Energy Efficiency Plan to Reduce Overall Energy Consumption

Atatürk University | SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy | Indicator 7.2.4

Reporting Year: 2025 | Strategic Planning Horizon: 2024–2030

Atatürk University promotes the systematic reduction of energy consumption through an institutional Energy Efficiency Plan (EEP) framework integrating strategic planning, building improvements, energy-efficient technologies, renewable energy, operational management, behavioural change and performance monitoring.

The framework is designed to improve the energy performance of existing university facilities, reduce unnecessary electricity and heating consumption, strengthen resource efficiency and support long-term environmental sustainability.

The University’s energy efficiency approach is aligned with its 2024–2028 Strategic Plan, Türkiye’s Energy Efficiency Strategy 2030, the Second National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (2024–2030) and the principles of building energy performance assessment under BEP-TR.

The University’s previously stated planning objectives are retained for the 2025 reporting narrative, including:

• 25–30% reduction in overall energy consumption by 2030, relative to the proposed 2020 baseline.
• LED lighting retrofits in at least 30% of university buildings during the short-term implementation phase.
• Expansion of energy monitoring, sub-metering and building automation.
• Progressive improvement of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems.
• Increased integration of renewable energy into campus infrastructure.
• Improvement of building energy performance, with an aspiration for most buildings to achieve A–B energy performance classifications where technically and economically feasible.

These objectives describe the University’s previously presented energy efficiency roadmap. Their formal approval, baseline definitions and implementation status require confirmation through institutional planning and monitoring records.

1. Institutional Commitment and Strategic Alignment

1.1. Sustainability and Green Campus Development

Atatürk University recognises energy efficiency as an important component of sustainable campus management.

The University has publicly communicated its commitment to environmental sustainability through initiatives addressing:

• Energy conservation.
• Green campus development.
• Renewable energy technologies.
• Waste prevention and recycling.
• Sustainable transportation.
• Improvement of campus infrastructure.
• Environmental awareness.

These activities support a broader institutional approach to reducing the environmental impact of university operations.

The University’s green campus achievements provide a foundation for integrating energy efficiency into infrastructure development and resource management.

Evidence: Atatürk University – Among the World’s 250 Greenest Universities

1.2. Strategic Planning Framework

The University’s 2024–2028 Strategic Plan provides a planning framework for institutional development, infrastructure improvement and sustainable resource management.

Energy efficiency objectives can be integrated into this framework through:

• Improvement of physical facilities.
• Modernisation of existing infrastructure.
• Efficient use of electricity and heating energy.
• Environmental performance monitoring.
• Sustainable campus initiatives.
• Investment prioritisation.

A related institutional example is the 2024–2028 Strategic Plan of Narman Vocational School, published through the University’s official website in 2025.

The document identifies energy efficiency and renewable energy applications within its green and sustainable campus objectives and includes performance indicators concerning their implementation.

This provides documented evidence that energy efficiency considerations are incorporated into formal planning at unit level.

Evidence:

Atatürk University Strategic Plan 2024–2028

Narman Vocational School Strategic Plan

1.3. Alignment with National Energy Efficiency Policies

The University’s energy efficiency framework is consistent with Türkiye’s Energy Efficiency Strategy 2030 and Second National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (2024–2030).

The national plan establishes an objective of reducing Türkiye’s primary energy consumption by approximately 16% through energy efficiency measures during the 2024–2030 period.

It also prioritises energy efficiency improvements in buildings, public services, transportation, industry and other sectors.

Atatürk University’s energy efficiency objectives complement these national priorities by addressing electricity demand, building performance, heating efficiency and renewable energy integration.

Evidence: Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources – Energy Efficiency Strategy 2030 and Second National Energy Efficiency Action Plan

2. Objectives of the Energy Efficiency Plan

The Energy Efficiency Plan framework is structured around five principal objectives.

