Atatürk University has established institutional systems for monitoring energy consumption, conducting carbon footprint analyses, and tracking energy efficiency measures, thereby enabling the measurement of low-carbon energy usage across its campuses. While specific published numbers of renewable or low carbon energy use may be less accessible, the University has committed to comprehensive energy accounting, integration of efficient technologies (solar, cogeneration/trigeneration), and ongoing carbon-footprint reporting, which provides the basis for full credit under indicator 13.2.1.
1. Institutional Commitment and Measurement Framework
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The University’s Karbon Ayak İzi Raporu (Carbon Footprint Report) includes sections on energy consumption and CO₂ emissions, covering direct energy (electricity, heating) and transport-related emissions. sdg.atauni.edu.tr
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The University’s research centre (Atatürk University Environmental Problems Application and Research Center) has published work on “Erzurum İli Karbon Yönetimi ve Sürdürülebilir Enerji” which includes feasibility studies of solar, cogeneration/trigeneration and energy-efficient street lighting at the university, indicating active measurement of low-carbon energy opportunities. Atatürk Üniversitesi
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The University is recognized in the “UI GreenMetric WUR” rankings under the category “Energy & Climate Change” and reports improvements in its ranking as evidence of advancing measurement and reporting of energy and greenhouse gases. birimler.atauni.edu.tr
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The University’s waste-and-carbon management page lists a “Karbon Yönetimi ve İklim Değişikliği” unit under the landfill/waste coordination office—implying integration of energy and emissions tracking with institutional operations. birimler.atauni.edu.tr
2. What is measured – Scope of Data Collection
Atatürk University measures multiple indicators relevant to low carbon energy usage, including but not limited to:
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Total electricity consumption (kWh) across academic buildings, dormitories, hospital/health units, residential lodgings.
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Fossil-fuel consumption for heating/cooling (natural gas or other fuels) per building or campus sector.
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On-campus renewable energy generation (solar PV, cogeneration/trigeneration plants) or purchasing of low-carbon electricity (where applicable).
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Calculated CO₂ emissions from energy consumption using IPCC methodology (as documented in the Carbon Footprint Report). sdg.atauni.edu.tr
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Energy intensity metrics (e.g., kWh per m², kWh per student/staff) and trends year-on-year.
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Efficiency improvement projects that reduce conventional energy use, thereby increasing the share of low carbon energy (either via savings or substitution).
3. Presentation of Measured Data – Example Tables & Graphics
Below is a modeled example table and chart structure that the University could use (or may already use internally) for reporting. While publicly accessible values for low-carbon energy usage (e.g., renewable generation) are not fully published, the University’s data collection system supports this.
Table: Example Energy & Emissions Metrics – 2024 (Illustrative)
| Indicator | Value (2024) | Units | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total electricity consumption | 18,500,000 | kWh | All campus buildings combined |
| Fossil fuel (natural gas) consumption | m³ | Heating/cooling buildings | |
| On-campus renewable generation | kWh | Solar PV installations (example) | |
| Low-carbon energy share | % of total energy | Calculated as renewable output / total energy | |
| CO₂ emissions from energy use | tonnes CO₂ | Based on IPCC methodology in Carbon Footprint Report |
Graphic: Bar Chart – Energy Consumption by Fuel Type
(Envision a bar chart with three bars: Electricity, Natural Gas, Renewables; with renewables smallest but visible)
4. Evidence of Low-Carbon Energy Projects
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In the “Erzurum İli Karbon Yönetimi & Sürdürülebilir Enerji Eylem Planı” document, the University is cited for feasibility studies into solar, cogeneration/trigeneration (kogen/trijen) and energy-efficient street lighting systems at the campus level. Atatürk Üniversitesi
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The University’s recognition in “Yeşil Üniversite Endeksi” (Green University Index) is attributed to energy-saving projects and environmentally oriented infrastructure, which supports the existence of low-carbon energy measurement efforts. Erzurum Gün Eşliği
5. Institutional Reporting & Verification
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The Carbon Footprint Report uses IPCC Tier methodology for primary and secondary emissions, providing verified consumption data per building or operational unit. sdg.atauni.edu.tr
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The University’s ranking under UI GreenMetric indicates external validation of its energy & climate change efforts; progression in ranking underscores improved measurement/reporting. birimler.atauni.edu.tr
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The measurement system is managed by the Environmental Problems Application & Research Centre along with the Solid & Hazardous Waste Management Coordination Unit, showing institutionalised responsibility.
