Sakarya University has formally committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2053, in alignment with Türkiye’s national Net Zero 2053 target and in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol standards. The University’s carbon management framework is implemented through its Sustainable University Policy, Energy Policy, and the digital monitoring platform SAUCO₂ (Sustainable Carbon Tracking System).
Türkiye’s National Climate Action Framework (2024–2030)
Turkey ratified the Paris Agreement on September 21, 2021, and announced its 2053 Net Zero Emission Target as part of the green development revolution on September 27, 2021. Following these developments, Turkey officially became a party to the Paris Agreement on November 11, 2021. Turkey has demonstrated its commitment to combating climate change both by setting a net zero emission target and by joining the Paris Agreement. 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.
Institutional Framework and Strategy
The University’s Carbon Neutrality Strategy was adopted as part of the Sustainable University Policy, emphasizing measurable emission reduction, renewable energy transition, and divestment from carbon-intensive investments. The strategy establishes a clear roadmap for achieving carbon neutrality through five major action areas:
Measurement and GHG Protocol Implementation
Annual carbon footprint calculations are performed through the SAUCO₂ Platform, which collects verified data on energy, water, and emissions from each faculty and administrative unit.
In 2024, the University’s total carbon footprint was measured at 1,670 t CO₂e (Scope 1 + 2) and 75 t CO₂e (Scope 3), in full compliance with the GHG Protocol’s categorization. The results are publicly shared in annual sustainability reports and used for internal performance reviews and national reporting.
Renewable Energy Integration and Offsetting
Sakarya University currently obtains 109.99 % of its annual electricity consumption from renewable sources through on-site solar generation and International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-REC) derived from hydro, solar, and wind energy. This renewable energy supply neutralizes the University’s Scope 2 emissions and represents a model of indirect carbon offset in higher education.
The Divestment Policy prohibits new investments in coal and oil projects, while prioritizing R&D and partnerships in clean-energy sectors. The University’s Energy Efficient Renovation and Construction Policy ensures that all new buildings and retrofits comply with the Energy Efficiency Law No. 5627, the Green Certification Regulation for Buildings and Settlements, and the Energy Efficiency Action Plan 2024–2030.
Low-Carbon Transportation and Off-Campus Actions
Sustainable mobility is a key component of the University’s path to carbon neutrality. Electric vehicle charging stations, electric scooters, and bicycle-sharing systems are provided on campus. During European Mobility Week, the campus is closed to motor vehicles to promote low-carbon commuting.
Moreover, waste reduction and circular-economy initiatives under the Zero Waste Project significantly reduce Scope 3 emissions related to procurement and disposal.
Education, Research, and Innovation for Carbon Neutrality
The University embeds carbon management education and research into its academic structure.
R&D projects in energy storage, hydrogen technology, and battery recycling such as the Horizon Europe FREE4LIB Project and TÜBİTAK-funded hydrogen boiler prototype directly contribute to reducing long-term emissions in Türkiye’s energy system. The University also fosters sustainability-focused entrepreneurship through the Technology Park, supporting start-ups that design renewable energy systems, carbon-tracking software, and low-emission materials.
Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
Progress toward carbon neutrality is monitored annually through the SAUCO₂ dashboard and reviewed by the Energy Management Committee. The system identifies high-consumption buildings, guides retrofit priorities, and tracks improvements in emission intensity (kg CO₂e/m²). Each year, the Committee prepares a Carbon Reduction Progress Report submitted to the Rectorate.
Target and Long-Term Vision
Sakarya University’s official target year for achieving net-zero emissions is 2053. This goal aligns with national commitments under the Paris Agreement, Türkiye’s Climate Law Draft, and the Green Deal Action Plan. The University’s integrated approach linking measurement, efficiency, renewable energy, and research positions it as a leading example of data-driven, accountable, and transparent progress toward a carbon-neutral future.
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