Our University sets measurable targets to increase the use of more sustainable transport options, reduce private vehicle use, and lower transport-related carbon emissions, while regularly monitoring performance indicators related to these targets. This approach includes supporting non-motorised transport such as walking and cycling, promoting the use of campus shuttle and staff transport services, encouraging public and shared transportation, and developing electric vehicle infrastructure. Our University’s sustainable transport approach is implemented by the relevant administrative units, particularly the Department of Construction and Technical Works, and is monitored as part of the University’s sustainability performance.
Institutional Policy for Reducing Private Vehicle Use
Our University’s “Policy for Reducing the Number of Private Vehicles on Campus” establishes a clear institutional framework for limiting private vehicle traffic on campus and developing sustainable transport alternatives. Within the scope of this policy, campus shuttle services, cycling and pedestrian transport, municipal buses, staff services, car-sharing, and electric vehicles are defined as sustainable transport options.
The policy aims to reduce the University’s carbon footprint and improve air quality by decreasing the use of fossil-fuel-powered private vehicles. It also promotes environmentally friendly modes of transport such as electric vehicles, cycling, and walking. In addition, students and staff are encouraged to use shared transport options such as municipal buses, shuttle services, and car-sharing instead of private vehicles.
Evidence:
https://www.ktu.edu.tr/dosyalar/surdurulebilirlik_VGGFM.pdf
Measurement and Monitoring Mechanism
Our University monitors sustainable transport performance not only at the implementation level but also through measurable indicators. Within the framework of the policy, License Plate Recognition System (LPRS) data and field observations are used to assess the current transport situation on campus.
The indicators monitored include:
Measurable targets are defined based on the data collected, and the implementation of these measures is evaluated annually.
Measurable Transport Targets for 2030
Our University has established the following specific performance targets in the area of sustainable transport:
The verification sources for these indicators are also defined in the policy document. Daily vehicle entry numbers are monitored through LPRS records, shuttle usage and bicycle parking areas through the records of the Department of Construction and Technical Works, and awareness activities through event records and visual documentation.
In addition, within the broader scope of our University’s sustainability efforts, there is a target to complete at least 5 km of bicycle lanes and 10 bicycle stations on campus and in surrounding neighbourhoods by 2030.
Evidence:
https://www.ktu.edu.tr/dosyalar/surdurulebilirlik_VGGFM.pdf
Promoting Shuttle and Staff Transport Use
Our University encourages the active use of staff transport services in order to reduce individual vehicle use and supports collective transport solutions for mobility within and around the campus. The staff transport system is used regularly, with the aim of reducing private vehicle use, energy consumption, and traffic congestion on campus.
As a concrete example in 2025, at the beginning of the 2025–2026 Academic Year, free shuttle services were provided between Trabzon Bus Terminal and Trabzon Airport and the Central Kanuni Campus. This practice demonstrates the University’s institutional support for collective and shared transport.
Evidence:
https://surdurulebilirlik.ktu.edu.tr/yapiisleri/haber/ucretsiz-ring-seferleri
Promoting Cycling and Walking
Our University regards cycling as an important component of sustainable campus mobility. Within the framework of the policy, the development of bicycle lanes and bicycle parking areas, the improvement of pedestrian routes, and the facilitation of pedestrian access across the campus are planned and supported.
One example of this approach in 2025 was the Cycling Event held on 19 May 2025. The event was organised to encourage academic and administrative staff and students to use bicycles and to raise awareness of healthy and sustainable mobility.
Evidence:
https://www.ktu.edu.tr/bks2025/UfXWU17eOu
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
Our University is developing electric vehicle charging stations across the campus in order to support low-carbon transport. The University’s sustainable transport webpage states that this infrastructure makes environmentally friendly transport alternatives more accessible for both staff and visitors and contributes to reducing carbon emissions.
The Policy for Reducing the Number of Private Vehicles on Campus also identifies electric vehicle charging stations, together with bicycle lanes and pedestrian routes, as key components of sustainable transport infrastructure.
Evidence:
https://www.ktu.edu.tr/surdurulebilirlik/surdurulebilir-ulasimi-tesvik-etmek
Annual Reporting and Continuous Improvement
Our University’s sustainable transport targets are monitored and reported annually. According to the policy document, performance indicators are evaluated every year, and annual data are incorporated into sustainability reports and made publicly available within six months following the end of the relevant year. Transport-related data are also reported to international sustainability assessment systems such as UI GreenMetric.
Our University’s 2025 Sustainability Report further demonstrates that sustainability performance is monitored institutionally on an annual basis and reported publicly.
Evidence:
https://surdurulebilirlik.ktu.edu.tr/surdurulebilirlik/2025-surdurulebilirlik-raporu