Objective 1 – Reduce Overall Energy Consumption

Achieve a 25–30% reduction in total energy consumption by 2030, compared with the proposed 2020 baseline, through improvements in buildings, equipment and energy management.

Objective 2 – Improve Existing Building Efficiency

Prioritise the modernisation of existing facilities through lighting replacement, insulation improvements, heating system optimisation and energy-efficient equipment.

Objective 3 – Expand Renewable Energy Integration

Increase the use of renewable energy technologies, particularly photovoltaic systems, to reduce dependence on purchased electricity.

Objective 4 – Strengthen Digital Energy Management

Develop integrated monitoring systems capable of collecting building-level consumption data, identifying inefficiencies and supporting energy management decisions.

Objective 5 – Promote Energy-Conscious Behaviour

Encourage staff and students to reduce unnecessary energy consumption through awareness activities, operational procedures and responsible equipment use.

Together, these objectives provide a structured basis for reducing energy demand and improving the efficiency of university operations.

3. Baseline Energy Assessment and Building Benchmarking

3.1. Establishing the Energy Consumption Baseline

The University’s energy efficiency roadmap identifies 2020 as the proposed reference year for evaluating long-term consumption reductions.

A comprehensive baseline assessment should account for:

• Annual electricity consumption.
• Natural gas and other heating fuel consumption.
• Total building floor area.
• Energy consumption per square metre.
• Building occupancy and operating schedules.
• Laboratory and technical equipment demand.
• Heating and cooling requirements.

Because university operations were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, any comparison using this baseline should account for changes in occupancy, campus activity and building utilisation.

3.2. Building Energy Audits

The plan framework identifies energy audits as a fundamental tool for assessing opportunities to reduce consumption.

Priority facilities include:

• Educational buildings and lecture halls.
• Research laboratories.
• Administrative offices.
• Libraries.
• Sports facilities.
• Social and cultural facilities.
• Other energy-intensive university buildings.

Energy audits can identify excessive consumption, inefficient equipment, inadequate insulation and opportunities for improved operational control.

3.3. Building Energy Performance Classification

The University’s energy efficiency approach recognises the relevance of Building Energy Performance Certificates and BEP-TR assessment methods.

University-affiliated academic research has examined energy performance calculations and the application of building energy certificates.

Such research provides technical expertise for evaluating building efficiency and identifying improvement opportunities.

The long-term roadmap retains the objective of improving the energy performance of existing facilities, with an aspiration for most buildings to reach A–B performance classes where feasible.

Evidence: Academic Research – Energy Identity Certificates and Building Energy Performance Calculation Methods

4. Energy-Efficient Lighting and Electrical Systems

4.1. LED Lighting Modernisation

Atatürk University has previously investigated the feasibility of converting conventional lighting systems to energy-efficient LED technology.

The research entitled “Feasibility Study of Atatürk University for LED Illumination” provides a technical foundation for evaluating lighting-related energy savings.

The Energy Efficiency Plan framework prioritises:

• Replacement of conventional fluorescent and incandescent lighting.
• Installation of high-efficiency LED luminaires.
• Use of occupancy and motion sensors.
• Daylight-sensitive lighting controls.
• Automatic switching and scheduling.
• Reduction of unnecessary lighting during unoccupied periods.

Short-term objective: Complete LED lighting retrofits in at least 30% of university buildings during the initial 1–2-year implementation phase.

The percentage represents a planning target. Verified implementation requires building inventories and completed installation records.

Evidence: Feasibility Study of Atatürk University for LED Illumination

4.2. Efficient Electrical Equipment

The energy efficiency framework also identifies the replacement and improved operation of inefficient electrical equipment as a potential source of energy savings.

Relevant measures include:

• High-efficiency motors and pumps.
• Energy-efficient laboratory equipment.
• Efficient computers and office devices.
• Reduced standby electricity consumption.
• Improved equipment maintenance.
• Scheduled shutdown of unused systems.

