Atatürk University | SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy | Indicator 7.2.3
Atatürk University adopts a comprehensive approach to carbon management, greenhouse gas monitoring and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emission reduction, integrating institutional sustainability planning, carbon footprint assessment, energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste management and digital performance monitoring.
The University’s carbon management framework is supported by its 2024–2028 Strategic Plan, published carbon footprint assessment, environmental management activities and sustainability reporting infrastructure.
During 2025, the University continued to address carbon-related environmental performance through its institutional sustainability activities, research initiatives and resource management practices. Its carbon management framework identifies quantitative reduction objectives, including a 35% long-term reduction in total emissions, a 25% reduction in Scope 2 emissions and an estimated 120 tCO₂e annual reduction associated with waste management measures. These figures represent targets or estimates requiring confirmation through the University’s approved plans and emissions calculations.
The University also identifies digital energy monitoring and the integration of campus energy meters into centralised reporting systems as important components of effective carbon management.
1. Institutional Governance, Responsibilities and Strategic Framework
1.1. Institutional Coordination
Carbon management at Atatürk University involves several administrative, technical and academic units whose responsibilities contribute to sustainability planning, operational efficiency and environmental reporting.
Strategy Development Department
The Department supports institutional strategic planning, performance monitoring, resource management and reporting. Its responsibilities provide an administrative foundation for incorporating environmental and energy-related performance indicators into institutional management.
Big Data Management Office
The Office coordinates institutional sustainability data, supports the monitoring of Sustainable Development Goal indicators and contributes to reporting for international university sustainability assessments.
Its data management activities support the collection, organisation and analysis of information relevant to institutional environmental performance.
Construction and Technical Affairs Department
The Department is responsible for the technical infrastructure and physical facilities of the University. Building maintenance, energy-related infrastructure and technical improvement activities are relevant to reducing energy consumption and associated emissions.
Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Coordination Unit
The Coordination Unit supports waste separation, recycling, hazardous waste management and Zero Waste practices, contributing to more environmentally responsible resource management.
Academic and Research Units
The University’s academic departments and research centres contribute expertise in renewable energy, energy-efficient technologies, environmental engineering, sustainable production and carbon footprint analysis.
Together, these institutional functions provide a foundation for integrating carbon-related considerations into university operations.
1.2. Alignment with the 2024–2028 Strategic Plan
Atatürk University’s 2024–2028 Strategic Plan provides an institutional framework for sustainable development, resource management and performance improvement.
The University’s carbon management activities are aligned with broader objectives involving:
- Efficient use of energy and institutional resources.
- Improvement of physical infrastructure.
- Environmental sustainability.
- Renewable energy development.
- Monitoring and evaluation of institutional performance.
- Contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The strategic planning framework supports the integration of carbon management considerations into institutional decision-making and future infrastructure improvements.
Evidence: Atatürk University Strategic Plan 2024–2028
2. Carbon Footprint Inventory and Greenhouse Gas Assessment
2.1. Central Campus Carbon Footprint Report
Atatürk University has established a documented basis for greenhouse gas assessment through its 2020 Central Campus Carbon Footprint Report.
The report examines carbon emissions associated with university activities and provides a methodological foundation for identifying and calculating relevant greenhouse gas sources.
The assessment addresses emissions associated with energy consumption, fuel use and selected indirect activities.
The University’s carbon management framework distinguishes between the following emission categories:
Scope 1 – Direct Emissions
Emissions associated with sources directly controlled by the University, including fuel combustion in facilities and university-operated vehicles.
Scope 2 – Indirect Emissions from Purchased Energy
Emissions associated with purchased electricity consumed in university buildings, laboratories, administrative facilities and other infrastructure.
Scope 3 – Other Indirect Emissions
Other relevant emissions associated with university activities, including selected waste management, transportation and travel-related sources.
The published carbon footprint assessment provides a reference for understanding the University’s emissions profile and identifying opportunities for reduction.
Because the 2020 reporting period was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in campus occupancy and operational activity must be considered when comparing its results with subsequent years.
Evidence: Atatürk University Central Campus Carbon Footprint Report
2.2. Emission Inventory Development and Monitoring
The University’s carbon management framework identifies the following operational information as relevant to greenhouse gas assessment:
- Electricity consumption by university facilities.
- Natural gas and other heating fuel consumption.
- Fuel consumption associated with university vehicles.
- Waste generation and waste management activities.
- Business travel and transportation-related activities.
- Renewable electricity generation.
- Energy consumption associated with existing buildings.
These data categories support the calculation of emissions, identification of major emission sources and assessment of potential carbon reduction measures.
The 2020 carbon footprint assessment provides a documented methodological foundation. A separate 2025 inventory is necessary to confirm updated emission totals and year-on-year changes.
