Institutional Climate Action Plan and Collaboration with Local Government and Community Stakeholders
Sakarya University has adopted an institution-wide Climate Action Plan covering greenhouse gas emission reduction, energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable mobility, water efficiency, waste management, biodiversity, education and research. The plan applies to all academic and administrative units and establishes the university’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2053, supported by annual monitoring and public reporting.
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 Türkiye’s Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies and Action Plans (2024–2030). 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.
Legal Framework for Local Climate Planning
Article 7 of Türkiye’s Climate Law No. 7552 provides for provincial climate coordination and local climate action plans prepared with relevant institutions. It also establishes information-sharing arrangements for plan preparation and monitoring, providing a legal framework for cooperation between public authorities and institutional stakeholders.
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 makes its institutional Climate Action Plan publicly accessible through its official sustainability website. Local governments, community groups and other stakeholders can access the university’s climate objectives, strategic action areas and monitoring framework. The published plan also presents annual greenhouse gas emissions data, supporting transparency regarding institutional climate performance.
Community and Educational Integration
The Climate Action Plan extends beyond institutional operations to include education, awareness and community engagement. Alongside established activities such as Energy Efficiency Week, Zero Waste Trainings and European Mobility Week, Sakarya University delivered additional climate-related education programmes in 2025.
The SUSTAIN_EU Summer School brought together 30 teachers working in Sakarya and 50 university students. Its teaching programme covered climate awareness, disaster literacy and the mental health impacts of climate change. European Researchers’ Night brought together 28 secondary and high schools for experimental activities addressing climate change, disaster adaptation and resilient cities.
Cooperation with Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality also supported community engagement through “Green Mind Meetings: Together for Zero Waste”, involving environmental engineers, neighbourhood headpersons and school administrators in discussions on waste prevention and responsible consumption. Meanwhile, Sustainable Future Meetings addressed greenhouse gas emissions, water scarcity and nature-based solutions.
Research projects complement these educational activities. The university’s work on hydrogen-fuelled heating technologies and floating photovoltaic systems for irrigation ponds supports research into clean energy and resource efficiency.
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.
Monitoring indicators and 2025 results 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.
