THINGS TO DO
Find a Goal 13 charity you want to support. Any donation, big or small, can make a difference!
Recycle paper, glass, plastic, metal and old electronics.
Compost. Composting food scraps can reduce climate impact while also recycling nutrients.
Choose reusable products. Use an eco-bag for shopping and a reusable water bottle or a cup to reduce your plastic waste.
Buy eco-friendly products. Read the packaging to see if products are produced in an eco-friendly way.
Bike, walk or take public transport. Save the car trips for when you’ve got a big group.
Consume less meat and become vegetarian for one day a week. The meat production industry has a huge impact on the environment.
Reduce your use of paper. Avoid printing and substitute it with electronic devices or carriers. Don’t shop for pets! Visit your local animal shelter and adopt an animal there.
Offset your carbon.
Istanbul Medipol University‘s Commitment to SDG 13
Climate Action
Istanbul Medipol University is committed to addressing climate change through education, research, institutional policies, and community engagement. Guided by SDG 13, the University promotes climate awareness, environmental responsibility, and proactive measures that contribute to reducing climate-related risks and building resilience across campus and society.
Medipol implements environmentally conscious operational practices that encourage responsible resource management, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and eco-friendly campus development. Awareness campaigns, training programs, and sustainability activities help cultivate climate-conscious behavior among students and staff.
The University integrates climate change, sustainability, and environmental protection topics into academic programs, research activities, and interdisciplinary projects. Through studies in environmental sciences, public health, policy, and technology, Medipol contributes to evidence-based solutions addressing climate challenges and supporting adaptation strategies.
Medipol collaborates with public institutions, international organizations, and NGOs to support climate initiatives, disaster risk reduction efforts, and community resilience programs. Student clubs and volunteer groups actively participate in tree planting, clean-up campaigns, environmental advocacy, and social responsibility projects that address climate-related issues.
As part of its long-term sustainability vision, the University continues to integrate climate-focused principles into future strategies, infrastructure planning, and institutional decision-making processes to reduce environmental impact and enhance climate resilience.
By aligning institutional actions with SDG 13, Istanbul Medipol University reinforces its commitment to climate responsibility and contributes to a sustainable and resilient future for all.
Awareness on Climate Change
Raising awareness and building capacity for climate action is a core mission of Istanbul Medipol University. Through its Sustainable Development Application and Research Center (SURKAM) and Climate Change Application and Research Center (IKLIMER), the university designs and delivers educational programs, campaigns, and community initiatives addressing the societal, health-related, and environmental impacts of climate change.
Several structured education programs have been developed, including the EU-(T)RADE Project, which provides interdisciplinary training on climate adaptation, carbon footprint assessment, and sustainable business models. These initiatives engage students from medicine, engineering, business, and social sciences, promoting cross-sectoral collaboration.
Each year, SURKAM organizes Sustainability Week—a campus-wide series of seminars, workshops, film screenings, and exhibitions focusing on renewable energy, waste reduction, and climate justice. The event attracts participants not only from the university community but also from municipalities, NGOs, and local schools.
IKLIMER further supports public outreach through lectures and certificate programs on “Climate Literacy” and “Sustainable Lifestyles,” extending climate awareness efforts to broader communities and early education audiences.
In addition, the university’s digital platforms, including the Sustainable Campus section on the SURKAM website, provide open-access educational materials, research reports, and interactive carbon footprint calculation tools.
By combining formal education, research, and community engagement, Istanbul Medipol University advances Türkiye’s climate literacy landscape and directly supports UN SDG 13.3 on climate education and public awareness.
Climate Ambassadorship Program
Istanbul Medipol University actively participates in the national “Climate Ambassadors Program” coordinated by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. The program aims to strengthen climate awareness among university students, enhance youth participation in climate policy, and support the development of local, solution-oriented initiatives.
For the 2024–2025 academic year, our student from Management Information Systems Department, İclal Selvi represented Istanbul Medipol University within the national youth climate network and contributed extensively to climate engagement and campus sustainability efforts.
Program Objectives
The Climate Ambassadorship Program seeks to:
- Increase youth awareness on climate change, adaptation, and mitigation policies
- Promote a strong culture of sustainability across university campuses
- Represent national youth climate initiatives at the institutional level
- Support youth engagement in climate-related decision-making processes
- Encourage the development of local micro-projects focused on climate action
Key Activities Conducted in 2024–2025
During the 2024–2025 term, the Climate Ambassador facilitated:
- Climate literacy workshops and awareness sessions for students
- Active participation in ministry consultations, policy meetings, and youth climate platforms
- Coordination with UNICEF Türkiye’s youth networks to strengthen shared action areas
- Collaboration with student clubs, research centers, and academic units to integrate climate-focused initiatives into university life
- Contributions to sustainability reporting, student engagement projects, and climate-action communications
Strategic Importance for the University
The Climate Ambassadorship Program reinforces the University’s sustainability agenda by embedding youth leadership into climate action.
