The primary goal of Sakarya University’s energy policy is to increase energy efficiency through green campus initiatives and to contribute to a sustainable future. Within this scope, the university has adopted an energy policy encompassing the following elements:
Energy Conservation: Appointing building energy managers to monitor energy consumption regularly and ensure energy conservation.
Raising Awareness: Organizing educational programs to increase awareness of energy conservation among students, staff, and the community. Public seminars and educational programs are held to raise awareness about energy efficiency and the use of clean energy, and various events are conducted by student organizations.
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.
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.
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| Renovated rectorate building solar panels | Daylight Application |
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| Wind Turbine | Solar Energy Panels |
Sustainability in Procurement Processes: Ensuring sustainable procurement by choosing environmentally friendly materials and equipment and collaborating with local suppliers.
Collaboration: Collaborating with external stakeholders for sustainable energy projects and raising public awareness on energy efficiency.
Research and Development: Developing joint projects with the private sector and research institutions to promote knowledge exchange and support R&D studies in renewable energy. The university houses over thirty research centers and more than ten R&D laboratories in the fields of energy efficiency and clean energy. Among these centers, the Research and Development Application and Research Center (SARGEM) and the Sakarya Innovation Center (SAYMER) play a pioneering role in energy efficiency and renewable energy. Additionally, the Sakarya University Advanced Technologies Application Community (SAITEM) develops innovative energy projects and leads initiatives like the Sakarya Solar Car (SAGUAR), Sakarya Hydrogen Vehicle (SAHIMO), and Sakarya Solar Boat (SATEK). SAITEM realized Türkiye’s first solar-powered boat project, achieving various national and international successes. In 2023, SAITEM designed its eighth solar-powered vehicle, SAGUAR-RB (REBORN), which participated in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in Australia. That same year, the SPARK Electric Vehicle Team participated in the TÜBİTAK Efficiency Challenge held at the TÜBİTAK Gebze Campus.
SAGUAR RB(REBORN) Solar Car Project Team
Green Spaces: Supporting natural habitats and improving ecosystem services by creating green spaces.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Preparing annual energy consumption reports to ensure policy effectiveness. These reports also include improvement efforts to reduce energy waste and assess progress toward sustainability goals.
Energy Efficiency Practices
Sakarya University implements various practices to realize its energy policy. 90% of durable goods consist of energy-efficient devices, while 85% of lighting fixtures use energy-saving LED technology. New buildings constructed in line with smart building standards are equipped with energy management units and sensor devices. Efforts are made to improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings; energy-saving models are prioritized when devices malfunction or are replaced. Additionally, building energy consumption is monitored and reported through energy management systems. During annual maintenance, devices requiring replacement are upgraded with energy-saving models. Solar-powered lamps are used for street lighting.
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| Automatic doors and sensors | Automatic Fire Alarm Sensor | Security Camera System |
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| Lighting Sensor | Fire Alarm Control Center | LED lighting |
Identifying Energy Wastage
Energy management units continuously monitor energy usage to identify areas with the highest energy wastage and conduct regular improvement efforts to reduce waste.
Carbon Emission Reduction and Divestment Policy
Sakarya University is taking decisive steps to reduce carbon emissions. Investments are made in low-carbon and renewable energy sources, and in 2023, the university supported renewable energy production exceeding its own consumption through International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-REC), sourced from hydroelectric, wind, and solar power. These certificates accelerate the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy and contribute to carbon emissions reduction. The university has adopted a divestment policy to gradually phase out investments in carbon-intensive energy sources like coal and oil, aiming to become carbon-neutral by 2053. While natural gas is considered a temporary solution for heating, the university’s long-term goal is to establish an infrastructure based entirely on renewable energy, independent of all fossil fuels.
FREE4LIB Project
Sakarya University participates as a partner in the FREE4LIB project, supported within the scope of the European Union’s Horizon Europe program, with a budget of €9,283,175. This project aims to develop sustainable processes for recycling end-of-life lithium-ion batteries. TRL 5-6 technologies are developed within the project for recovering metal oxides and metals, targeting sustainable lithium-ion battery recovery methods in line with the EU's circular economy goals, with Dr. Hasan Algül representing the university.
University-Industry Collaboration Program Project
Supported by TÜBİTAK under the TEYDEB 1505 University-Industry Collaboration Program, the project titled "100% Hydrogen-Fueled Boiler Design and Prototype Production" is being conducted in partnership between Daikin Turkey’s R&D department and Sakarya University. Led by Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Pehlivan from Sakarya University’s Faculty of Engineering, this initiative aims to develop an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly hydrogen-fueled boiler, advancing sustainable heating technology.
CENTER SAU
Sakarya University is the sole authorized center designated by the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK) for the training and certification of energy sector personnel through its National Testbed Center for Critical Infrastructure (CENTER SAU). This center provides training and certification services to the private sector in the fields of energy efficiency and energy security.
Sakarya University National Testbed Center for Critical Infrastructures
Sakarya University stands as a pioneering institution in energy efficiency and sustainability with its energy policy and practices. Newly constructed buildings comply with energy efficiency standards, while measures are taken to enhance the energy efficiency of existing buildings. These efforts continue as part of the university’s commitment to leave a more sustainable world for future generations.