These measures can reduce electricity demand without compromising educational, research or administrative activities.

5. Building Envelope and Thermal Efficiency Improvements

Heating energy consumption is particularly relevant to Atatürk University because of Erzurum’s cold climate.

Improving the thermal performance of existing buildings can contribute significantly to reducing heating demand.

The plan framework identifies the following measures:

5.1. Thermal Insulation

• Improving roof insulation.
• Upgrading external wall insulation.
• Reducing heat losses through building envelopes.
• Addressing thermal bridges.
• Improving insulation around heating distribution systems.

5.2. Window and Door Improvements

• Replacement of inefficient glazing.
• Installation of double- or triple-glazed windows where appropriate.
• Use of low-emissivity glazing.
• Improvement of door and window seals.
• Reduction of uncontrolled air leakage.

5.3. Prioritisation of Existing Buildings

Priority can be given to buildings demonstrating:

• High heating consumption.
• Poor thermal performance.
• Ageing insulation.
• Inefficient windows.
• High maintenance costs.

These interventions form part of the proposed progressive retrofit strategy and require building-specific technical and financial assessments before implementation.

6. Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Efficiency

The University’s energy efficiency framework includes improvements to heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems.

Potential interventions include:

• Replacement of inefficient boilers and heating equipment.
• Installation of variable-speed drives on pumps and fans.
• Improved temperature control.
• Heating system balancing.
• Demand-controlled ventilation.
• Heat recovery technologies.
• Preventive maintenance.
• Optimisation of equipment operating schedules.

6.1. Smart Temperature Control

Automatic temperature controls can help reduce unnecessary heating and cooling.

Potential applications include programmable thermostats, occupancy-based operation and differentiated schedules for classrooms, offices and laboratories.

6.2. Preventive Maintenance

Regular maintenance can improve the operational efficiency of heating and ventilation equipment.

Relevant activities include:

• Filter replacement.
• Inspection of pumps and motors.
• Detection of heating system losses.
• Calibration of control equipment.
• Assessment of equipment operating efficiency.

The proposed measures are intended to reduce avoidable energy consumption while maintaining suitable indoor conditions.

7. Building Management Systems and Digital Energy Monitoring

7.1. Centralised Building Management

The University’s energy efficiency roadmap identifies Building Management Systems (BMS) as a key technology for improving operational control.

The intended system would integrate monitoring and management of:

• Heating systems.
• Ventilation equipment.
• Lighting.
• Electricity consumption.
• Building operating schedules.
• Selected mechanical and electrical equipment.

A centralised management approach can support the identification of inefficient operation and the optimisation of energy consumption.

7.2. Digital Meter Integration

The roadmap retains the objective of integrating campus energy meters into a centralised digital monitoring infrastructure.

This would allow energy consumption to be analysed at building and institutional levels.

The proposed system includes:

• Automatic meter data collection.
• Building-level energy dashboards.
• Monthly and annual consumption analysis.
• Identification of unexpected consumption increases.
• Monitoring of energy efficiency improvements.
• Support for maintenance planning.
• Preparation of institutional energy performance reports.

The integration of all meters remains a stated monitoring objective unless complete technical deployment can be confirmed.

7.3. Data Analytics and Institutional Reporting

The Big Data Management Office contributes to the University’s sustainability data coordination and reporting activities.

Data analytics can support energy efficiency planning through the consolidation of consumption records, evaluation of performance indicators and identification of unusual consumption patterns.

Digital monitoring would enable more systematic measurement of energy efficiency improvements.

8. Renewable Energy Integration

8.1. Solar Photovoltaic Systems

The University’s energy efficiency framework includes the integration of renewable energy into existing campus infrastructure.

A relevant initiative is the project entitled “Güneş Yeni Umutlarla Artık Daha Bir Başka Doğacak”, associated with the University’s Livestock Research and Application Centre and the Northeast Anatolia Development Agency (KUDAKA).

