Extension of Waste Prevention and Use-Minimisation Policies to Outsourced Services
Sakarya University extends its waste management, plastic-use minimisation and disposable-item reduction policies to outsourced services and the supply chain. Environmental obligations concerning waste reduction, recycling and compliance with applicable regulations are incorporated into procurement and service contracts, connecting external service delivery with the University’s institutional Zero Waste Management System.
In catering, cleaning and other contracted campus services, purchasing procedures and service agreements promote reusable products and the reduction of single-use materials. Durable dining materials, personal mugs and thermoses, concentrated cleaning products and reduced packaging requirements support the implementation of these principles. Suppliers and service providers are expected to follow the University’s waste separation and collection arrangements in their campus activities.
These requirements are supported by the Sakarya University Zero Waste Directive and the University’s policies on ethical and sustainable procurement, plastic-use minimisation and disposable-item reduction. Together, these policies establish a consistent institutional framework for responsible purchasing, waste prevention and resource-efficient service delivery.
Supplier-Oriented Minimisation Policies
The University extends its sustainability, ethical sourcing, waste minimisation and single-use reduction policies to external suppliers and contractors providing equipment, stationery, construction materials and building services. Procurement practices promote environmentally responsible products, energy efficiency, reduced packaging and resource-efficient service delivery, embedding sustainability principles throughout the procurement and supply chain. This approach supports Türkiye’s Zero Waste Regulation, circular economy objectives, and Energy Efficiency 2030 Strategy and Second National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (2024–2030). It also supports green public procurement principles, consistent with Action A-S.6.3 of Türkiye’s Climate Change Mitigation Strategy and Action Plan (2024-2030), which addresses the integration of circular economy requirements into procurement specifications.
The University’s Procurement and Contracting Procedures are based on principles of environmental responsibility, ethical sourcing, and life-cycle management. Under these procedures, all suppliers and contractors whether providing durable goods, construction materials, or office supplies are required to comply with the Zero Waste regulation.
Procurement specifications incorporate detailed sustainability criteria, including:
Within the scope of the Sustainable Building Design Policy, environmental considerations and sustainable practices are encouraged in all construction and infrastructure projects. For new buildings and large-scale renovations, the principles of the Energy Performance Regulation in Buildings, the Green Certification Regulation for Buildings and Settlements, and the University’s Sustainable Building Guidelines are taken into account. Whenever possible, projects prioritise the use of eco-certified materials, low-emission paints and coatings, recycled steel and glass, and locally sourced building materials to reduce the carbon footprint associated with procurement. Contractors are also encouraged to establish on-site waste separation and recycling systems, in accordance with the environmental standards defined in the Waste Management Regulation.
For office equipment and stationery procurement, the University prioritises environmentally responsible suppliers that adopt sustainable production practices, use minimal packaging, and ensure safe and fair working conditions. Supply contracts contain clauses that require the reduction of single-use packaging, the use of bulk delivery systems, and where applicable, the take-back or recycling of used materials.
Procurement data including supplier information, product categories, and material life-cycle documentation are managed through the University’s Integrated Procurement Information System, which operates in compliance with the Public Procurement Law and sustainability reporting standards. The Department of Administrative and Financial Affairs conducts periodic audits of supplier environmental performance in coordination with the Zero Waste Coordinatorship.
Sakarya University also supports supplier capacity-building through sustainability training programs and technical guidance sessions. These programs emphasise compliance with the Zero Waste Regulation, the MOTAT digital tracking system, and ISO 14001 Environmental Management Principles. Preparatory work has commenced to obtain ISO 14001 certification, aiming to institutionalise environmental performance monitoring and sustainable procurement across all university units.
By integrating environmental and ethical criteria at every stage of procurement and contracting, Sakarya University ensures that sustainability extends beyond campus operations into its wider supply chain.
Ethical Sourcing
Sakarya University has developed a comprehensive ethical sourcing policy to ensure that the food and other products it procures are obtained responsibly and sustainably. This policy aims to promote ethical behavior in resource usage, considering environmental and social sustainability principles. Ethical sourcing not only covers the procurement process but also ensures the safety and fair treatment of employees involved in the supply chain. The university prioritizes local and organic producers in its procurement of food and other materials, thereby enhancing environmental sustainability and supporting the local economy. It ensures that the products procured are produced using environmentally friendly methods and adhere to ethical standards. The university encourages its suppliers to adopt organic and sustainable agricultural practices. Suppliers are also required to respect human rights in their business processes and ensure the safety of their employees.
Employee safety and fair treatment are fundamental aspects of this policy. Suppliers are expected to pay fair wages and provide safe working conditions for their employees. Sakarya University regularly audits the practices of its suppliers and takes necessary precautions to protect employee rights, aiming for social sustainability and safeguarding the rights of workers. Considering the environmental and social impacts of the sourcing process is also of great importance. In this context, the university organizes various training and awareness programs to increase environmental awareness, including waste management and recycling practices. It ensures that the packaging of procured products is recyclable and sets up the necessary systems for proper waste separation. Additionally, the use of eco-friendly products is encouraged, aiming to reduce plastic waste.
