Boğaziçi University's Policy to Reduce Carbon Intensive Energy Use

Boğaziçi University Energy Management Directive

Boğaziçi University has a policy of attracting investments from carbon-intensive energy industries, particularly coal and oil. This policy reflects the university's commitment to sustainability goals and its determination to transition to cleaner energy. While implementing the policy of withdrawal from carbon-intensive energy industries, the University also aims to minimise its environmental impact by investing in renewable energy sources. The heating systems used in the existing campuses use natural gas. It also purchases some of its electricity from green and environmentally friendly energy producers.

Sustainability Strategy and Reporting

Boğaziçi University's policy to reduce carbon-intensive energy use and transition to sustainable energy is guided by the university's Strategic Plan and Sustainability Report. These plans set out the university's long-term environmental goals and emphasise the need to increase investments in renewable energy sources.

You can find more information about these policies and detailed information on Boğaziçi University's sustainability strategies in the links below:

• Boğaziçi University Sustainability and Green Campus Information
• Strategic Plan and Sustainability Report
• Boğaziçi University Energy Management Directive

With these policies, Boğaziçi University aims to move away from carbon-intensive energy industries and build a sustainable future. Investments in renewable energy sources are part of the university's efforts to fulfil its environmental responsibility and increase the use of clean energy.

2024 Sustainability Report SDG-7 (Related Section)

Exit Policy from Carbon Intensive Investments

In line with its policy aiming to move away from carbon-intensive energy sectors, especially coal and oil, Boğaziçi University takes various steps to support the transition to sustainable energy sources. The practices carried out in this context and planned for the future within the framework of the Net Zero Carbon Emission Target Action Plan are presented below.

Renewable Energy Supply: Especially in buildings with an annual consumption of more than 1,000,000 kWh, it has been prioritised to obtain electricity from renewable energy certified suppliers. With the Green Energy Agreement, approximately 12 million kWh of energy will be supplied from Green Certified sources throughout 2024.

Renewable Energy Investments: While solar energy investments such as rooftop PV applications are prioritised, an additional wind power plant with a capacity of 5 MW is planned to be installed at Sarıtepe Campus. This investment aims to meet 50% of the university's total electricity consumption.

Revision of Building Heating Systems: It is aimed to reduce the dependence on carbon-intensive heating sources by renewing the existing heating systems and switching to integrated systems such as PV - Air Source Heat Pump.

On-Campus Transport with Electric Vehicles: Providing on-campus transport with electric vehicles will reduce the use of fossil fuels.

Recycled and Digital Publications: While it is preferred to provide printed publications from Recycling Certified suppliers, it is planned to purchase e-books, e-journals and digital article databases more than printed sources.

Ethical and Sustainable Food Policies: Offering vegan or vegetarian meal options on certain days of the week, as well as preferring high- protein whole foods such as lentils, chickpeas and beans instead of over-processed meat substitutes, encourages sustainable eating habits by avoiding carbon-intensive food products.

Energy Performance Contract (EPS): This is a contract that guarantees the energy savings to be achieved as a result of the implementation projects and is based on the payment of the expenditures made with the savings that will occur as a result of the implementation. The methods used within the scope of EPS are as follows:

Guaranteed Savings: A certain energy saving target is determined within the scope of the contract and the contractor guarantees the achievement of this target. When savings are achieved, the contractor is paid.

Performance Based Contracts: The contractor commits to a certain level of performance and undertakes the investments required to achieve this performance. Payment is made when performance targets are achieved.

Flexible Financing Models: Various financing sources such as private financing, loans and grants can be used for energy saving.”

These implementation steps demonstrate Boğaziçi University's determination to move away from carbon-intensive investments and transition to clean energy and contribute to the goal of minimising environmental impacts.

Sustainable Procurement Policy:

https://mediastore.cc.bogazici.edu.tr/web/userfiles/files/sustainable_supply_and_procurement_policy_0.pdf

Boğaziçi University Action Plan to Reduce Energy Consumption 2023:

https://mediastore.cc.bogazici.edu.tr/web/userfiles/files/enerji_plani.pdf

Net Zero Emission Target Action Plan:

https://mediastore.cc.bogazici.edu.tr/web/userfiles/files/carbon_neutral_university_commitment%20(1).pdf

Green Energy Agreement:

https://yapiisleri.bogazici.edu.tr/yesil-enerji-anlasmasi