The 2024–2025 activities carried out by Climate Ambassador contributed to the advancement of youth participation mechanisms and supported the university’s long-term sustainability vision.
Related Links & Reports
Zero Waste Policy at Istanbul Medipol University
Istanbul Medipol University implements a comprehensive Zero Waste Program in full compliance with Türkiye’s Zero Waste Regulation (Sıfır Atık Yönetmeliği) issued by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. The University has adopted a University-wide Zero Waste Policy that regulates waste minimization, segregation, recycling, reuse, safe disposal, and circularity practices across all campuses.
Zero Waste Management System
Medipol’s Zero Waste system is structured around the following pillars:
- Waste segregation at source (paper–plastic–glass–metal–organic–hazardous)
- Standardized recycling stations across buildings and open areas
- Hazardous and medical waste protocols in line with national legislation
- Campus-wide digital tracking system for waste quantities
- Reuse practices, including redistribution of gently used materials and office supplies
- Circular economy principles, such as reducing single-use plastics and promoting sustainable procurement
Operational coordination is carried out by the Environmental and Energy Management Office, which ensures legal compliance, monitors waste streams, and oversees reporting.
Zero Waste Statistics and Performance
The University regularly monitors and reports its progress through annual data collection, including:
- Total annual waste generated
- Annual amount of recycled waste
- Percentage share of recycling in overall waste
- Annual compostable organic waste diverted from landfill
- Reduction in single-use materials
- Hazardous waste disposal compliance rates
These indicators are published in the SDG 13 Report and contribute to the University’s carbon-reduction strategy by lowering emissions associated with waste management (GHG Protocol Scope 3).
Training, Awareness, and Capacity Building
Medipol conducts regular sustainability training and awareness programs for students, staff, and campus visitors, including:
- Zero Waste awareness seminars
- Sustainable consumption and recycling workshops
- Orientation sessions introducing the Zero Waste system
- Student-led campaigns on waste reduction and behavior change
- Collaboration with municipalities and NGOs on circular economy initiatives
These activities strengthen climate literacy and reinforce sustainable habits across the university community.
Related Links & Reports
- Environment and Energy Management Office
- Waste Management Office Regulations
- Zero Waste Regulation
- Environment and Energy Management Office - Medical Waste
- Environment and Energy Management Office – Hazardous Waste
- Istanbul Medipol University Corporate Greenhouse Gas Calculation Report 2024
- Zero Waste
- Istanbul Medipol University Waste Management Directive
- Istanbul Medipol University Energy Management Unit Directive
Energy Efficiency Awareness Campaign
Istanbul Medipol University raises awareness about responsible energy consumption through its Energy Efficiency Campaign, aligned with Türkiye’s national energy-saving strategies and SDG 13. The campaign encourages behavioral changes among students and staff by promoting practical actions such as using energy-efficient devices, reducing unnecessary electricity use, maximizing natural light, and minimizing standby power consumption.
Visual materials, posters, and digital communications prepared by the Environment and Energy Management Office guide the campus community on how everyday habits contribute to reducing carbon emissions. These messages reinforce the University’s broader climate goals, including energy conservation, emission reduction, and sustainable lifestyle adoption.
The initiative forms an essential component of the University’s long-term effort to build an energy-aware campus culture and to support national and global climate targets.
Related Links & Reports
Climate Action & Low-Carbon Strategy at Istanbul Medipol University
Istanbul Medipol University implements an institution-wide climate action framework that integrates low-carbon energy use, greenhouse gas monitoring, zero-waste practices, climate education, and long-term carbon-neutral planning. All efforts are coordinated in collaboration with the Environmental and Energy Management Office and supported by SURKAM (Sustainable Development Application and Research Center), ensuring alignment with Türkiye’s national climate policies and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Measurement of Low-Carbon Energy Use
Istanbul Medipol University systematically measures and monitors energy use across its campuses through the Environmental and Energy Management Office. The university aims to transition toward a low-carbon energy model in alignment with Türkiye’s National Energy Efficiency Strategy and the Council of Higher Education’s “Zero Carbon University” initiative.
The university conducts both quantitative and qualitative assessments of electricity, heating, and natural gas consumption across major facilities—including classrooms, laboratories, hospitals, and dormitories. Data are collected monthly through a central monitoring system that records total usage and identifies patterns of overconsumption. These data support the annual calculation of the university’s carbon footprint under the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (Scope 1, 2, 3 partial), covering direct emissions from on-campus energy use and indirect emissions from purchased electricity.
Since 2023, Medipol University has implemented partial low-carbon measurement systems by introducing renewable energy sources—primarily solar power—in selected campus buildings. New constructions incorporate energy-efficient technologies such as motion-sensor lighting, LED systems, improved insulation, and automated heating and cooling controls, collectively reducing energy intensity per square meter.
Annual energy audits are conducted to evaluate efficiency performance and recommend further actions for minimizing fossil-fuel dependency and enhancing sustainable energy management. This vision supports a campus-wide renewable energy transition backed by infrastructure investments, academic research, and strong data-driven monitoring mechanisms.
