7.2.3. Carbon Reduction and Emission Reduction Process
As part of its efforts to combat climate change, Istanbul Gelişim University (IGU) carries out comprehensive and systematic activities to reduce carbon emissions while fulfilling its environmental responsibilities. In this context, carbon emissions arising from the University’s energy consumption are regularly monitored, and carbon footprint calculations are conducted in accordance with internationally recognized standards. Based on the measurement and assessment results, emission reduction targets and improvement strategies are developed.
While technical infrastructure improvements are implemented to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions arising from electricity, natural gas, and fuel consumption, various practices are also carried out to increase the environmental awareness of academic and administrative staff and students. Through this approach, İGÜ integrates carbon management and emission reduction processes into its sustainability policies and implements them through a measurable, monitorable, and continuously improvable framework.
The 2024–2028 Strategic Plan sets out strategic objectives, strategic targets, and performance indicators in this area. The relevant objectives, targets, and indicators are as follows:
SA.3. Enhance multidimensional social benefit by placing sustainability at the center.
- SH.3.1. Increase the quality and quantity of social responsibility projects.
- SH.3.2. Enhance the effectiveness of the sustainable environmental management system.
- SH.3.3. Increase the level of cooperation with local and regional institutions and organizations.
- SH.3.4. Increase community service-oriented activities.
Relevant Indicators:
- Electricity consumption (kWh)
- Capacity of renewable energy sources (kWh)
- Investment in energy efficiency (USD)
- Total number of Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) divided by the total campus population
The use of automation systems and LED lighting contributes indirectly to İGÜ’s sustainability objectives by reducing energy consumption. Regular training and awareness-raising activities are organized for students and staff to increase awareness of carbon emissions and climate-related issues.
To reduce the University’s carbon footprint, various measures are implemented to improve efficiency and promote resource conservation in water use, electricity consumption, heating, and transportation. In addition, environmentally responsible procurement practices are adopted, with preference given to energy-efficient, low-carbon-emission air-conditioning systems, equipment, and other products. Regular maintenance of all equipment and systems is carried out at predetermined intervals to ensure operational efficiency, extend the useful life of equipment, and prevent unnecessary energy consumption and resource waste.
IGU monitors the fuel types and operational characteristics of its vehicle fleet with the aim of reducing the environmental impacts of institutional transportation activities and developing more sustainable transportation practices. As of 2025, the university's vehicle fleet consists of 29 vehicles, including 17 gasoline-powered, 11 diesel-powered, and 1 electric vehicle. The inclusion of an electric vehicle in the university's fleet represents one of the steps taken toward transitioning to lower-emission vehicles in institutional transportation. IGU undertakes efforts to consider sustainability criteria such as fuel efficiency, emission reduction, and the minimization of environmental impacts when renewing its vehicle fleet and planning the use of existing vehicles.
Projects aimed at rainwater reuse are being developed to foster water conservation and environmental awareness. One such initiative has already been implemented at the Tower and Block E campuses, with plans to expand it to other blocks as well. To further reduce these environmental impacts and ensure sustainability, the university plans to organize training programs to raise awareness regarding practices and factors that influence the carbon footprint.
According to the Impact Rankings 2026 results announced by Times Higher Education (THE), Istanbul Gelişim University (IGU) continued its progress in the field of sustainable development, adding another international achievement to its record. In the rankings prepared in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), IGU moved up from the 601–800 band in the previous year to the 401–600 band, demonstrating its continued improvement in sustainability performance. Among foundation universities in Türkiye, IGU was also placed among the top three universities.
In the Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7) category, IGU ranked second. This achievement demonstrates the University’s commitment to the sustainable use of natural resources and highlights its concrete contributions to carbon reduction processes at the national level.
