Version: 1        Creation date: 8 July 2024       Last review date:12 June 2025

1. Purpose
This policy outlines Near East University’s commitment to environmental responsibility, climate action, and the advancement of sustainable development principles across all university operations, academic programs, and community outreach.

2. Commitment
As a higher education institution, Near East University recognizes its role in addressing the climate crisis. We are committed to:

• Reducing our environmental impact through feasible and measurable actions.
• Promoting sustainable lifestyles within our university community.
• Supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13: Climate Action.
• Near East University is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions across its Scope 1 and Scope 2 sources by the year 2050. The university has designated 2025 as its baseline year, marking the beginning of consistent and verifiable greenhouse gas emissions tracking in alignment with international standards. Progress will be reviewed and reported annually as part of the university’s climate action efforts.

3. Focus Areas and Action Plans

Waste and Energy

• Encourage waste reduction and recycling practices across all campuses.
• Promote energy-saving behaviors and long-term infrastructure improvements.

Sustainable Transportation

• Incentivize the use of public transportation by students and staff.
• Support the introduction and safe use of electric scooters within campus grounds.
• Integrate climate-friendly commuting into the university’s broader transport strategy.

Flexible Working and Carbon Footprint

• Align flexible working policies with carbon emission reduction goals.
• Monitor energy savings and commuting patterns in relation to remote work.

Green Campus and Biodiversity

• Protect existing green areas and integrate native plant species in landscaping.
• Consider sustainable practices in any future campus development.
• In alignment with these goals, Near East University adopts apractical approach to mitigating the environmental impact of its operations. Key strategies include the promotion of renewable energy, energy-efficient infrastructure, water and resource conservation, sustainable transportation, and periodic assessment of its environmental footprint.

4. Education, Research, and SDG Integration

• Develop undergraduate and postgraduate courses focusing on sustainability and climate change.
• Promote interdisciplinary research addressing environmental challenges.
• Support the establishment of research centers aligned with climate and sustainability priorities.
• Integrate SDG awareness into the curriculum, student clubs, and institutional communication.

5. Governance and Monitoring

• The implementation and periodic review of this policy will be overseen by the Sustainability Office.
• Annual progress summaries will be shared with the university community to ensure transparency and accountability.

6. Outreach and Engagement

• Promote a culture of sustainability through seminars, campaigns, and visible actions.
• Partner with local and international organizations to amplify our impact.

Sustainability and Climate Action Policy and Implementation Framework

POLICY HIGHLIGHT

Sustainability Commitment

• Net-zero emissions target: 2050
• Baseline year for monitoring: 2025
• Focus areas: Energy efficiency, resource management, green campus practices
• Integrated into institutional strategic planning and quality assurance system
  

For more details, please refer to the official Sustainability and Climate Action Policy:
https://sustainability.neu.edu.tr/sustainability/policies/sustainability-and-climate-action-policy/

This policy defines the University’s commitments, targets, and implementation approaches for mitigating climate and environmental impact.

Strategic Integration

Sustainability principles are embedded within the university’s strategic planning framework, ensuring alignment between environmental objectives and institutional goals.

The Quality and Accreditation Coordination Office coordinates the implementation process and follows the Plan–Do–Check–Act (PDCA) continuous improvement cycle.

Strategic Objective

Objective 8.6
To strengthen green campus practices in line with environmental sustainability principles and to increase environmental awareness across the campus.

For more details: https://kalite.neu.edu.tr/stratejik-planlama/stratejik-amac-ve-hedefler/

Key Sustainability Indicators (Annual Monitoring)

The Near East University monitors its sustainability performance through the following annual indicators:

Detailed Key Performance Indicators

8.6.1 Number of environmental sustainability practices or projects implemented on campus

• Type: Output / Impact
• Data Source: Sustainability Office reports
• Monitoring: Annual
• Target: Minimum 5 projects per year

8.6.2 Number of environmental sustainability-related trainings, seminars, or awareness activities

• Type: Process
• Data Source: University event records
• Monitoring: Annual
• Target: Minimum 5 activities per year

8.6.3 Number of sustainability practices involving student participation

• Type: Output / Impact
• Data Source: Participation and activity records
• Monitoring: Annual
• Target: Minimum 5 student-engaged initiatives per year

For more details:
https://kalite.neu.edu.tr/stratejik-planlama/stratejik-amac-ve-hedefler/

Implementation Practices

The University supports its sustainability policy through campus-wide operational practices aligned with its climate action commitments.

Key implementation initiatives include:

• Installation of solar energy systems to support clean energy production
• Implementation of water recycling systems to promote resource efficiency
• Monitoring of environmental indicators such as electricity consumption and water usage through verified institutional data
• Development of a structured greenhouse gas emissions tracking system aligned with international standards

These practices contribute to the university’s long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and form the basis of its institutional climate action framework.

For more details: https://sustainability.neu.edu.tr/sustainability/sdgs/sdg-13-climate-action/

Monitoring & Continuous Improvement

• Environmental performance is monitored annually

• Indicators are evaluated within the integrated quality assurance system
• Continuous improvement is ensured through the PDCA cycle

Governance

• Coordinated by the Sustainability Office

• Operates under the Quality and Accreditation Coordination Office
• Ensures systematic planning, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement