Sakarya University has developed a comprehensive institutional Climate Action Plan that aligns with national sustainability strategies and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13: Climate Action. The plan integrates measurable targets for emission reduction, renewable energy use, sustainable transport, water efficiency, waste management, and disaster preparedness. The plan is implemented and monitored under the coordination of the Social Contribution and Sustainability Coordinatorship (TOKAS), with the support of relevant university units and in close collaboration with local governments, industry partners, and community organizations across the Sakarya region.
Türkiye’s National Climate Action Framework (2024–2030)
The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change of the Republic of Türkiye published two key national policy documents the “Climate Change Mitigation Strategy and Action Plan (2024–2030)” and the “Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan (2024–2030)” establishing the country’s roadmap for a low-carbon and climate-resilient future. These plans include cross-sectoral strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in energy, industry, buildings, transport, agriculture, waste, and land use, while also promoting adaptation and resilience in water management, food systems, ecosystems, and urban planning.
Aligned with Türkiye’s Net Zero 2053 target, the framework introduces integrated policies for a just transition, carbon pricing and emissions trading systems, green finance, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms with clearly defined institutional responsibilities and performance indicators. This national strategy encourages universities and local governments to implement climate mitigation and adaptation projects. In this context, Sakarya University’s initiatives on renewable energy, energy efficiency, disaster risk management, and public awareness directly contribute to achieving Türkiye’s national climate goals.
The Climate Action Plan is a core component of the University’s Sustainable University Policy, adopted in line with Türkiye’s 2053 Net Zero Emission target and the national Climate Change Strategy (2023–2030). The plan is executed through the SAUCO2 Sustainable Carbon Tracking System, an ICT-based platform that enables faculty-level data collection and analysis for energy, water, and carbon indicators. Using this system, the University conducts annual carbon footprint analyses and develops emission reduction strategies based on scientific evidence.
In 2024, Sakarya University reaffirmed its institutional commitment to carbon neutrality by 2053, setting a measurable path towards zero Scope 2 emissions and continuous reduction of Scope 1 and Scope 3 emissions. The Climate Action Plan also includes awareness, adaptation, and resilience actions coordinated through the Disaster and Emergency Management Research Center (DIVAM), the Civil Defense Office, and the SAÜDAK Volunteer Search and Rescue Unit, ensuring the integration of climate adaptation into operational and educational activities.
Integration with Local and Regional Authorities
Sakarya University maintains formal partnerships with Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality, SASKİ (Sakarya Water and Sewerage Administration), SEDAŞ (Sakarya Electricity Distribution Inc.), and AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Authority) to implement its Climate Action Plan at regional scale. These collaborations include joint monitoring of environmental indicators, renewable energy generation projects, and regional awareness campaigns on energy efficiency and climate adaptation.
The University also contributed to the preparation of the Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality’s Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan, providing academic expertise for greenhouse gas inventory methodologies, renewable energy integration, and energy-efficient infrastructure design. Through this partnership, the University acts as a scientific advisor to local authorities on the alignment of municipal planning with Türkiye’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Sakarya University shares its carbon data and sustainability reports with public institutions and local communities through the website sustain.sakarya.edu.tr.
These platforms provide transparent access to university-level sustainability performance, including data on renewable energy use, carbon footprint trends, and climate resilience initiatives.
Community and Educational Integration
The Climate Action Plan extends beyond institutional operations to include education, awareness, and community engagement. The University organizes local education programmes on energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable living during events such as Energy Efficiency Week, Zero Waste Trainings, and European Mobility Week. These initiatives are co-hosted with local municipalities, schools, and civil organizations, ensuring that the university’s climate strategy directly benefits the community.
Through joint R&D projects with regional industries, such as the Hydrogen-Fueled Boiler Project (TÜBİTAK TEYDEB 1505) and the Floating Solar Energy System Project (FPV) (TÜBİTAK 3501), the University advances technological innovation for clean energy and shares outcomes with local stakeholders through public workshops and technical visits.
Governance, Monitoring, and Reporting
The implementation of the Climate Action Plan is coordinated by the Rectorate and relevant administrative units. Each academic and administrative department contributes to the process by providing data to the SAUCO₂ platform. The data collected through the platform are reviewed annually to assess progress toward greenhouse gas emission reduction and climate adaptation targets.
Key indicators include:
The annual results are publicly disclosed through the University’s Sustainability Reports and Activity Reports, which are shared with regional authorities and community partners.
Impact and Outcomes
Through the implementation of its Climate Action Plan and collaborative initiatives, Sakarya University contributes tangibly to regional sustainability governance and climate resilience. The integrated approach has strengthened cooperation between academia, government, and society, ensuring collective progress toward Türkiye’s low-carbon transition.
By combining data-driven monitoring, public transparency, and educational outreach, the University has created a replicable model of climate action governance for higher education institutions. Its proactive participation in local and national sustainability initiatives demonstrates the institution’s enduring commitment to environmental responsibility and community partnership.
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