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13. Climate Action

13.1 Research on climate action 13.1.1 Climate Action: CiteScore 13.1.2 Climate Action: FWCI 13.1.3 Climate Action: publications 13.2 Low-carbon energy use 13.2.1 Low-carbon energy tracking 13.3 Environmental education measures 13.3.1 Local education programmes on climate 13.3.2 Climate Action Plan, shared 13.3.3 Co-operative planning for climate change disasters 13.3.4 Inform and support government 13.3.5 Environmental education collaborate with NGO 13.4 Commitment to carbon neutral university 13.4.2 Carbon Neutral Roadmap and Studies 13.5 Roadmap and Beyond 13.5.1 Targets 13.5.2 Planned Work
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13. Climate Action

13.5 Roadmap and Beyond

IGU has developed a strategic roadmap to further strenghen its climate action efforts, drawing on data collected, projects implemented, and analyses conducted through 2024. This roadmap includes long-term plans aimed at achieving carbon neutrality, spreading a culture of sustainability across all stakeholders, and increasing national and international collaborations.

According to the results of the “UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2024” Istanbul Gelisim University has achieved significant success in its efforts towards environmental sustainability. First included in the rankings in 2022, our university achieved a 435-point increase in 2024, achieving a total score of 6070, ranking 677th globally, 70th in Turkey, and 15th among foundation universities. This result demonstrates the effective implementation of IGU's holistic policies in areas such as environmental responsibility, campus sustainability, waste management, and energy efficiency. With this success, our university directly contributes to SDG 13 and achieves a strong international standing in sustainable campus practices.




13.6 Environmental and Sustainability Policies

IGU has placed sustainable development goals at the heart of its institutional strategies and developed official policies that support environmentally friendly practices. These policies aim to ensure the university implements environmentally responsible operational processes, reduces carbon emissions, and ensures the efficient use of natural resources. These environmental policies, which were implemented and updated in 2024, form the fundamental framework for all activities under SDG 13.

13.6.1 Environmental Policy

IGU considers environmental protection a fundamental institutional responsibility. In this context, the following policies have been adopted:
 

  1. Preventing environmental pollution on campus,
  2. Effective and efficient use of energy and water resources,
  3. Focusing on environmentally friendly technologies,
  4. Protecting natural habitats and increasing green spaces.

13.6.2 Carbon Emission and Nature Protection Policy

One of the most critical goals in combating climate change is reducing carbon emissions. This policy aims to:
 

  1. Reduce fossil fuel use,
  2. Implement energy efficiency projects to reduce emissions from electricity consumption,
  3. Encourage renewable energy investments, and
  4. Support carbon offsetting and afforestation projects.

13.6.3 Renovation and Sustainable Resource Use Policy

In the maintenance, repair, and renovation of campus buildings, the following are implemented:
 

  1. Environmentally friendly building materials are preferred,
  2. Energy-efficient systems are integrated, and
  3. Waste recycling and reuse are ensured.

13.6.4 Water Management Policy

To ensure the sustainability of water resources:
 

  1. Technologies that reduce water consumption (automatic sensor faucets, low-flow systems) are implemented.
  2. Wastewater recycling and reuse projects are developed.
  3. Rainwater harvesting practices are expanded.

Table 5 – Application Areas of Environmental Policies

Policy Name Scope Evidence Link
Environment Policy Preventing environmental pollution, efficient use of energy and water resources, protecting natural habitats Official Document
Additional Policies Reducing fossil fuel use, renewable energy investments, carbon offset projects Official Document
Additional Policies Using environmentally friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, recycling practices Official Document
Water Management Policy Water-saving technologies, wastewater recycling, rainwater harvesting practices Official Document



13.7 Sustainability-Focused Research Centers

IGU has established various application and research centers to increase scientific knowledge production for sustainable development goals and develop solution-oriented approaches to environmental problems. These centers support interdisciplinary collaborations and carry out projects on climate change, environmental management, sustainable urbanism, and public awareness. Through 2024, the activities of these centers have directly contributed to the SDG 13 targets.
 

13.7.1 Sustainable Environment and Society Application and Research Center

This center offers projects and consulting services aimed at preventing environmental degradation.
 

  1. Scientific research has been conducted on environmental pollution, waste management, and renewable energy.
  2. Various training and seminars have been organized for students and academics, and public awareness initiatives have been supported.
  3. Academic contributions to environmental protection policies have been made through collaborations with public institutions and local governments.

13.7.2 Environment, Urbanization and Earth Sciences Application and Research Center

The Center conducts research on sustainable urban planning and environmental management.
 

  1. Projects have been developed to reduce carbon emissions in urban areas.
  2. The impacts of climate change on urbanization have been researched, and reports on sustainable transportation solutions have been prepared.
  3. Research outcomes have been shared at national and international conferences.

13.7.3 Social Responsibility Application and Research Center

This center, which develops social responsibility projects on climate change and environmental sustainability, has:
 

  1. Increased the participation of university students in public environmental awareness initiatives.
  2. Social initiatives focused on climate action have been supported through projects carried out in partnership with local civil society organizations.
  3. Young people have been provided opportunities to volunteer in environmental protection.

Thanks to these research centers, IGU has established a strong position in academic activities focused on the environment and climate, and has implemented projects that contribute to climate action at national and international levels through interdisciplinary collaborations.

Table 6 – Research Centers and 2024 Activities

Research Center Name Purpose/Field of Activity Evidence Link
Sustainable Environment and Society Application and Research Center Environmental pollution, waste management, renewable energy research and consulting [Regulation PDF Link]
Environment, Urbanization, and Earth Sciences Application and Research Center Sustainable urban planning, carbon emission reduction projects, transportation reports [Regulation PDF Link]
Social Responsibility Application and Research Center Climate awareness campaigns, social initiatives, NGO collaborations [Regulation PDF Link]