In this context, the measures and activities implemented are listed below:
1. The number of fluorescent lamps used across the University’s campuses is being reduced progressively each year. These fluorescent lamps are being replaced with longer-lasting and more energy-efficient LED lighting systems. This transition is expected to improve overall energy efficiency by reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs while providing higher illumination levels with fewer lighting units. In line with this plan, 18,309 fluorescent lighting units were replaced with LED lighting in 2025 in areas where the replacement program was implemented. As of 2025, 18.309 of the university’s 19,825 lighting fixtures had been converted to LED lighting. The number of LED fixtures increased by 879 compared with 2024, and the LED rate rose from 90.08% to 92.35%. The transition to energy-efficient LED lighting will continue in 2026, with the aim of further improving energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption across the University’s campuses.
2. Regular maintenance and, where necessary, system renewal works are carried out on the mechanical automation systems at the University’s Tower Campus to improve energy efficiency. In this context, in 2025, the existing chiller (cooling unit) systems with high energy consumption were replaced with new-generation equipment offering lower carbon emissions and higher energy efficiency. This improvement is expected to contribute to reducing energy consumption across the campus and, consequently, lowering the University’s carbon footprint.
3. As part of its strategic energy policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, IGU has adopted the use of renewable energy sources in its energy procurement as an institutional priority. Since 2021, 100% of the electricity used across the University has been supplied from renewable sources generated by hydropower plants, while, as of 2025, the University's entire electricity consumption has been supplied through solar energy.
This transition has been formally certified through the Renewable Energy Resource Guarantee System (YEK-G) and internationally recognized International Renewable Energy Certificate (I-REC) certificates. IGU’s approach to incorporating renewable energy sources into its energy procurement process is also intended to minimize its environmental impacts.Through these practices, the University reduces carbon emissions associated with energy consumption while also contributing to the management of its indirect environmental impacts. IGU approaches this process not as a static practice but as a dynamic and continuously developing sustainability strategy. In this framework, the University aims to strengthen its emission reduction efforts through multidimensional interventions, including energy-efficiency investments, digital monitoring systems, green building practices, and the integration of low-carbon technologies.
4. At the Tower Campus, lighting systems have been upgraded and equipped with daylight sensors, enabling automatic control and ensuring that lights are switched off automatically after working hours. These measures aim to prevent unnecessary electricity consumption and improve energy efficiency.
5. Policies promoting the use of renewable energy sources, particularly wind and solar energy, have been strengthened.
6. Work on the 4 MW Solar Power Plant (SPP) project is ongoing. The site has been identified, and the relevant official procedures have been initiated. The plant is planned to become operational in 2026. IGU aims to meet its own electricity consumption through electricity generated by its own renewable energy facility.
7. The use of various electrical appliances, such as tea and coffee machines, in individual staff offices contributes to overall energy consumption. To reduce energy use, efforts are ongoing to establish shared kitchen areas across the campuses. In this context, 19 shared kitchens have been established at the Tower Campus.
8. Annual tree-planting and afforestation activities continue regularly with the aim of reducing the University's carbon footprint.
9. The procurement specifications prepared for the acquisition of new equipment to be used across the campuses continue to be followed, with energy efficiency and energy-saving performance remaining among the primary selection criteria.
10. The maintenance of power factor correction panels used to prevent energy losses affecting total energy consumption is carried out regularly.
Accordingly, IGU not only works to reduce its current carbon emissions but also continues to develop its long-term carbon management strategies and emission reduction plans for the coming years.
11. Throughout 2025, IGU effectively continued its used vegetable oil management activities in line with its environmental sustainability objectives.
12. In line with its environmental sustainability policies, IGU adopts a holistic approach to reducing carbon emissions that extends beyond energy consumption and incorporates waste management, recycling practices, and circular economy principles. Within this framework, hazardous and harmful waste generated primarily by gastronomy kitchens, laboratories, clinics, and technical units is managed in full compliance with environmental legislation. Such waste is properly controlled, segregated, temporarily stored under appropriate conditions, and disposed of through licensed waste management companies. All waste management processes are carried out in an integrated manner under the “Zero Waste” approach. The relevant procedures are documented through official records and receipts, and environmental impacts are monitored throughout the year.
