The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)’s 6th Assessment Report emphasizes that climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions poses irreversible risks to both people and the environment. It also stresses that any delay in combating climate change will threaten a livable and sustainable future for all. Adopted at the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2015 and became effective on November 4, 2016, the Paris Agreement aims to keep the global average temperature increase well below 2°C by the end of this century (2100) and to pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C.
Following the Paris Agreement, the European Union announced the European Green Deal in December 2019, setting a target of reducing emissions by 50–55% by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. In Türkiye, the Law on the Approval of the Paris Agreement was published in the Official Gazette and entered into force on October 7, 2021. Furthermore, our President announced a national goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2053.
The Paris Climate Agreement aims to strengthen global socio-economic resilience against the threat of climate change. To combat climate change, measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions need to be implemented in all activities, particularly in energy, transportation, industry, urbanization, and agriculture. In this context, priorities include reducing the use of fossil fuels, increasing the use of renewable energy, transitioning to a circular economy model, conducting agricultural activities in accordance with sustainability principles, and protecting the quantity and quality of water resources.
Bilkent University conducts various activities aimed at environmental protection and raising awareness on environmental issues, in addition to contributing to the development and progress of the country by educating individuals beneficial to society through its education, research, and industrial cooperation efforts at both national and international levels. Bilkent University has committed to raising awareness about climate change and transforming its structure into one that uses resources efficiently—especially energy—minimizes waste, recycles materials, and maintains a low carbon footprint.
Since 2020, the University has been expanding its actions regarding Zero Waste and aims to develop smart solutions for the more efficient use of national resources.
In line with its goal of becoming a Climate-Friendly University, Bilkent University is working to develop and implement policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect natural resources, and promote their sustainable use, as well as to combat climate change.
With its Climate Change Action Plan, Bilkent University aims to safeguard regional and national welfare through low carbon intensity and an effective water management system. Within this framework, opportunities for short, medium, and long-term planning and capacity building for climate change adaptation were explored in areas including Energy, Transportation, Water Management, Waste Management, Land Management, and Education and Awareness.
Located at the 12th kilometer of the Ankara–Eskişehir highway in a suburban area, Bilkent University has a single campus, which is internally divided into Main, East, and Middle campuses. The university, situated on a total of 5,000 acres, is located in a semi-arid climate region.
With a significantly large forest and vegetation cover, the total campus area of the university is 2,954,109 m², of which 1,381,494 m² is used for academic activities. The total area occupied by campus buildings is 537,778 m², with a total floor area of 148,555 m².
Approximately 94.97% of the total campus area is covered by the aforementioned forest and vegetation. The forested area itself is 1,622,442 m², making up 54.92% of the total area. In the remaining 795,000 m², various types of trees and flowers are planted and maintained annually by the Environmental Planning and Protection Unit. This landscaped area accounts for 26.91% of the total campus area. Within the campus boundaries, there is approximately 331,230 m² of land that ensures water absorption.
- Climate Change Action Plan (in Turkish)