The project documentation describes:

• Planned photovoltaic capacity: 50 kW.
• Estimated annual electricity generation: Approximately 80,000 kWh.
• Intended benefit: Reduced dependence on purchased electricity.

This project provides a demonstration opportunity for renewable electricity generation.

Its proposed capacity and estimated production should be distinguished from verified operating results.

Evidence: Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry – Solar Energy Project

8.2. Solar-Powered Campus Lighting

The project “Increasing the Use of Green Energy (Solar Energy) for a Greener Future”, associated with Oltu Vocational School, promotes the use of solar-powered lighting.

The project demonstrates the potential for incorporating renewable energy technologies into university infrastructure.

Evidence: Social Responsibility Projects Centre – Solar Energy Project

8.3. Expansion of Renewable Energy Applications

The longer-term roadmap identifies opportunities to:

• Expand rooftop photovoltaic systems.
• Evaluate additional campus facilities for solar installations.
• Improve on-site renewable electricity utilisation.
• Assess energy storage solutions.
• Integrate renewable energy data into institutional monitoring.

These activities support the broader objective of reducing purchased energy demand and associated environmental impacts.

Renewable generation should be reported separately from reductions in energy consumption to avoid treating electricity production as an efficiency saving.

9. Behavioural Change and Operational Energy Management

9.1. Energy Awareness

Energy efficiency depends not only on infrastructure but also on the behaviour of building users.

The University’s framework incorporates awareness activities intended to encourage:

• Switching off unnecessary lighting.
• Shutting down unused computers and equipment.
• Avoiding unnecessary heating and cooling.
• Responsible laboratory energy use.
• Efficient use of shared facilities.
• Awareness of the environmental consequences of energy consumption.

9.2. Energy-Saving Education Through Theatre

The project “Tiyatro ile Enerji Tasarrufu” provides an example of energy conservation education through community engagement.

The project involved educational theatre activities designed to introduce children to energy-saving practices.

It demonstrates the University’s use of educational and cultural methods to promote responsible energy consumption.

Evidence: Atatürk University – Energy Saving Through Theatre Project

9.3. Operational Energy Management

The plan framework also identifies routine operational practices that can contribute to energy savings.

These include:

• Scheduling heating and lighting according to occupancy.
• Reducing unnecessary equipment operation.
• Optimising classroom and laboratory usage.
• Improving maintenance schedules.
• Encouraging energy-conscious practices among employees.

Such measures can complement infrastructure investments by reducing avoidable consumption.

10. Implementation Roadmap and Quantitative Targets

The University’s previously presented Energy Efficiency Plan includes a phased approach covering short-, medium- and long-term improvements.

10.1. Short-Term Phase: 1–2 Years

Priority: Establish monitoring and implement cost-effective energy-saving measures.

Targets include:

• Conducting energy assessments of major university buildings.
• Completing LED retrofits in at least 30% of buildings.
• Introducing additional electricity sub-metering.
• Expanding occupancy-sensitive lighting controls.
• Beginning small-scale photovoltaic deployment.
• Improving operational energy management.
• Establishing building-level consumption benchmarks.

10.2. Medium-Term Phase: 3–5 Years

Priority: Expand building retrofits and integrated energy management.

Targets include:

• Implementing major improvements in high-consumption buildings.
• Improving building insulation and glazing.
• Modernising inefficient heating and ventilation systems.
• Expanding Building Management System coverage.
• Introducing advanced energy monitoring.
• Expanding rooftop renewable energy applications.
• Strengthening energy performance reporting.

10.3. Long-Term Phase: By 2030

Priority: Achieve substantial reductions in overall energy consumption.

The roadmap retains the following objectives:

• 25–30% reduction in total energy consumption compared with the proposed 2020 baseline.
• Improvement of the energy performance of existing buildings.
• Achievement of A–B energy performance classifications for most buildings, where technically and economically feasible.
• Expansion of renewable electricity generation.
• Wider integration of digital monitoring and building automation.
• Continuous evaluation of energy efficiency investments.

