Sakarya University systematically measures, monitors, and evaluates the amount of low-carbon energy used across all its campuses through a comprehensive and integrated management system. This process is carried out in line with the university’s Sustainable University Policy, the National Energy Efficiency Law No. 5627, and Türkiye’s 2053 Net-Zero Emission Strategy. Measurement activities are centralized under the SAUCO2 Sustainable Carbon Tracking System, an ICT-based platform designed to collect, analyze, and report campus-level data on energy consumption and carbon emissions.
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.
Institutional Measurement Framework
The university’s energy monitoring and carbon accounting are coordinated by the Construction and Technical Affairs Department and the Sustainability Coordination Office (TOKAS). Data on electricity, natural gas, and water consumption are periodically collected from all academic and administrative units. These data are entered into the SAUCO2 system, where they are processed according to the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol methodology for Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions.
The SAUCO2 platform provides detailed dashboards displaying energy use per building, per faculty, and per capita. It visualizes trends in consumption, carbon emissions, and renewable energy utilization. By identifying “top energy-consuming buildings,” the system supports targeted interventions such as insulation upgrades, lighting replacements, and behavioral energy-saving campaigns.
In addition to digital measurement, all university facilities are equipped with certified smart meters that record periodic consumption values. This dual approach, combining physical metering with digital reporting, supports reliability and verifiability in institutional energy accounting.
Measurement of Low-Carbon Energy Sources
Sakarya University’s low-carbon energy measurement encompasses both on-site renewable generation and certified renewable energy procurement.
1. On-site renewable generation:
2. Certified Renewable Energy Supply (I-REC):
To supplement its on-site renewable energy generation, Sakarya University holds International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-REC) documenting electricity generated from renewable sources. For 2025, the certificates represent:
3. Low-carbon waste-to-energy contribution:
In 2025, Sakarya University sent 202 tonnes of food waste to the SEKAY Integrated Waste Management Facility, where it underwent anaerobic digestion to produce biogas for electricity and heat generation. This recovery process supports renewable energy production and reduces waste disposal. The waste-to-energy contribution is reported separately from the university’s electricity consumption and renewable electricity figures.
Measured Results and Renewable Ratio
According to the university’s 2025 energy records:
| Indicator | 2025 value |
| Total annual electricity consumption | 9,138,596 kWh |
| On-site solar electricity generation | 200,000 kWh |
| Reported wind electricity generation | 7,600 kWh |
| I-REC-certified renewable electricity | 11,000,000 kWh |
| Total renewable electricity contribution | 11,207,600 kWh |
| Renewable electricity-to-consumption ratio (%) | 122.64% |
Annual electricity consumption is calculated from electricity invoices covering all campus facilities. The documented renewable electricity contribution comprises on-site solar and wind generation and I-REC-certified electricity from hydroelectric, solar and wind sources.
For 2025, greenhouse gas emissions calculated according to the GHG Protocol were 1,694 tonnes CO₂e for Scope 1 and Scope 2 combined and 85 tonnes CO₂e for Scope 3. Electricity-related Scope 2 emissions were reported as zero, supported by I-REC-certified renewable electricity.
Monitoring, Verification, and Reporting
Measurement results undergo annual verification and are used for national and international sustainability reporting frameworks, including:
Energy and carbon data are cross-checked by energy managers assigned to each building, and an official directive issued by the Vice-Rector mandates compliance with the Public Buildings Savings Target and Implementation Guide (2024–2030), which sets a 30% energy savings goal by 2030.
Additionally, pre-assessment work for implementing ISO 50001 Energy Management System has begun, using the SAUCO₂ system as the digital foundation.
Integration with Research, Education, and Awareness
Sakarya University complements its institutional energy and carbon monitoring with research, education and public engagement activities that strengthen energy conservation, renewable energy awareness and climate literacy.
Together, these activities strengthen energy and climate literacy and support informed participation in the university’s energy-saving and emission-reduction efforts.
Institutional Commitment
Sakarya University’s systematic measurement of low-carbon energy is embedded in its broader Carbon-Neutral 2053 Roadmap. The university’s divestment policy eliminates investments in fossil-fuel-based energy while prioritizing renewable infrastructure. Measurement results from SAUCO2 guide decision-making, allowing the university to track progress toward full decarbonization.
In recognition of these efforts, Sakarya University ranked 10th worldwide and 3rd in Türkiye in SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy in the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026.