13.The Eco-Friendly Landscaping for a Sustainable Campus initiative aims to conserve natural resources by reducing water consumption, lowering maintenance costs, and maintaining an aesthetically pleasing and vibrant campus landscape throughout the year. The use of drought-resistant plant species helps prevent unnecessary water consumption, particularly during the summer months, thereby supporting an environmentally friendly and sustainable campus environment.
Throughout 2025, waste generated across IGU was segregated by type, recorded, and incorporated into the relevant waste management processes. Waste generated across the university was monitored under different categories, including municipal, glass, plastic, paper, metal, organic, hazardous, and medical waste.
Within the scope of the processes implemented throughout 2025:
- According to the 2025 annual totals, the university generated 7.55 tonnes of municipal waste, 3.35 tonnes of glass waste, 11.78 tonnes of plastic waste, 13.75 tonnes of paper waste, 2.70 tonnes of metal waste, 2.81 tonnes of organic waste, and 2.68 tonnes of medical waste. In addition, a total of 0.17 tonnes (165 kg) of hazardous waste was recorded.
- Within the scope of hazardous waste management, waste oils generated in gastronomy kitchens, contaminated packaging, and hazardous chemical waste were collected separately from other waste streams. In 2025, 65 kg of waste oil was collected from the gastronomy kitchens. To prevent the uncontrolled discharge of waste oils into the sewage system or the environment, these wastes are separately accumulated at the source and managed within the relevant waste management process.
- In addition, 20 kg of contaminated packaging waste coded 15 01 10 was generated and collected separately before being incorporated into the relevant waste management process. The amount of hazardous chemical waste coded 18 01 06 was recorded as 80 kg. These chemical wastes were collected separately from other waste types and managed in accordance with the applicable legislation.
- Accordingly, the total amount of the aforementioned hazardous waste recorded during 2025 was 165 kg. The source separation of hazardous waste, its storage under appropriate conditions, and its management through authorized/licensed organizations constitute key elements of the university's practices aimed at reducing environmental risks and preventing the uncontrolled release of waste into the environment.
Figure 2. 2025 Annual Waste Generation by Type
Overall, the segregation and recording of waste by type, the separate collection of recyclable waste, and the separation of hazardous waste from other waste streams contributed to IGU's efforts to improve resource efficiency, promote the circular economy, protect the environment, and enhance the effectiveness of the Zero Waste Management System.
The targets set for 2026 include:
- Making the segregation of hazardous waste types more systematic;
- Improving the infrastructure of temporary hazardous waste storage areas;
- Increasing the awareness and competencies of responsible personnel;
- Establishing an integrated hazardous waste management mechanism within the Zero Waste Management System.
7.2.3.1. Carbon Footprint Measurement Process and Method
- The energy-related carbon footprint calculation of Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) for 2025 was based on electricity, natural gas, gasoline, and diesel consumption. The energy consumption-based approach used in previous reporting periods was maintained; however, in the 2025 report, emission sources were additionally presented under Scope 1 and Scope 2 in accordance with the institutional greenhouse gas reporting framework.
- The classification of emissions into Scope 1 and Scope 2 was based on the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard. Within this framework, direct fuel consumption from sources owned or controlled by the institution is classified under Scope 1, whereas indirect emissions associated with the generation of purchased electricity are classified under Scope 2. This classification does not constitute a separate calculation method that changes total emissions; rather, it provides a reporting framework that enables the sources of emissions to be presented more clearly.
- The energy consumption data for 2024 and 2025 are presented together below. Presenting the raw data side by side allows changes in energy consumption to be directly observed, independently of emission factors.
Table 3. Comparison of Energy Consumption Data for 2024 and 2025
Scope 1 Emissions from Direct Fuel Consumption: Natural gas, gasoline, and diesel consumption were classified under Scope 1. Emissions from fuel consumption were calculated based on the Tier 1 approach set out in the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, Volume 2: Energy, published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Under this approach, fuel consumption is treated as activity data and is related to the energy content and emission factors specific to each fuel type. The IPCC Guidelines provide separate default CO₂ emission factors for natural gas, gasoline, and gas/diesel oil.
