Sustainability & Climate Action Policy

Coordination Office of Corporate Planning and Data Management

SUSTAINABILITY & CLIMATE ACTION POLICY

1. Purpose and Scope

The policy aims to demonstrate the strategic approaches of Atılım University to sustainability, combating climate change, managing environmental impact, and reducing its carbon footprint, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the objectives of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change of the Republic of Türkiye.  It encompasses the academic units, administrative units, campus operations, student communities, and stakeholders of the University.

2. Basic Principles

The efforts undertaken by Atılım University towards sustainability are based on the following fundamental principles:

  1. Holistic Approach: Mainstreaming sustainability in education, research, and campus operations.
  2. Climate Responsibility: Prioritizing the reduction of carbon emissions at an institutional level.
  3. Participation & Transparency: Encouraging student, staff, and stakeholder participation; and regularly demonstrating sustainability performance.
  4. Adaptation and Preparedness: Developing adaptation strategies to address the risks of climate change.
  5. Continuous Improvement: Continuous improvement based on performance measurement, monitoring, and evaluation.

3. Strategic Objectives

3.1. Carbon Management and Reduction

  • Our objective is to reduce carbon emissions per capita by increasing energy efficiency.
  • In this regard, the University buildings are to support LED conversion, smart energy management systems, insulation improvements, and renewable energy investments.
  • Charging stations have been installed on campus to encourage electric vehicle use.

3.2. Energy Management

  • The goal is to meet electricity needs from renewable sources.
  • Solar energy investments are encouraged.
  • Energy consumption is to be monitored and reported monthly.

3.3. Waste Management and Cyclical Economy

  • Waste collection and separation infrastructure shall be strengthened for recycling purposes.
  • Single-use plastics have been gradually reduced on campus.
  • Digital transformation practices are to be expanded to reduce paper consumption at libraries, cafeterias, and offices.

3.4. Sustainable Campus and Biodiversity

  • Green areas on campus are to be preserved and increased.
  • Biodiversity is to be prioritized to support native species.
  • Water-efficient landscaping practices are underway.

3.5. Education and Research

  • Courses, modules, and certificate programs on sustainability and climate change are to be expanded.
  • Funding resources for researchers working in the fields of climate and sustainability shall be supported.
  • The establishment of a Sustainability Research Center shall be encouraged for sustainability research to be undertaken by the University.

3.6. Social Contribution and Stakeholder Participation

  • Climate action projects shall be implemented with student groups, and volunteer work shall be supported.
  • Collaborations are to be made with local governments, NGOs, and industry organizations on sustainability.
  • On-campus awareness programs, symposiums, seminars, and thematic sustainability weeks on climate action are to be organized.

3.7. Water Management and Climate Adaptation

  • Water consumption shall be reduced, and transitions to low-flow tap and reservoir systems shall be made.
  • Rainwater harvesting is to be mandatory in new buildings, while older buildings are to be retrofitted.
  • Efforts are underway to protect ecological basins by monitoring the ecosystems around the University.

4. Ethics and Responsibility

Atılım University adheres to the principles of scientific accuracy, transparency, social responsibility; and observes environmental justice and inclusiveness in its sustainability studies.