Our University has established an institutional net-zero emissions target as part of its efforts to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions arising from campus operations. According to the “Commitment to Carbon Neutral University” document published on the University’s official sustainability platform, Karadeniz Technical University aims to achieve net-zero emissions from all of its activities by 2035.

The document states that our University recognises the global risks posed by climate change and assumes responsibility for contributing to a sustainable future. In this context, various strategies and action plans have been developed to reduce the campus carbon footprint, and the University has explicitly adopted the goal of achieving net-zero emissions across all activities by 2035.

To achieve the 2035 net-zero target, our University has defined strategic objectives in a number of areas, including energy use, transportation, waste management, water consumption, and the conservation of natural resources. In the field of energy, the University plans to implement energy-efficiency projects to reduce campus energy consumption and to develop projects aimed at meeting electricity demand through renewable energy sources.

In terms of sustainable transportation, the University aims to promote bicycle use and pedestrian-friendly campus practices, establish charging stations to support the use of electric and hybrid vehicles, and improve public transportation options in order to reduce reliance on private vehicles.

In the area of waste management, the University plans to expand recycling and reuse projects, implement zero-waste policies, and promote the composting of organic waste. With regard to water and natural resource conservation, the University aims to develop practices that reduce water consumption and to carry out projects for the protection of natural ecosystems and biodiversity.

Another important component of the University’s net-zero emissions commitment is the regular preparation of a carbon inventory. The official document states that the University is committed to calculating its carbon footprint annually, reporting progress, and transparently sharing the results. Progress toward sustainability targets is also intended to be assessed annually, with targets updated when necessary and the results communicated publicly.

This approach demonstrates that the University’s carbon-neutrality target is not merely a general statement of intent, but a time-bound net-zero commitment supported by measurement, annual monitoring, reporting, emissions-reduction actions, and institutional review mechanisms.

Evidence:
https://ktu.edu.tr/sustainability/commitment-to-carbon-neutral-university

In conclusion, our University aims to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions from all of its activities to zero by 2035. This target is supported by annual carbon footprint calculations, emissions monitoring and reporting, energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transportation, zero-waste practices, water management, and institutional actions for the conservation of natural resources.