Based on IGU’s 2025 consumption data and this approach, emissions were calculated as 411.21 tCO₂e
from natural gas, 47.18 tCO₂e from gasoline, and 25.53 tCO₂e from diesel. Accordingly, total Scope 1 emissions amounted to 483.93 tCO₂e.
Table 4. Scope 1 Emissions in 2025
Scope 2 Emissions from Purchased Electricity: Emissions associated with electricity consumption were calculated based on the “2023 Türkiye Electricity Generation and Electricity Consumption Point Emission Factors Information Form” published by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Department of Energy Efficiency and Environment. The Ministry states that electricity consumption point emission factors may be used to calculate Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions arising from the electricity consumption of institutions. Accordingly, the emission factor of 0.469 tCO₂e/MWh, published for consumption points connected to the distribution grid, was used.
IGU’s electricity consumption in 2025 was 4,829,516.19 kWh, equivalent to 4,829.516 MWh. Multiplying this consumption by the emission factor of 0.469 tCO₂e/MWh resulted in Scope 2 emissions of 2,265.04 tCO₂e from purchased electricity.
Calculation:
4,829,516.19 kWh / 1,000 = 4,829.516 MWh
4,829.516 MWh × 0.469 tCO₂e/MWh = 2,265.04 tCO₂e
Table 5. IGU energy-related carbon footprint for the year 2025.
The total energy-related carbon footprint calculated for IGU in 2025 within the scope of this study is 2,748.97 tCO2e. Purchased electricity accounts for 82.40% of the total, while natural gas, gasoline, and diesel consumption account for 17.60%. This distribution indicates that electricity consumption is the primary determinant of the university's energy-related carbon footprint. Raw consumption data also provides an important sign in the same direction: electricity consumption increased by 6.77% compared to 2024. Considering that approximately four-fifths of total emissions originate from electricity, the increase in electricity consumption plays a critical role in the trajectory of the total carbon footprint. Therefore, monitoring building electricity usage and implementing energy efficiency measures represent the focus areas with the greatest impact on total emissions.
Natural gas consumption decreased by 1.79%. Although the change is limited, this decline is noteworthy as natural gas constitutes the largest portion of Scope 1 emissions. A 61.65% reduction in diesel fuel consumption is another key factor driving down direct emissions. Conversely, gasoline consumption rose from 7,692 liters to 20,639 liters, representing an increase of approximately 168%. While the share of gasoline in the total carbon footprint remains low, tracking the underlying reasons for this sharp rise in subsequent periods will be beneficial.
The 6.77% increase in electricity consumption compared to 2024 is considered to stem from higher campus utilization intensity and expanded educational and administrative activities. The limited 1.79% decrease in natural gas consumption is evaluated to be related to seasonal fluctuations in heating demand. The significant 61.65% decline in diesel consumption is attributed to reduced usage of diesel-powered vehicles and equipment, whereas the approximately 168% increase in gasoline consumption is thought to result from higher reliance on gasoline-powered vehicles and associated transportation activities.
Due to methodological differences between the calculation approach used in the previous reporting period and the emission factors and reporting framework applied in 2025, direct year-over-year comparison of total emission values was not performed. Instead, changes in energy consumption were evaluated using physical consumption data from 2024 and 2025.
| Energy Source | 2024 | 2025 | Change |
| Electricity | 4,523,414.21 kWh | 4,829,516.19kWh | 6,77% |
| Natural Gas | 207,392.00 m3 | 203,671.00 m3 | -1,79% |
| Gasoline | 7,692.00 L | 20,639.00 L | 168,32% |
| Diesel | 25,112.00 L | 9,631.00 L | -61,65% |
Scope 1 Emissions from Direct Fuel Consumption: Natural gas, gasoline, and diesel consumption were classified under Scope 1. Emissions from fuel consumption were calculated based on the Tier 1 approach set out in the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, Volume 2: Energy, published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Under this approach, fuel consumption is treated as activity data and is related to the energy content and emission factors specific to each fuel type. The IPCC Guidelines provide separate default CO₂ emission factors for natural gas, gasoline, and gas/diesel oil.
