DEÜ Sustainability Mobilization Continues Its Activities Without Pause

DEÜ Sustainability Drive Continues Unabated Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi (DEÜ), closely monitoring global developments and expanding nature and environment-friendly practices day by day. DEÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Nükhet Hotar stated that DEÜ is making efforts to leave a more livable world for future generations, saying, "We will continue to achieve our 'sustainable university' goals by increasing the environment-friendly practices of our Research University and focusing on R&D and scientific activities." Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi (DEÜ) continues its activities toward the goals of a 'sustainable future' and 'sustainable campus' without interruption. DEÜ, which adds new initiatives to its sustainability work each day, has undertaken important work related to energy, infrastructure, waste management, water, environmentally-friendly transportation and climate change, while continuing education and research activities in this area. Following the local and global developments related to sustainability in line with Turkey's goals—a signatory to the Paris Climate Agreement and committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2053—DEÜ implements its short and long-term targets on its campuses through the dedicated work of its members. DEÜ, which rose 165 places to rank 295th in the UI GreenMetric World Rankings where universities are evaluated in terms of green space and sustainability, is expanding its nature and environment-friendly practices day by day in line with the participating Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change's goal of a 'climate-friendly university'.

"We adopt an approach that enables sustainability and improves the ecosystem"

DEÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Nükhet Hotar, noting that Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi has undertaken pioneering and impactful work on sustainability issues through its knowledge base and research capacity, stated: "Sustainability is given special emphasis in our country's 11th Development Plan and the United Nations Development Goals. As a university, we also undertake pioneering work within the framework of our country's goals and global developments on this matter; we adopt an approach that enables sustainability and improves the ecosystem. We conduct academic and scientific work in the areas of environment, economic growth and social development that form the foundation of sustainability; we work hard to leave a more livable world for the generations after us."

"We are taking steps to prevent climate change"

Rector Hotar, stating that they continue activities aimed at Turkey's 'zero emissions' and 'green development' goals, said: "With the sustainability practices we have put into service in our campuses, we show respect to the environment and nature; we are taking steps to prevent climate change. We are increasing the recycling rate within the framework of zero waste. We are making efforts to benefit optimally from renewable energy sources; in accordance with the 'green development mobilization' initiated by our esteemed President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, we support climate-friendly investments. By increasing the environment-friendly practices of our Research University and focusing on R&D and scientific activities, we will continue to achieve our 'sustainable university' goals and contribute to our country's future."

DEÜ values greenery

Due to fires in recent years, Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi donated a sapling for each of its students and places great importance on preserving and increasing greenery on its campuses. Having created the 40th Anniversary Memorial Forest at the Tınaztepe Campus during last year's 11 November National Afforestation Day events, DEÜ breathes life into the future with saplings it planted considering carbon dioxide storage capacity. Recently, DEÜ created the 40th Anniversary Abundance Grove composed of fruit saplings at the Tınaztepe Campus, and will share the produce from 1,500 fruit trees with its students and citizens.

Environmentally-friendly transportation expanding

Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi offers environmentally-friendly transportation options to its members at the Tınaztepe campus. Electric scooters positioned at DEÜ's largest campus, Tınaztepe, enable short-distance journeys to be made with environmentally-friendly vehicles instead of traditional ones. Through the free bicycle program launched at the Tınaztepe Campus, DEÜ students can reach their desired destinations with environmentally-friendly and healthy transportation vehicles. DEÜ is also taking important steps regarding the increasingly rising and costly energy needs of today. Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi continues its work on installing Solar Energy Systems (SES) on the roofs and parking lots of all its campuses to meet the university's electricity needs. The installation of SES on the dining hall at Buca Education Faculty is ongoing, and the first step has been taken for SES installation at the 15 July Health and Arts Campus. With the gasification technology developed at DEÜ Environmental Engineering Treatment Sludge Laboratory, 1 kilogram of dry waste sludge produces 1 kWh of electrical energy and 1.2 cubic meters of synthesis gas. Previously, DEÜ reduced the temperature level in the heating systems at all Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi campuses by 1 degree within the framework of the 'World 1 Degree Warming Prevention Project'. Special emphasis on water and waste management Taking important steps toward its 'sustainable green campus' goal, DEÜ places special emphasis on waste management. With support from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, DEÜ has created Waste Collection Centers at various locations on its campuses and continues to care for nature. Furthermore, DEÜ, which has awarded Zero Waste Certificates to 15 of its campuses in a short time, continues its work on establishing a Zero Waste-Integrated Waste Management Unit. Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi, which uses water obtained from its implemented Rainwater Harvesting Project for agricultural irrigation, also aims with the TRUST project to treat and reuse industrial wastewater. The university evaluates compost products obtained from vegetable and fruit waste from dining halls and pruning and garden waste as fertilizer.

Not limited to the environment

Sustainability activities at Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi are not limited to the environment alone. DEÜ, which recently established a Master Data and Disaster Recovery Center for information security sustainability, bases sustainable approaches and development in education, teaching and research matters. Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi also pursues its goals regarding the internationalization strategy to which it attaches special importance in a sustainable manner in line with the university's strategic plan. With the Trainer Training program, it is aimed to update the knowledge of those who will provide education and ensure sustainability in education. DEÜ, which increases its research capacity day by day, also puts into service competency development mechanisms to ensure the performance of its researchers is sustainable. Accelerating its scientific and academic work in areas covered in the 11th Development Plan in line with Turkey's sustainable development goals, DEÜ also carries out activities regularly within the framework of the United Nations development goals.