Sakarya University Climate Action Plan
Climate Action Policy and Strategy
Sakarya University has adopted an institution-wide Climate Action Plan that defines the university’s official policy and strategic approach to mitigating the climate and environmental impacts of its operations. The plan applies to all academic and administrative units and provides a structured framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving resource efficiency and minimising environmental impacts across campus activities.
The Climate Action Plan is aligned with Türkiye’s national climate objectives and the Paris Agreement, and establishes a long-term institutional commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2053. The policy addresses operational climate mitigation through coordinated actions on energy, emissions, waste, water, mobility, biodiversity, education and research, supported by governance and monitoring mechanisms.
Key Policy Information
| Policy scope | Carbon neutrality, energy efficiency, renewable energy, greenhouse gas reduction, waste management, water management, sustainable mobility, biodiversity protection, sustainability education and research |
| Net-zero target | Carbon Neutral by 2053 |
| Monitoring system | SAUCO2 institutional carbon tracking and annual performance monitoring (Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3) |
| Methodology framework | Greenhouse gas accounting follows an approach aligned with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3) |
| Baseline year | 2015 (Scope 1 and Scope 2 baseline) |
| Next milestone | 2030: interim reduction milestone to be assessed and confirmed based on annual measurement results and baseline methodology |
| Reporting | Climate action progress is reviewed annually and published publicly through the university’s official web pages |
Strategic Areas for Operational Climate and Environmental Mitigation
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Sakarya University encourages all units to develop energy-efficient solutions and expand the use of renewable energy sources, including hydroelectric, solar and wind energy, supported by industry partnerships. Key measures include energy efficiency improvements, sustainable building standards, renewable energy integration and smart energy management practices.
Waste Management
In collaboration with the Zero Waste Coordination Office, the university prioritises waste prevention and reduction, particularly for paper, plastic cups and bottles. Strategies focus on increasing recycling and recovery rates, strengthening institutional capacity and raising awareness within the scope of zero waste practices and greenhouse gas emission reduction.
Water Efficiency
Water efficiency is addressed through campus-wide water-saving measures and cooperation with universities, industry and local governments. Actions include preventing and reducing wastewater generation, improving wastewater management infrastructure, rainwater management, and leak detection and repair systems.
Transportation
Sakarya University promotes sustainable mobility by encouraging the use of electric bicycles and pedestrian transportation, and by collaborating with local governments to improve transport infrastructure.
Buildings and Infrastructure
Environmentally responsible design principles are prioritised in new buildings, while existing buildings are upgraded to improve energy and water efficiency and reduce operational environmental impacts.
Ecosystems and Biodiversity
The Climate Action Plan supports sustainable campus landscaping and ecosystem protection through the use of native and drought-resistant plant species, green area planning and pollution prevention. Forests and green spaces contribute to greenhouse gas reduction and lower water consumption.
Education and Research
Educational programmes on sustainability and climate change are conducted to raise awareness and encourage behavioural change among students and staff. Research activities are supported to improve campus operations and contribute to climate and sustainability solutions.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Summary
Baseline (Scope 1 and Scope 2)
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Baseline year | 2015 |
| Total Scope 1 & 2 emissions for the baseline year (tCO₂e) | 12,330.73 |
Annual Emissions Inventory
| Reporting year | Total Scope 1 & 2 emissions (tCO₂e) | Scope 3 estimate (tCO₂e) |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1,670 | 75 |
| 2025 | 1,694 | 85 |
Greenhouse gas emissions are categorised as Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 based on defined organisational and operational boundaries. Annual measurement enables comparison over time, identification of priority emission sources and monitoring of progress towards institutional targets.
Governance, Monitoring and Review
The successful implementation of the Climate Action Plan requires coordinated efforts across all university units, including academic and administrative staff and students. Progress is monitored on an annual basis using defined indicators, and the plan is reviewed periodically to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with evolving best practices.