Based on IGU’s 2025 consumption data and this approach, emissions were calculated as 411.21 tCO₂e
from natural gas, 47.18 tCO₂e from gasoline, and 25.53 tCO₂e from diesel. Accordingly, total Scope 1 emissions amounted to 483.93 tCO₂e.
Table 4. Scope 1 Emissions in 2025
| Source | 2025 Emissions (tCO2e) | Share of Total |
| Natural Gas | 411,21 | 14,96% |
| Gasoline | 47,18 | 1,72% |
| Diesel | 25,53 | 0,93% |
| Total Scope 1 | 483,93 | 17,60% |
Scope 2 Emissions from Purchased Electricity: Emissions associated with electricity consumption were calculated based on the “2023 Türkiye Electricity Generation and Electricity Consumption Point Emission Factors Information Form” published by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Department of Energy Efficiency and Environment. The Ministry states that electricity consumption point emission factors may be used to calculate Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions arising from the electricity consumption of institutions. Accordingly, the emission factor of 0.469 tCO₂e/MWh, published for consumption points connected to the distribution grid, was used.
IGU’s electricity consumption in 2025 was 4,829,516.19 kWh, equivalent to 4,829.516 MWh. Multiplying this consumption by the emission factor of 0.469 tCO₂e/MWh resulted in Scope 2 emissions of 2,265.04 tCO₂e from purchased electricity.
Calculation:
4,829,516.19 kWh / 1,000 = 4,829.516 MWh
4,829.516 MWh × 0.469 tCO₂e/MWh = 2,265.04 tCO₂e
Table 5. IGU energy-related carbon footprint for the year 2025.
| Emission Scope |
2025 Emissions (tCO2e) |
Share of Total |
| Scope 1 | 483.93 | 17,60% |
| Scope 2 | 2.265.04 | 82,40% |
|
Total Energy - Related Carbon Footprint |
2.748,97 | 100,00% |
7.2.3.1.Carbon Footprint Calculation Result
The total energy-related carbon footprint calculated for IGU in 2025 within the scope of this study is 2,748.97 tCO2e. Purchased electricity accounts for 82.40% of the total, while natural gas, gasoline, and diesel consumption account for 17.60%. This distribution indicates that electricity consumption is the primary determinant of the university's energy-related carbon footprint. Raw consumption data also provides an important sign in the same direction: electricity consumption increased by 6.77% compared to 2024. Considering that approximately four-fifths of total emissions originate from electricity, the increase in electricity consumption plays a critical role in the trajectory of the total carbon footprint. Therefore, monitoring building electricity usage and implementing energy efficiency measures represent the focus areas with the greatest impact on total emissions.
Natural gas consumption decreased by 1.79%. Although the change is limited, this decline is noteworthy as natural gas constitutes the largest portion of Scope 1 emissions. A 61.65% reduction in diesel fuel consumption is another key factor driving down direct emissions. Conversely, gasoline consumption rose from 7,692 liters to 20,639 liters, representing an increase of approximately 168%. While the share of gasoline in the total carbon footprint remains low, tracking the underlying reasons for this sharp rise in subsequent periods will be beneficial.
The 6.77% increase in electricity consumption compared to 2024 is considered to stem from higher campus utilization intensity and expanded educational and administrative activities. The limited 1.79% decrease in natural gas consumption is evaluated to be related to seasonal fluctuations in heating demand. The significant 61.65% decline in diesel consumption is attributed to reduced usage of diesel-powered vehicles and equipment, whereas the approximately 168% increase in gasoline consumption is thought to result from higher reliance on gasoline-powered vehicles and associated transportation activities.
Due to methodological differences between the calculation approach used in the previous reporting period and the emission factors and reporting framework applied in 2025, direct year-over-year comparison of total emission values was not performed. Instead, changes in energy consumption were evaluated using physical consumption data from 2024 and 2025.