Local Education and Awareness Programmes on Climate Change Risks, Impacts, Mitigation, Adaptation, Impact Reduction and Early Warning at Sakarya University
Sakarya University actively provides local education programmes, awareness campaigns, and community engagement initiatives addressing climate change risks, impacts, mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning. These initiatives ensure alignment with the University’s Sustainable University Policy, Climate Action Strategy, and 2053 Carbon Neutrality Roadmap, fostering a data-informed, inclusive, and climate-resilient learning environment that integrates education, research, and public outreach.
The University integrates its education, research, and civic engagement efforts to build climate literacy and community resilience across the Sakarya region. Educational and preparedness activities are carried out collaboratively with local schools, municipalities, public institutions, industry partners, and NGOs, ensuring inclusive participation and long-term societal impact.
Institutional Framework and Objectives
Sakarya University considers education the cornerstone of effective climate action. The institutional framework involves multiple units with complementary mandates that promote awareness, capacity building, and early warning preparedness. These include:
Together, these units ensure a continuous cycle of education, practice, and evaluation, strengthening both institutional and societal preparedness for climate-induced hazards.
Educational Programmes and Awareness Campaigns
Energy Efficiency Week and School-Based Education Each year, Sakarya University organizes outreach programmes during Energy Efficiency Week, where TOKAS staff and faculty deliver interactive workshops to schoolchildren on energy conservation, carbon reduction, and sustainable lifestyles. In 2024, more than 300 students and teachers at Sakarya University Foundation Primary School participated in these awareness activities.
“Future’s Return” Project (TÜBİTAK 3005) This national project introduced 40 gifted students to renewable energy technologies and climate action measures through site visits to ADASU HES, Karaman GES, and Pamukova RES. Participants learned about hydro, solar, and wind systems and how these mitigate greenhouse gas emissions while adapting to climate challenges.
Public Savings and Zero Waste Trainings Regular public trainings titled “Energy Efficiency in Daily Life and Public Buildings”, “Water Efficiency”, and “Environment and Zero Waste” are conducted for staff and community members. These trainings link personal behavior to global mitigation and adaptation strategies. Online modules ensure permanent access for continuous professional education.
European Mobility Week and Low-Carbon Transport The University participates annually in European Mobility Week, closing the campus to motor traffic and promoting cycling, electric scooters, and pedestrian commuting. These initiatives support the mitigation of transport-based emissions and raise public awareness of sustainable mobility and air quality improvement.
Climate Literacy and Academic Outreach Academics organize open seminars and panels on energy transition, climate risk modeling, and adaptation. The FOCUS’24 Climate and Sustainability Conference brought together experts, policymakers, and students to discuss early warning systems, sustainable infrastructure, and policy innovation. The Dean of Research Office also encouraged participation in international initiatives such as European Sustainable Energy Week 2024, Tech4SmartCities, and Clean Energy Transition Partnership, bridging academic knowledge with community education.
Women in Climate Justice Symposium
Sakarya University co-organized the “Women in Climate Justice Symposium” on 13 May 2024 in collaboration with the Turkish Women Academics Association (TÜRKKAB), the SAÜ Women’s Research Center (SAÜKAM), and Sakarya Applied Sciences University. The symposium addressed how climate change disproportionately affects women through issues such as water scarcity, food insecurity, health impacts, disasters, and migration. It aimed to highlight gender-based inequalities in resource access and decision-making, promoting gender-responsive climate policies and inclusive solutions. The event brought together scientists, NGOs, local governments, and the private sector to discuss women’s roles in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, disaster resilience, and climate governance enhancing awareness on climate justice and social sustainability.
Student-Led Sustainability and Innovation Student organizations such as SAITEM, SPARK Electric Vehicle Team, and Green Campus Club lead outreach projects on renewable energy and clean mobility. Through public exhibitions of solar and hydrogen vehicles, they promote youth-driven awareness on carbon-free technologies and sustainable innovation.
Sakarya University Sustainability Festival 2024
Within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals, Sakarya University organized a series of events under the theme “15 May – Sustainability Day” as part of its annual Spring Festival.
The festival, jointly conducted by university faculties, student communities, public institutions, and non-governmental organizations, created an important awareness platform on climate change adaptation, zero waste, circular economy, environmental awareness, and nature-based solutions.
Thematic Events and Workshops
Throughout the festival, various workshops, panels, and interactive sessions were held, including the following highlights:
Early Warning, Disaster Preparedness, and Adaptation Education
Sakarya University integrates disaster education and climate adaptation training across its curricula and campus activities.