3. Carbon Reduction Targets and Institutional Commitments
Atatürk University’s carbon management framework identifies quantitative objectives intended to support measurable progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
3.1. Long-Term Total Carbon Emission Reduction
Target: 35% reduction in total carbon emissions by 2030.
This objective provides a proposed long-term direction for reducing emissions associated with university operations.
Achieving this reduction would require coordinated improvements in energy efficiency, renewable energy use, transportation, waste management and institutional resource consumption.
Progress should be assessed using a consistent emissions inventory, clearly defined baseline and comparable calculation methods.
3.2. Scope 2 Emission Reduction
Target: 25% reduction in Scope 2 emissions.
The Scope 2 reduction objective focuses on indirect emissions associated with purchased electricity.
Relevant mitigation measures include:
- Energy-efficient lighting.
- Optimisation of building electricity consumption.
- Renewable electricity generation.
- Improved equipment efficiency.
- Digital energy monitoring.
- Reduction of unnecessary electricity demand.
This objective provides a measurable focus for electricity-related carbon management.
3.3. Waste-Related Carbon Savings
Estimated reduction: 120 tCO₂e annually through waste management and Zero Waste activities.
Waste prevention, recycling and improved waste treatment can contribute to reducing indirect greenhouse gas emissions.
The estimated annual saving provides a potential performance indicator for assessing the environmental benefits of waste management.
Verification requires documented waste quantities, treatment methods, appropriate emission factors and a clearly defined comparison scenario.
3.4. Energy Consumption and Efficiency Objectives
The University’s carbon reduction approach also incorporates energy efficiency improvements as an important operational priority.
Relevant performance objectives include reducing electricity consumption per unit of building area, improving heating efficiency and increasing the use of renewable energy.
An electricity intensity reduction objective of 20% per square metre and an energy efficiency investment return objective of at least 5% annually were identified in the previous institutional evidence narrative. Their formal adoption, baseline periods and monitoring arrangements should be confirmed through the relevant approved documents.
4. Digital Carbon Management and Energy Monitoring Infrastructure
4.1. Centralised Digital Energy Monitoring
Atatürk University’s carbon management framework identifies the integration of energy consumption data into a centralised digital monitoring infrastructure as a key component of systematic environmental management.
The intended approach connects energy data from university buildings and technical facilities with institutional reporting and analysis processes.
Digital monitoring is designed to support:
- Centralised collection of electricity consumption data.
- Monitoring of natural gas and heating energy consumption.
- Building-level energy performance analysis.
- Monthly and annual consumption comparisons.
- Identification of unusual consumption patterns.
- Evaluation of energy efficiency measures.
- Preparation of data for carbon footprint calculations.
4.2. Integration of Digital Energy Meters
The integration of all university energy meters into a centralised digital system is an institutional monitoring objective.
Full integration would allow energy consumption data from university facilities to be collected and evaluated more consistently.
The intended digital infrastructure would support:
- Automatic acquisition of energy consumption measurements.
- Building-level electricity and heating consumption records.
- Centralised dashboards displaying energy trends.
- Comparison of actual consumption against historical performance.
- Identification of abnormal or excessive energy use.
- Support for technical maintenance and efficiency decisions.
- Preparation of energy-related emissions reports.
The operational status and coverage of this infrastructure should be documented through technical system records. The existence of the objective does not establish that every meter was digitally connected during 2025.
4.3. Role of the Big Data Management Office
The Big Data Management Office contributes to institutional sustainability reporting by coordinating relevant performance data and supporting data-driven evaluation.
Within the carbon management framework, such capabilities can support the consolidation of energy and emissions information, identification of trends and preparation of sustainability indicators.
Digitalisation strengthens the potential for more transparent, systematic and evidence-based carbon management.
5. Renewable Energy as a Carbon Reduction Strategy
5.1. Solar Photovoltaic Energy Project
Atatürk University has supported renewable energy development through the project entitled “Güneş Yeni Umutlarla Artık Daha Bir Başka Doğacak”, developed in cooperation with the Northeast Anatolia Development Agency (KUDAKA).
The project concerns a proposed solar photovoltaic installation associated with the University’s Livestock Research and Application Centre.
The project documentation identifies:
- Planned installed capacity: 50 kW.
- Estimated annual electricity generation: Approximately 80,000 kWh.
- Purpose: Renewable electricity production and reduced dependence on conventional energy sources.
The project represents an example of the University’s engagement with renewable energy technologies and their potential contribution to reducing electricity-related emissions.
Its operational status, actual electricity generation and verified carbon savings should be established through commissioning and production records.
Evidence: Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry – Solar Energy Project
5.2. Solar-Powered Lighting Systems
The project “Increasing the Use of Green Energy (Solar Energy) for a Greener Future”, associated with Oltu Vocational School, addresses the use of solar energy in lighting infrastructure.
