Climate Action Plan
Boğaziçi University Climate Action Plan (2025-2030)
National and Global Leadership Role
Boğaziçi University assumes a pioneering role in sustainable development, not only within its campus boundaries but also in the national and international arenas.
UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Turkey Representative
Since 2013, our University has been the national focal point for SDSN in Turkey, leading the localization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by developing projects in priority areas such as sustainable cities, climate change, and green campuses.
Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals
Carbon Footprint: Overview and In-Depth Analysis
Our emissions reduction strategy is based on a detailed analysis of the current situation and clear targets for the future.
Total Carbon Footprint by Year (tCO₂e)
Distribution of Emission Sources (2024)
Total Emissions by Campus (2017-2024)
Campus Energy Intensity (per m², 2024)
Data-Driven Reduction Policies and Consumption Targets
Our strategies are based on the transparent monitoring of consumption data, setting concrete reduction targets, and implementing institutional policies to achieve these goals.
Energy Consumption and Reduction Policies
Within the framework of the ISO 50001 Energy Management System standard, we continuously monitor energy consumption across the campus and prepare action plans to increase efficiency. The graph shows trends in electricity and natural gas consumption since 2017. The significant drop in natural gas consumption proves the success of improvements made to heating systems.
Waste Reduction and Recycling: An Expanded Analysis
Through the Waste Management Directive and the Zero Waste Project, we address the management of recyclable and hazardous waste with a holistic approach. Our goal is to integrate circular economy principles into every aspect of campus life.
Recyclable Waste (2023-2024)
Recycling rates for paper, plastic, and scrap waste vary depending on digitalization and infrastructure efforts. The increase in plastic recycling is a result of awareness campaigns.
Hazardous Waste Management Trend (2022-2024)
The amounts of hazardous waste (chemical and medical), which change in parallel with the intensity of research activities, are meticulously managed with safe disposal procedures.
Strategic Actions and Concrete Goals
Our Climate Action Plan is built on six fundamental pillars. Each pillar is supported by measurable targets and concrete projects.
Energy Transformation: Efficiency and Renewable Resources
The EEPBP and SREEPB projects, financed by the World Bank, are revolutionizing our university's building stock. These projects not only increase energy efficiency but also strengthen the resilience of our buildings against earthquakes and other disasters.
Water Management and Efficiency
Our monthly water consumption data show peaks, especially during the intensive academic period and in the summer months when landscape irrigation increases. This data is critical for timing our water-saving measures.
Waste Management and Circularity
We process a significant portion of our organic waste in our on-campus composting facility, turning it into a valuable soil conditioner. All waste vegetable oil is sent for recovery to produce biodiesel.
Sustainable Transportation
Thanks to the route optimization and capacity increase of our staff shuttles, occupancy rates are constantly rising. This reduces single-occupancy vehicle use, thereby lowering transport-related emissions.
The Power of Education and Research
Our university is raising the next generation of leaders and producing innovative solutions by integrating the fight against climate change into its curriculum and research agenda.
Climate and Sustainability Courses by Department
In the 2023-2024 academic year, a total of 65 climate and sustainability-focused courses were offered in many departments, especially at the Institute of Environmental Sciences and the Faculty of Engineering. These courses provide students with an interdisciplinary perspective.
Pioneering Research Centers
Our centers, such as İklimBU, EPAM, KOERI, and IMBIYOTAB, are conducting groundbreaking research in a wide range of fields, from climate modeling and energy policies to disaster management and biotechnology.
Public Awareness
We are raising awareness by disseminating scientific knowledge to all segments of society through the BU+ Platform, İklimBU open educational resources, and organized summits.
Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Management
Our campuses offer important ecological corridors and green refuges within Istanbul's urban fabric. Protecting and enriching this natural heritage is a fundamental part of increasing our climate resilience.
The conservation of our green spaces is carried out across a wide spectrum, from the maintenance of centuries-old monumental trees to the collaboration with the TEMA Foundation for the protection of endemic species, from ecological landscape practices to biotechnical control of pests. These efforts regulate the microclimate of our campuses, reducing the urban heat island effect and increasing our capacity for adaptation to climate change.
Roadmap to 2030: Action Timeline
2025-2026: Foundation and Acceleration
- Completion of building reinforcement and energy efficiency works under the EEPBP and SREEPB projects.
- Obtaining the Zero Waste Certificate for all campuses.
- Initiation of the feasibility and investment process for the new 5 MW wind turbine.
2027-2028: Dissemination and Integration
- Commissioning of the new wind turbine and increasing energy production.
- Beginning the conversion of the on-campus vehicle fleet to electric vehicles.
- Detailed measurement of Scope 3 emissions (supply chain, business travel) and creation of a reduction plan.
2029-2030: Leadership and Sustainability
- Achieving a 50% reduction in building-related Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.
- Achieving a 30% saving in water consumption across all campuses.
- Increasing the number of courses on climate and sustainability and promoting climate literacy.
