Promotion of a Pledge Toward 100% Renewable Energy

Promotion of a Pledge Toward 100% Renewable Energy

Sakarya University actively promotes and implements its pledge toward 100% renewable energy through both operational practices and public engagement activities.

In 2024, the university achieved 109.99% renewable energy generation, producing 10,207,600 kWh of renewable electricity against 9,280,780.2 kWh of total consumption. This achievement was verified through International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-REC) sourced from hydropower (4,120 MWh), solar (3,140 MWh), and wind (2,740 MWh), confirming the university’s full reliance on renewable, low-carbon energy.

Sakarya University’s renewable energy pledge is integrated with its carbon-neutral campus vision and Türkiye’s 2053 Net Zero Emission Goal. To promote this commitment, the university organizes multiple awareness and engagement activities:

• Sustainable Future Meetings: Public lectures such as “Sustainable Energy and Climate Change” highlight renewable energy solutions and climate action.
• European Mobility Week: Activities under the theme “Save Energy for the Future” promote clean transportation and reduced carbon footprints.
• Zero Waste Program: Awareness campaigns and student competitions promote resource conservation and energy-conscious behavior.
• Participation in international events like the European Sustainable Energy Week 2024, Clean Energy Transition Partnership, and Tech4SmartCities encourages academic involvement in clean energy transitions.
• The university contributed academically to the Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality Sustainable Energy Action Plan, helping promote renewable energy awareness citywide.

Additionally, Sakarya University integrates this pledge into research and innovation:

• SAITEM develops renewable-energy-based student projects such as the SAGUAR solar car, SAHIMO hydrogen vehicle, and SATEK solar boat.
• The “100% Hydrogen-Fueled Boiler Design and Prototype Production” project, supported by TÜBİTAK TEYDEB 1505, advances national innovation in renewable heating systems.

These initiatives have positioned Sakarya University among the global leaders in clean energy, ranking 83rd worldwide and 3rd in Türkiye in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025 – SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) category, and earning top performance in UI GreenMetric 2024 and QS Sustainability 2025. Through these accomplishments, the university not only fulfills but actively promotes its 100% renewable energy commitment on local, national, and international platforms.

Renewable Energy Sources

Sakarya University is committed to supporting 100% renewable energy.

• Renewable Energy Supply Ratio: In 2024, the university's total annual electricity consumption was measured at 9,280,780.2 kWh. In contrast, the total amount of renewable energy supplied through on-site generation and I-REC certificates was 10,207,600 kWh. This proves that the university supplied 109.99% of the energy it consumed from renewable sources.
• International Certification (I-REC): In 2024, the university supported its renewable energy generation, which exceeded its total consumption, with International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-REC). These certificates were obtained from the following sources:

Hydroelectric: 4,120 MWh

Solar Energy: 3,140 MWh

Wind Energy: 2,740 MWh

• On-site Generation: Renewable energy is generated from solar panels installed on faculty roofs across the campus and from the wind turbine in the Energy Technologies Laboratory. New solar panels were added to the roof as part of the Rectorate building renovation.
• Infrastructure: Solar-powered LED lamps are used for on-campus roads and street lighting.

Raising Awareness

Raising awareness about energy efficiency and clean energy is among the university's primary responsibilities towards both its internal stakeholders and the community.

Local Community (Younger Generations and the Public):

• Energy Efficiency Week: Sakarya University Social Contribution and Sustainability Coordinatorship (TOKAS) provided training on energy savings to students at the Sakarya University Foundation Primary School.
• "Future's Return" Project: Within the scope of the TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye) 3005 program, 40 gifted students in the 7th and 8th grades were introduced to clean energy technologies on-site through technical trips to the ADASU Hydroelectric Power Plant (HES), Karaman Solar Power Plant (GES), and Pamukova Wind Power Plant (RES) in Sakarya.

Local Community (Staff):

• Public Savings Training: In-service training sessions titled "Energy Efficiency in Daily Life and Public Buildings," "Water Efficiency in Daily Life," and "Environment and Zero Waste" were provided to the university's administrative staff. Additionally, relevant training modules have been defined in the online system to allow all staff to watch courses on the same subjects.

Future Engineers (University Students):

SASKİ & ADASU HES Visit: Sakarya University Electrical and Electronics Engineering students conducted a technical trip to the ADASU HES, which is operated by SASKİ (Sakarya Water and Sewerage Administration) and is the first HES in Türkiye built by a local government. The students inspected the facility, which generates 45 million kWh of electricity annually.

SEDAŞ Technical Visit: Faculty of Engineering students organized a technical visit to SEDAŞ (Sakarya Electricity Distribution Inc.) facilities to examine the energy distribution infrastructure, grid operations, and technology investments on-site.

Academic Promotion and Awareness: The Dean of Research has encouraged academics to participate in clean energy projects by disseminating announcements for international events such as the European Sustainable Energy Week 2024, the Clean Energy Transition Partnership (CET Partnership), and Tech4SmartCities.

Global Recognition and Impact

Sakarya University has demonstrated its strong commitment to environmental responsibility and clean energy through its outstanding performance in national and international sustainability rankings. In the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, the university ranked 83rd globally and 3rd in Türkiye in the category of Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), reinforcing its leadership in energy efficiency, renewable energy production, and low-carbon initiatives. Additionally, Sakarya University achieved high standings in both the UI GreenMetric 2024 and QS Sustainability 2025 rankings, reflecting its excellence in energy management, green campus practices, zero-waste policies, electric mobility systems, and clean-energy-focused R&D projects. These achievements highlight the university’s proactive role in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and promoting global awareness of sustainable energy practices.

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