Policy for Energy Efficient Renovation and New Construction
Sakarya University has an institutional framework ensuring that all renovations and new constructions comply with energy efficiency standards. This framework aligns with the Energy Performance Regulation in Buildings, the Energy Efficiency 2030 Strategy, the Second National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (2024–2030), and the Green Certification Regulation for Buildings and Settlements.
Under the “Sustainable Building Design” policy, new constructions are designed to optimize energy performance through natural lighting and ventilation, with 90% of existing campus buildings already benefiting from daylight use. New buildings are equipped with energy management units and sensor-based systems (for lighting, doors, faucets, and toilets).
Renovation and maintenance projects are conducted in accordance with Green Building Certification Criteria, ensuring that each project meets national sustainability and energy efficiency standards. The university has also implemented active building upgrade plans, including roof and façade insulation works in facilities such as the Faculty of Education (Hendek Campus), Congress Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medico Building, Library, and M7 Building.
Energy efficiency principles extend to investment and procurement policies, prioritizing eco-friendly materials and high-efficiency devices (A+, A++, A+++), while prohibiting the purchase of inefficient equipment.
All processes are monitored through SAUCO2 (Sustainable Carbon Tracking System), a digital platform that records and evaluates building-level energy consumption, carbon emissions, and areas of energy waste, enabling continuous improvement.
Finally, renewable and low-carbon energy systems including solar panels, wind turbines, and hydroelectric sources are prioritized and integrated into all new campus buildings. In 2024, Sakarya University’s total renewable energy generation reached 10,207,600 kWh, exceeding its total electricity consumption of 9,280,780.2 kWh. This achievement, certified through International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-REC) obtained from hydropower, solar, and wind sources, demonstrates that the university met 109.99% of its total energy demand from renewable, low-carbon sources. These initiatives strongly reinforce Sakarya University’s long-term commitment to carbon neutrality by 2053 and its strategic goal of full divestment from fossil fuels.
Sustainable Building Design
The university contributes to sustainable development by prioritizing energy efficiency in all renovation and construction projects.
Energy Efficiency Practices
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.
Monitoring and Evaluation
The university uses annual monitoring and reporting mechanisms as well as advanced Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) based systems to ensure the effectiveness of its energy policies and to evaluate progress towards sustainability goals.
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.
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