic during European Mobility Week to encourage low-carbon transportation.
In 2024, the university achieved 109.99% renewable energy supply, fully offsetting its electricity consumption and thereby reducing Scope 2 emissions to zero. Renewable energy generation—comprising hydroelectric, solar, and wind sources—was verified through International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-REC).
Additionally, Sakarya University prioritizes the transition to low-carbon and zero-emission energy systems, integrating solar panels, wind turbines, and hydrogen-based technologies into its infrastructure. The 100% Hydrogen-Fueled Boiler Project, conducted under the TÜBİTAK TEYDEB 1505 University–Industry Collaboration Program, exemplifies this commitment by developing sustainable, hydrogen-powered heating technologies.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Sakarya University has established a comprehensive institutional framework that integrates energy management, carbon reduction, and efficiency improvement processes across all campuses.
ICT Platform (SAUCO2): The university uses a specialized ICT platform called SAUCO2 (Sustainable Carbon Tracking System) to manage all these processes. This platform is designed for the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programs related to energy management and climate change.
Energy and Resource Monitoring Dashboard (SAUCO2 Platform) This interface displays faculty-level data on buildings, student population, and annual consumption of electricity, natural gas, and water within the Sustainable Carbon Tracking System (SAUCO2).
Carbon Footprint Analysis (SAUCO2 Platform), The SAUCO2 system calculates annual CO₂ emissions by scope (1, 2, and 3) and visualizes emission trends to support data-driven sustainability planning.
Continuous Monitoring: The university's energy management units continuously monitor and report on energy use. 85% of campus buildings have energy control and monitoring applications.
Annual Reporting: The university annually reports its energy consumption and carbon footprint data to assess performance in sustainable energy management.
Carbon Footprint: An annual carbon footprint calculation is performed. For 2024, the total carbon footprint was calculated as 1670 tons under Scope 1 + Scope 2 and 75 tons of CO₂e under Scope 3, according to the GHG Protocol.
Policy on Divesting Investments from Carbon-Intensive Energy Industries
Sakarya University has adopted a policy to gradually divest from carbon-intensive energy industries, such as coal and oil, in line with its environmental sustainability strategy and its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2053. The university’s investment approach prioritizes renewable and low-carbon energy sources, focusing on hydropower, solar, wind, and hydrogen technologies.
This divestment-oriented investment policy aligns with the Energy Efficiency 2030 Strategy, the Second National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (2024–2030), and Türkiye’s Net Zero Emission Vision for 2053, reflecting Sakarya University’s commitment to progressively reducing dependence on carbon-intensive energy sources. The policy is complemented by institutional research and innovation on clean technologies and legal frameworks.
Policy Development R&D
EV Infrastructure Law: Supported under the TÜBİTAK 1001 program, Asst. Prof. Dr. Emine Develi Ayverdi's project aims to create legal recommendations for national policy by examining the "Legal Basis of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations from a Competition Law Perspective."
Incentive Policies: The master's thesis of Kerem Aydın, a student at the Institute of Social Sciences, examined Türkiye's transition process to renewable energy and the impact of incentive policies on investments, offering recommendations for increasing investment and strengthening public awareness.
Low-Carbon Innovation: "BATTAI," an innovative battery startup by SAU student Mert Karakoç, reached the finals of ITU's "Enerjim Sensin" (You Are My Energy) entrepreneurship competition.
Energy Efficiency Plan to Reduce Overall Energy Consumption
Sakarya University has an institutional Energy Efficiency Plan designed to systematically reduce overall energy consumption across its campuses.
Energy Conservation
The university implements a plan with measurable targets, integrated with national policies, to ensure energy conservation.
The university implements its energy policy through tangible practices across the campus.
Lighting: 85% of lighting fixtures use energy-saving LED technology.
Appliances: 90% of durable consumer goods (A+, A++, A+++) consist of energy-efficient devices.
Water Efficiency: In the area of water efficiency, which is directly related to energy conservation, the usage rate of water-efficient devices (aerated faucets, etc.) across the campus reached an average of 91% by the end of 2024.
In addition to these efficiency practices, the University regularly conducts detailed energy reviews to identify and address areas of potential energy wastage.
Energy Review Process to Identify Areas of Energy Wastage
Sakarya University systematically conducts energy reviews to identify areas where energy wastage is highest. These reviews are carried out through the university’s digital platform, the SAUCO2 (Sustainable Carbon Tracking System), which records and analyzes building-level data on electricity, natural gas, and water consumption. Energy management units continuously monitor energy usage to identify areas with the highest energy wastage and conduct regular improvement efforts to reduce waste.
The “Graphs & Analytics” dashboard of the SAUCO2 platform visualizes the top energy-consuming buildings, allowing precise identification of areas with high energy wastage. Based on these insights, the university implements targeted efficiency actions, including roof and façade insulation, LED lighting upgrades, replacement of inefficient devices, and installation of sensor-based automation systems.
The energy review process also includes carbon-focused evaluations. Through the Carbon Footprint Analysis module of the SAUCO2 system, CO₂ emission trends are calculated for each building, supporting the prioritization of high-emission and energy-inefficient areas.
Raising Awareness: Sakarya University actively promotes awareness of energy efficiency and clean energy among students, staff, and the local community through various educational and outreach programs coordinated by the Social Contribution and Sustainability Coordinatorship (TOKAS). Key initiatives include the Energy Efficiency Week, where primary school students receive hands-on training on saving energy, and the TÜBİTAK 3005 “Future’s Return” Project, which introduces gifted middle school students to clean energy technologies through visits to hydroelectric, solar, and wind power plants. The university also provides Public Savings Training for administrative staff on energy efficiency and water conservation, and organizes technical visits for engineering students to facilities such as ADASU Hydroelectric Power Plant and SEDAŞ Electricity Distribution Center. Additionally, public lectures, seminars, and events like European Mobility Week and the Sustainable Future Meetings enhance community understanding of renewable energy and carbon reduction. Through these integrated activities, Sakarya University strengthens energy literacy, supports sustainable behavioral change, and advances the national transition toward clean energy.
Renewable Energy Sources: Using renewable energy sources to meet campus energy needs and establishing facilities that generate energy from these sources. The university provides equipment and financial resources for renewable energy studies to research centers and offers guidance and support for renewable energy R&D projects through the Scientific Research Projects Coordination. Sakarya University is committed to supporting 100% renewable energy.
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