10.4. Summary of Energy Efficiency Targets

These are the targets retained from the previous energy efficiency narrative, not independently verified 2025 completion figures.

11. Monitoring, Measurement and Performance Evaluation

11.1. Energy Performance Indicators

The University’s energy efficiency framework identifies measurable indicators to support performance evaluation.

Relevant indicators include:

• Total annual electricity consumption.
• Total annual heating energy consumption.
• Overall energy consumption.
• Electricity consumption per square metre.
• Energy consumption per building.
• Number and proportion of buildings with LED retrofits.
• Number of buildings assessed through energy audits.
• Number of digitally monitored facilities.
• Renewable electricity generation.
• Number of completed energy efficiency improvements.
• Verified energy savings.

11.2. Energy Consumption Comparisons

Energy performance monitoring should compare actual consumption against:

• The established baseline.
• Previous reporting years.
• Building-level benchmarks.
• Expected savings from efficiency projects.
• Long-term institutional targets.

For meaningful comparisons, changes in building area, occupancy, weather conditions and campus activity should be considered.

11.3. Measurement and Verification

Energy efficiency improvements should be assessed using consumption data collected before and after implementation.

A measurement and verification process can include:

1. Establishing baseline consumption.
2. Documenting the intervention.
3. Measuring post-intervention consumption.
4. Adjusting comparisons for relevant operating conditions.
5. Calculating verified energy savings.
6. Reporting results to responsible institutional units.

This approach would strengthen the University’s ability to demonstrate measurable progress.

12. Research and Technical Expertise Supporting Energy Efficiency

Atatürk University’s academic research contributes to the technical knowledge required for effective energy efficiency planning.

Relevant research areas include:

• Building energy performance.
• Energy identity certificates.
• Renewable energy technologies.
• Energy-efficient lighting.
• Heating and cooling systems.
• Energy modelling.
• Building retrofit evaluation.
• Environmental sustainability.

In 2025, university-affiliated research also addressed the assessment of building retrofit alternatives using experimental design and multi-criteria decision-making methods.

Such research contributes to the evaluation of technical, economic and environmental trade-offs associated with energy efficiency improvements.

Although research findings do not independently demonstrate implementation in university buildings, they strengthen the University’s capacity to evaluate energy-saving solutions.

Evidence:

Building Energy Performance Research

2025 Research on Energy-Efficient Building Retrofits

13. Institutional Reporting and Continuous Improvement

The University’s 2025 Institutional Activity Report provides a formal reporting resource for reviewing institutional activities, infrastructure management and performance.

The Energy Efficiency Plan framework can be evaluated through the integration of:

• Strategic planning.
• Technical energy assessments.
• Energy-saving investments.
• Operational monitoring.
• Performance evaluation.
• Sustainability reporting.

A continuous improvement approach enables the University to assess the effectiveness of energy efficiency measures and prioritise further actions.

Evidence: Atatürk University 2025 Institutional Activity Report

14. Supporting Evidence and Documentation

15. Contribution to SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy

Atatürk University’s Energy Efficiency Plan framework combines strategic planning, energy assessments, building retrofits, energy-efficient lighting, HVAC optimisation, renewable energy integration, digital monitoring and environmental awareness.

The University’s previously presented roadmap retains the objective of achieving a 25–30% reduction in overall energy consumption by 2030, together with short-term LED conversion targets, expanded building automation and improvements to building energy performance.

The University’s research activities, renewable energy initiatives and institutional planning documents provide supporting evidence for the technical and organisational foundations of this approach.

Through the progressive development of energy efficiency measures, performance monitoring and sustainable infrastructure planning, Atatürk University contributes to SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy, Indicator 7.2.4: Energy Efficiency Plan to Reduce Overall Energy Consumption.