Turkish universities are extending their research on environment and climate beyond laboratories to campus life, production processes, and local solutions. Institutions contribute to green transformation through sustainable campus practices, awareness activities by student communities, and public-private sector collaborations.
Universities develop projects aimed at producing science-based solutions to environmental problems and supporting sustainable development goals. The studies cover a wide range from energy efficiency to water conservation, waste management to clean transportation.
Energy and waste management stand out
At Yıldız Technical University, applications for waste management and carbon reduction are being carried out. It is stated that the use of renewable energy is increased with the solar energy system installed at Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Hospital.
Within the scope of the İLATERA Platform coordinated by Istanbul Technical University, clean energy and low-emission transportation technologies are being developed. This topic shows that universities play a role not only in academic production but also in technology-focused transformation processes.
Anadolu University implements a model aimed at energy and water conservation with its digital book application. Thus, methods that reduce resource consumption in educational services are highlighted.
Projects in water, agriculture, and food fields
At Yaşar University, water conservation is achieved with a rainwater harvesting system. Research is being conducted at Istanbul University on the ecosystem and mucilage risks in the Marmara Sea.
Projects aimed at removing boron pollution in wastewater are being developed at Aksaray University. At Boğaziçi University, environmentally friendly agricultural solutions are produced from tea waste.
At Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, it is stated that seed classification processes in agricultural production are accelerated with local technology, and at Uşak University, attention is drawn to soilless agriculture applications with hydroponic systems. Studies on sustainable agriculture and food safety are being conducted at Bursa Uludağ University.
Giresun University focuses on sustainable agricultural practices, while Karabük University conducts research on sustainable gastronomy and the preservation of local food culture. These studies aim to reduce environmental impacts at different stages of the food chain.
Circular economy and green transformation studies
Kocaeli University is developing a digital and green transformation maturity model for ports. Maltepe University is working on sustainable supply chain management.
Çağ University carries out projects on the recovery of industrial waste. Pamukkale University is also working on the recycling of textile waste and AI-supported environmental process optimization.
Istanbul Okan University supports circular economy applications with compost and food waste management. These topics highlight a new production approach where waste is transformed into reuse value.
Education and environmental awareness
Middle East Technical University creates sustainability awareness through climate education. Ankara University conducts academic studies on environmental sustainability and natural resource conservation.
Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University carries out activities aimed at spreading environmental consciousness and sustainable living culture. Atatürk University develops projects in energy efficiency and environmental management.
İskenderun Technical University conducts scientific studies on climate change and environmental management, while Isparta University of Applied Sciences carries out research on the sustainable use of natural resources.
The overall picture shows that universities address the environment and climate agenda not only as a theoretical research topic but also with application areas ranging from campuses to hospitals, agriculture to industry. These projects reveal that green transformation has become a more concrete and visible area in higher education institutions.