The Civil Defense Office develops and updates the University’s Disaster Preparedness and Evacuation Plans and organizes annual earthquake and fire drills in collaboration with AFAD and the Fire Research Center. These drills simulate multi-hazard scenarios, including floods, fires, and earthquakes, to strengthen rapid response capacity.
The SAÜDAK Volunteer Search and Rescue Team provides training in emergency logistics, first aid, and risk awareness for both campus members and local residents. In addition, the team actively participates in national disaster response operations, providing on-site assistance in affected areas and supporting coordinated intervention efforts with official institutions.
The Fire Practice and Research Center conducts workshops on fire dynamics, smoke behavior, and evacuation strategies. It provides consultancy services to public institutions on energy efficiency and fire prevention in climate-sensitive environments.
Graduate and professional courses in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Departments include modules on flood management, urban resilience, and climate-adapted infrastructure design.
The SAUCO₂ Platform serves as an educational and monitoring tool, providing faculty-level data on energy, water, and carbon indicators, allowing users to assess risks and propose adaptation measures.
Disaster and Emergency Management Research Center (DIVAM)
The Disaster and Emergency Management Research Center (DIVAM) at Sakarya University conducts multidisciplinary research and education in disaster preparedness, response, mitigation, and recovery. The center develops projects addressing both natural and human-induced hazards such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, droughts, industrial accidents, and epidemics. It collaborates with national and international partners, including AFAD and local municipalities, to improve Türkiye’s disaster management system. DIVAM also organizes scientific meetings, seminars, and certification programmes, contributing to professional training and public awareness in disaster risk reduction.
Earthquake Research and Monitoring Infrastructure
The Sakarya University Earthquake Monitoring Station was established in collaboration with Boğaziçi University Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute. Located within the Faculty of Engineering, the station continuously records seismic activity in the Marmara region and contributes to Türkiye’s National Earthquake Monitoring Network. Operated jointly by the Departments of Geophysics and Geology, Earthquake Monitoring Station provides real-time seismic data that support academic research, public safety, and early warning systems, strengthening regional preparedness against earthquakes.
Advanced Seismic Mitigation Research (U-tube Seismic Damper Project)
In 2024, researchers at Sakarya University’s Research and Development Center (SARGEM) developed an innovative seismic mitigation device known as the “U-tube Tuned Liquid Damper”. Supported by TÜBİTAK and developed in cooperation with Istanbul Technical University and partner institutions, the system reduces earthquake vibrations in buildings by 35–65 percent. The liquid-based damping mechanism applies inertial resistance to counteract structural motion, minimizing damage and preventing collapse during severe earthquakes. The device is designed to be applicable to both new and existing buildings, representing a significant national contribution to climate resilience and urban safety.
Sakarya University integrates scientific research with public education through its earthquake awareness and monitoring projects. The newly established Earthquake Recording and Monitoring Center at the Faculty of Engineering provides continuous seismic data that are shared with national authorities and used for public awareness campaigns. Through press releases, seminars, and community briefings, the University contributes to early warning literacy and disaster preparedness in Sakarya Province, one of Türkiye’s most active seismic zones.
Health, Safety, and Psychosocial Resilience
The Occupational Health and Safety Coordination Office provides certified education for all staff, covering occupational safety, technical hazards, and emergency management. All faculties maintain approved Emergency Action Plans and Risk Assessment Reports, ensuring comprehensive readiness for natural or technological disasters.
The Mediko Social Center provides psychological counseling and post-disaster support, offering trauma and resilience sessions for students and staff. During and after national disasters such as the February 2023 earthquakes, the Center provided online and in-person counseling and developed psychosocial response protocols. These actions strengthen community mental resilience, an essential component of adaptation and recovery under THE Impact SDG 13.3.
Partnerships and Regional Collaboration
Sakarya University cooperates with SASKİ, SEDAŞ, AFAD, and the Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality for joint education on climate adaptation, water management, and disaster preparedness.
The CENTER SAU (National Critical Infrastructures Test Bed Center), designated by the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EMRA), provides certified training to energy professionals nationwide on grid resilience, energy efficiency, and cybersecurity all of which are critical for climate risk reduction and early warning capacity.
Through TÜBİTAK projects and EU Horizon Europe collaborations, the University expands climate-related research and public education, ensuring that innovations in hydrogen, energy storage, and circular economy are communicated to the community through seminars and media.
By combining sustainability education, disaster preparedness, occupational safety, and psychosocial resilience, Sakarya University has become a national model in climate change awareness and local capacity building. Thousands of students, staff, and citizens have participated in climate-related educational and practical activities since 2020. The University’s educational framework directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 13.3 by enhancing human and institutional capacity for mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
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