Climate Action Framework

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