Boğaziçi University's Carbon Neutrality Goal and Sustainability Initiatives

Boğaziçi University aims to achieve a 50% reduction in building emissions within the scope of Focus-1 and Focus-2 by 2030 and plans to achieve a net zero emission target for Focus-1, Focus-2 and Focus-3 emissions by 2050. In line with this goal, many initiatives have been launched to reduce the carbon footprint on university campuses and develop sustainable energy solutions.

Boğaziçi University has signed the **"University Campus Sustainability Declaration ’**, which includes 21 universities from countries such as China, India, USA, Japan and Korea, to reduce the carbon footprint of individuals on campuses. This declaration aims to make university campuses more sustainable, reduce energy costs and carbon footprint, use energy sources that minimise damage to the environment, and see campuses as a living laboratory. The paper also aims to support research and education on energy, environment and sustainability.

Boğaziçi University's Sarıtepe Campus has been carbon-neutral since 2015 and is home to Europe's first carbon-negative biorefinery thanks to the INDEPENDENT project, which became operational in 2021. This biorefinery is notable for its capacity to capture and use approximately 1200 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. By offering algae-based alternative products, it ensures sustainable production in the energy, food, health, environment, agriculture and livestock sectors and provides double-win sustainability by minimising fossil energy use.

Boğaziçi University aims to achieve a net zero emission target for all scopes by 2050, and aims to contribute to the global climate change struggle with exemplary projects in this field.

You can find more information about Boğaziçi University's carbon neutrality targets and sustainability initiatives from the links below:

• Europe's First Carbon Negative Biorefinery
• University Campus Sustainability Statement

Europe's first carbon-negative biorefinery

Started in 2021 at Boğaziçi University Sarıtepe Campus, which has been carbon-neutral since 2015, the INDEPENDENT project, which started its activities in 2021, is Europe's first carbon-negative biorefinery by providing an annual carbon dioxide capture and utilisation capacity of approximately 1200 tonnes.

With the introduction of algae-based alternative products in the energy, food, health, environment, agriculture and livestock sectors, double-win sustainability is achieved by saving all resources that consume fossil energy in production. Read More