Solar-powered lighting demonstrates how renewable energy technologies can be applied to university facilities and shared spaces.
Such applications contribute to the broader institutional approach to reducing reliance on conventional electricity sources.
Evidence: Social Responsibility Projects Centre – Solar Energy Project
5.3. Renewable Energy Development Opportunities
The University’s carbon management framework identifies further opportunities to assess renewable energy applications, including:
- Rooftop photovoltaic installations.
- Renewable energy integration into existing facilities.
- Solar-powered outdoor lighting.
- Evaluation of energy storage technologies.
- Assessment of renewable electricity generation against building demand.
These represent potential development pathways rather than confirmation of completed installations across the campus.
6. Energy Efficiency and Building-Related Emission Reduction
6.1. LED Lighting and Efficient Electricity Use
Atatürk University has undertaken technical research examining the feasibility of energy-efficient lighting.
The study “Feasibility Study of Atatürk University for LED Illumination” evaluated the potential benefits of LED technology.
Relevant energy-saving approaches include:
- Replacing conventional lighting with LED fixtures.
- Installing occupancy and motion sensors.
- Using daylight-sensitive lighting controls.
- Optimising lighting schedules.
- Reducing unnecessary electricity consumption.
These measures can lower electricity demand and contribute to Scope 2 emission reduction.
Evidence: Feasibility Study of Atatürk University for LED Illumination
6.2. Thermal Insulation and Heating Efficiency
Heating demand is particularly important in Erzurum because of its cold climatic conditions.
Potential energy efficiency improvements for existing university buildings include:
- External wall and roof insulation.
- Improved window thermal performance.
- Reduction of heat losses.
- Heating system maintenance and optimisation.
- Automatic temperature controls.
- More efficient boilers, pumps and distribution systems.
The Erzurum Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan provides regional context for evaluating the potential benefits of insulation and heating controls.
The previously cited 51.7% energy-saving figure relates to a regional example and should not be presented as a measured reduction achieved across Atatürk University’s buildings.
6.3. Building Management and Automation
Building automation technologies provide opportunities to improve energy performance through more precise operational control.
Relevant technologies include:
- Building Management Systems (BMS).
- Heating and ventilation automation.
- Variable-speed drives.
- Occupancy-sensitive controls.
- Energy monitoring and metering.
- Automated identification of inefficient operating conditions.
These technologies are relevant to the University’s proposed digital energy management approach.
Their implementation status should be assessed through building-specific technical documentation.
7. Sustainable Transportation and Mobility
Transportation contributes to greenhouse gas emissions through university vehicle operations, commuting and business travel.
The University’s carbon management approach recognises opportunities to reduce transportation-related emissions through:
- More efficient university vehicle use.
- Digital meetings and remote collaboration where appropriate.
- Encouragement of walking and cycling.
- Improved transport planning.
- Reduced unnecessary vehicle journeys.
- Assessment of lower-emission transport alternatives.
These measures can support reductions in direct and indirect transport-related emissions.
A previously stated 15% reduction in short-distance vehicle dependence should be treated as an unverified estimate unless supported by traffic counts, mobility surveys or transport monitoring records.
8. Zero Waste Management and Carbon Reduction
8.1. Institutional Zero Waste Framework
Atatürk University maintains a Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Coordination Unit, supporting systematic waste management and environmentally responsible resource use.
The University’s waste management framework encompasses:
- Separation of recyclable materials.
- Collection and management of waste.
- Hazardous waste management.
- Electronic waste collection.
- Recycling practices.
- Environmental awareness and responsible consumption.
The University’s Zero Waste activities support the reduction of environmental impacts associated with waste generation and disposal.
Evidence: Atatürk University – Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Coordination Unit
8.2. Estimated Annual Carbon Savings
The University’s previous carbon management narrative identified an estimated 120 tCO₂e annual reduction associated with waste management and Zero Waste activities.
This estimate can serve as a proposed indicator for evaluating the climate benefits of waste management.
To verify the reduction, the University should document:
- Annual quantities of waste generated.
- Amounts recycled or recovered.
- Waste treatment and disposal methods.
- Emission factors used in calculations.
- Comparison with a defined baseline or alternative disposal scenario.
Such verification would allow the University to report waste-related emission savings more reliably.
8.3. Resource Efficiency and Emissions Prevention
Waste reduction and recycling can also contribute to avoiding emissions associated with the production, transportation and disposal of materials.
By promoting resource efficiency, the University’s waste management activities complement energy-related carbon reduction measures.
9. Monitoring, Verification and Reporting
9.1. Carbon Management Performance Indicators
A comprehensive carbon management process requires measurable indicators.
