13.5.2 Planned Work

The main actions to be implemented in 2024 and beyond to achieve the targets are planned as follows:

Energy Management and Renewable Resources:
 

• Launching a pilot project for solar panel installation on campus rooftops

• Accelerating the transition to high-energy-efficiency appliances.

• Real-time tracking of energy consumption data through digital monitoring systems.

Carbon Reduction and Offset Projects:

• Implementing afforestation projects in collaboration with local municipalities and civil society organizations.

• Exploring carbon credit applications and participating in international offset mechanisms.

• Developing wastewater recycling and rainwater harvesting practices.

Sustainable Transportation Solutions:

• Installation of electric vehicle charging stations.

• Integration of car-sharing systems and public transportation.

• Pedestrian-friendly campus planning.

• Academic and Social Engagement:

• Providing sustainability-themed awards, competitions, and research funding for students and faculty.

• Representing the university on international climate action platforms.

• Increasing environmental awareness training for local communities.

Monitoring, Reporting and Transparency:

• Regular annual carbon footprint reporting and sharing SDG 13 performance indicators.

• Creating a digital sustainability dashboard that tracks progress on climate action targets.

• In addition to these efforts, IGU publishes annual Sustainability Reports, sharing its environmental, social, and governance performance with the public. All open-access reports are available on the IGU Sustainability Website.

This roadmap aims to position IGU among leading universities in combating climate change, accelerate the process toward carbon neutrality, and foster a sustainable lifestyle for students, employees, and all stakeholders.


13.8 Climate Action Targets within the Framework of the Strategic Plan (2024–2028)

As part of its 2024–2028 Strategic Plan, IGU has established strategic objectives focused on sustainability and climate action. These objectives aim to strengthen environmental sustainability, reduce carbon emissions, and increase institutional capacity to combat climate change across the university's academic, administrative, and community contribution activities.

13.8.1 Strategic Objectives

"Increasing social benefit by focusing on sustainability" has been determined as the primary objective within Strategic Plan SA3. In this context, the strategic sub-goals related to climate action are as follows:

• Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Use: Improving university-wide energy management systems, increasing the use of low-carbon energy sources, and investing in renewable energy.

• Carbon Footprint Reduction: Annually measuring and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from university operations and implementing carbon offset projects.

• Sustainable Transportation and Waste Management: Expanding environmentally friendly transportation options on campus, increasing recycling rates, and implementing zero-waste practices.

• Disaster and Climate Risk Management: Strengthening preparedness plans for disaster risks caused by climate change and increasing campus resilience.

• Public Awareness and Education: Increasing educational programs for students, staff, and the community on climate change, environmental protection, and sustainable living.

13.8.2 Planned Activities

The main activities planned under SDG 13 during the strategic plan period are as follows:

• Strengthening the energy monitoring infrastructure with digital systems and aiming to reduce energy consumption by 15% through efficiency projects.

• Installing solar panels on campus rooftops and increasing renewable energy capacity.

• Preparing annual carbon footprint reports on a regular basis and sharing them with the public.

• Implementing sustainable transportation solutions (bicycle paths, electric shuttle vehicles, car-sharing programs).

• Developing a waste management plan and increasing the recycling rate to 80%.

• Institutionalizing disaster risk management drills and strengthening collaboration with the Disaster and Emergency Club.

• Increasing the number of joint projects on climate action at the national and international levels, and producing new scientific outputs through research centers.

These strategic objectives will enable IGU to achieve more systematic and measurable progress in climate action in the coming years, realize a sustainable campus vision, and make a strong contribution to the goals of SDG 13.