Environmental, Energy, and Water Efficiency Policy

Purpose

At Özyeğin University, we are committed to adopting an integrated approach to environmental, energy, and water management in order to protect the environment, enhance energy and water efficiency, and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources across our campus. This policy is firmly grounded in the integrated management systems approach in alignment with the University's sustainability vision. This approach supports the reduction of environmental impact, promotes the efficient use of resources, and fosters the continuous improvement of environmental performance. This policy embraces the "reduce, replace or reuse" approach for the efficient use of water. The policy also aims to contribute to the University's broader vision: "Creating value, being recognized, preferred, and emulated as an entrepreneurial research university with scientific, social, and economic global impact."

Our Goals

Özyeğin University is dedicated to enhancing its energy and water efficiency, minimizing its environmental impact, and ensuring the sustainable use of resources in all its operations. The systematic monitoring, measurement, analysis, and evaluation of energy and water consumption across the campus are essential components of this approach. Based on these data, water efficiency indicators and basic water efficiency indicators are established, performance goals are identified, and continuous improvement initiatives are scheduled. The University's primary goals include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, ensuring energy security, and protecting water resources. To achieve these goals, the University encourages the transformation of consumption habits and the adoption of practices aligned with the principles of the circular economy. Additional environmental goals include the segregation of waste at its source, waste reduction, reuse, and increasing recycling rates. Promoting a culture of sustainable living across the entire campus community is also a key component of these goals.

Fundamental Principles

Özyeğin University adopts an integrated approach to environmental, energy, and water management in line with the principles of sustainability. The responsible and efficient use of natural resources forms the foundation of all our administrative practices. Energy and water efficiency are treated as top priorities in our efforts to minimize environmental impact and optimize resource consumption across the campus. To that end, the systematic monitoring, analysis, and continuous improvement of consumption data are among our core principles. Waste management constitutes a fundamental component of our environmental policy. In alignment with the Zero Waste approach, we prioritize the segregation of waste at the source, reduction of waste generation, reuse of materials, and the increase of recycling rates to promote not only environmental sustainability but also operational efficiency. As Özyeğin University, we are committed to taking all necessary measures to protect the environment, prevent pollution, and ensure the sustainability of biodiversity and ecosystems. At the same time, we develop policies that contribute to the fight against climate change and actively promote the adoption of innovative, low-impact, and sustainable technologies. Our University is dedicated to evaluating opportunities to enhance water efficiency performance when designing new buildings, equipment, systems, or processes. In addition, for the procurement of services, products, and equipment that have a significant impact on water usage, suppliers are assessed based on their water efficiency performance, and appropriate procurement specifications are defined to ensure efficient water use. All these practices are carried out in strict adherence to effective national and international environmental legislation and compliance requirements. Regular review and continuous improvement of environmental performance are central to our approach.

Procedure

Özyeğin University is committed to implementing and continuously improving the ISO 14001, ISO 50001, and ISO 46001 systems as part of its integrated approach to environmental, energy, and water governance. The applicability and effectiveness of these systems are regularly reviewed and supported through systematic improvements. Energy and water consumption is continuously monitored, measured, and analyzed. Based on these evaluations, performance goals are determined, and these goals are achieved through technical improvements, operational controls, and strategies that foster behavioral change. Hazardous and non-hazardous wastes are managed in accordance with effective legislation. Waste management practices are standardized across the campus and continuously monitored to ensure compliance and efficiency. In line with circular economy principles, the reuse and recycling of resources are actively supported. Risks and opportunities related to environmental, energy, and water efficiency management are periodically reviewed. To achieve the University's sustainability goals, necessary resources are allocated, comprehensive training is provided to all stakeholders, and active participation is encouraged. This policy applies to all areas of the campus, including academic buildings, dormitories, laboratories, social and green spaces, and infrastructure systems.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Rector's Office (President's Office) provides leadership for the environmental, energy, and water management systems; ensuring the fulfillment of commitments outlined in this policy and safeguarding these systems' applicability and continuity.

The Sustainability, Safety and Quality Directorate is responsible for the establishment, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of the management systems.

Operational Units shall implement necessary practices to reduce environmental impacts and achieve policy objectives in all their activities.

Faculty and Staff support initiatives that increase energy and water efficiency within their areas of responsibility, and contribute to raising environmental awareness. All personnel must be aware of the purpose and goals of our water efficiency policy and management system, as well as their own roles in achieving these goals.

Our Students actively participate in fostering a culture of sustainability and adopt behaviors aimed at conserving energy and water at an individual level.

External stakeholders, including businesses, suppliers, and visitors, are responsible for adhering to the University's environmental, energy, and water management policies and contributing to these processes.