The University’s framework identifies the following indicators as relevant to monitoring progress:
| Performance Indicator | Target or Monitoring Focus |
|---|---|
| Total greenhouse gas emissions | 35% long-term reduction objective |
| Scope 2 emissions | 25% reduction objective |
| Waste-related emissions | Estimated annual saving of 120 tCO₂e |
| Electricity consumption | Annual and building-level monitoring |
| Electricity consumption per square metre | Energy efficiency performance |
| Natural gas and heating consumption | Monitoring of building energy demand |
| Renewable electricity generation | Actual generation and contribution to electricity demand |
| Digital meter integration | Coverage of campus energy meters |
| Recycling and waste recovery | Quantities collected and processed |
The quantitative reduction figures are carried forward from the University’s previous evidence narrative and require confirmation through approved institutional records.
9.2. Performance Evaluation
The intended carbon management cycle involves:
Measurement: Collecting energy, fuel and relevant environmental data.
Calculation: Estimating greenhouse gas emissions using appropriate methodologies and emission factors.
Analysis: Identifying major emission sources and evaluating changes in performance.
Planning: Establishing priorities for reducing energy consumption and emissions.
Implementation: Applying feasible energy efficiency, renewable energy and waste management measures.
Verification: Comparing results against baselines and assessing actual emission reductions.
Reporting: Communicating relevant performance information through institutional reporting channels.
This process provides a structured approach to carbon management and continuous improvement.
9.3. Institutional Transparency
Atatürk University publishes information relevant to environmental sustainability through its institutional website, sustainability platform and official reports.
These channels provide opportunities to communicate carbon management activities, environmental performance indicators and progress towards sustainability objectives.
Evidence:
Atatürk University SDG Platform
Atatürk University 2025 Institutional Activity Report
10. Education, Awareness and Scientific Research
10.1. Environmental Awareness
Atatürk University supports environmental awareness through educational activities addressing:
- Climate change.
- Carbon footprint calculation.
- Energy conservation.
- Renewable energy.
- Zero Waste practices.
- Sustainable consumption.
- Responsible environmental behaviour.
These activities help students, academic staff and other participants understand the relationship between daily activities, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
10.2. Research on Carbon Reduction Technologies
In 2025, university-affiliated researchers contributed to scientific publications addressing carbon footprints, renewable energy and low-carbon technologies.
Examples include:
Solid-State Physics and Carbon Footprint in Solar Cells
The study examines relationships between photovoltaic technologies and carbon footprint considerations.
The Role of Nanomaterials on the Path to a Carbon-Free Future
The publication explores the relevance of advanced materials to low-carbon technologies and sustainable development.
Such research contributes to the University’s scientific capacity to evaluate and develop approaches relevant to carbon reduction.
11. Integration with National and International Sustainability Frameworks
Atatürk University’s carbon management activities are consistent with broader national and international sustainability priorities.
The institutional approach contributes to:
SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: Energy efficiency, renewable energy development and more sustainable energy consumption.
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: Waste prevention, recycling and resource efficiency.
SDG 13 – Climate Action: Greenhouse gas assessment, emission reduction and climate awareness.
The University’s strategic planning and sustainability reporting activities provide a framework for connecting these objectives with institutional performance.
12. Key Evidence and Supporting Documents
| Evidence Source | Relevance |
|---|---|
| 2020 Central Campus Carbon Footprint Report | Carbon footprint assessment and emissions calculation methodology |
| Atatürk University Strategic Plan 2024–2028 | Institutional strategic planning |
| 2025 Institutional Activity Report | Institutional activity and performance reporting |
| Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Coordination Unit | Waste management and Zero Waste activities |
| LED Lighting Feasibility Study | Energy efficiency research |
| 50 kW Solar Energy Project | Renewable energy initiative |
| Oltu Vocational School Solar Energy Project | Renewable energy application |
| 2025 Carbon Footprint Research | Research supporting carbon management knowledge |
13. Contribution to SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
Atatürk University’s approach to carbon management combines greenhouse gas assessment, institutional planning, energy efficiency, renewable energy initiatives, waste management, digital monitoring objectives and scientific research.
The University’s published carbon footprint report provides a methodological foundation for understanding its emissions, while institutional sustainability activities support the development of measures intended to reduce environmental impacts.
The carbon management framework identifies quantitative objectives involving a 35% long-term reduction in total emissions, a 25% reduction in Scope 2 emissions and an estimated 120 tCO₂e annual saving from waste-related measures.
The proposed integration of campus energy meters into a centralised digital monitoring infrastructure would further strengthen the University’s capacity to measure energy consumption, identify inefficiencies and evaluate emission reduction performance.
Together, these institutional activities and planned improvements support SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy, Indicator 7.2.3: Carbon Management and CO₂ Reduction Process, reflecting the University’s commitment to developing a more systematic, measurable and data-driven approach to greenhouse gas management.