Commitment to a Carbon-Neutral University
Istanbul Medipol University aligns its long-term climate strategy with Türkiye’s national target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2053. The university integrates internationally recognized standards including ISO 14064-1, IPCC methodological guidelines, and the GHG Protocol (Scopes 1–2–3) into its measurement and reporting processes.
University has already established the institutional mechanisms required for future alignment. Annual carbon footprint calculations, institutional GHG reporting, and scenario-based analyses ensure that progress is monitored transparently and consistently. Key institutional actions include:
- transitioning to renewable energy where technically feasible,
- implementing energy-efficient building technologies,
- expanding solar generation in selected buildings,
- supporting carbon-offset initiatives such as tree-planting programs,
- reducing emissions through minimal-waste and circularity practices under the University’s Zero Waste Policy.
Progress toward these goals is documented annually by the Environmental and Energy Management Office and SURKAM, with findings published in the institutional SDG 13 Report and the Corporate Greenhouse Gas Calculation Report. These reports serve as transparent accountability mechanisms and ensure that the university remains aligned with Türkiye’s Green Deal and the global net-zero agenda.
Institutional Greenhouse Gas Calculation (2024)
As part of its environmental sustainability efforts, the University prepares an annual institution-wide Greenhouse Gas Emission Calculation Report, covering emissions from:
- energy consumption,
- transportation,
- waste management,
- building operations.
These reports identify reduction areas, track improvement progress, and guide mitigation strategies for the upcoming period. All results are publicly accessible to ensure transparency and stakeholder engagement.
Climate Action, Community Engagement and Climate Adaptation
Istanbul Medipol University adopts a holistic, multi-level approach to climate action and community engagement, integrating research, policy development, public education, emergency planning, and cross-sector collaboration. Institutional efforts are coordinated by SURKAM, the Climate Change Research Center (IKLIMER), and academic units working closely with local governments, NGOs, public institutions, and community stakeholders. These initiatives reflect the university’s strong commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action.
University Climate Action Plan & Engagement with Local Authorities
Istanbul Medipol University’s climate strategy is embedded within its 2022–2026 Strategic Plan and annual SDG 13 Report, which outline targets on carbon reduction, energy efficiency, waste and water management, and sustainability education. The Climate Action framework is aligned with Türkiye’s National Climate Change Strategy and Zero Waste Policy and is regularly shared with local municipalities, provincial directorates, and community partners through joint events, workshops, and stakeholder consultations.
SURKAM’s 2024 outreach project, “Green Legacy for the Future: Climate Change and Sustainability Education for High School Students,” has further strengthened public engagement through climate literacy training and community-based awareness programs.
Co-Operative Planning for Climate-Related Disasters
The university actively participates in co-operative disaster planning with government institutions and public agencies. Key collaborations include:
- TÜBİTAK-supported research on post-disaster needs assessment, including the project “Health Care Needs of Elderly Individuals Post-Disaster,” conducted with regional authorities and health institutions.
- Academic contributions to policy discussions on disaster preparedness, climate migration, elderly care, and community resilience.
- Engagement in national disaster planning platforms and climate adaptation consultations.
- A university-appointed Climate Ambassador, designated in response to the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, who contributes to inter-institutional decision-making and national climate governance mechanisms.
These efforts ensure that the university’s scientific expertise directly supports public-sector planning for climate-induced displacement, community vulnerability, and post-disaster recovery.
Support to Government for Early Warning & Monitoring
Through IKLIMER and SURKAM, Istanbul Medipol University informs and supports local and regional government bodies in climate disaster monitoring, early warning systems, and risk communication. Activities include:
- scientific advising on climate-related health risks,
- modeling and analysis projects on climate change impacts,
- local data-sharing initiatives for heatwaves, extreme weather events, and environmental stress factors,
- participation in community risk-reduction meetings organized by municipalities and public agencies.
University researchers contribute technical knowledge on disaster risk, vulnerability mapping, and climate-health interactions, strengthening regional resilience and preparedness strategies.
Collaboration with NGOs on Climate Adaptation
Medipol University maintains strong partnerships with NGOs and civil-society organizations working on climate resilience, environmental protection, and sustainable development.
SURKAM and student-led clubs especially the Sustainability Club and the Women’s Studies Club—organize joint awareness events focusing on:
- carbon reduction,
- recycling and circularity,
- climate adaptation and resilience,
- youth engagement in climate action,
- green-campus campaigns,
- environmental volunteering and community outreach.
These collaborations enhance public awareness, promote climate-adaptive behaviors, and position the university as an active societal partner in advancing the SDG 13 agenda.
Community-Focused Climate Education and Awareness Programs
In addition to research and disaster-planning efforts, the university delivers wide-reaching community education initiatives, including:
- EU-(T)RADE climate and green-transition modules,
- climate literacy workshops for high school students,
- sustainability seminars and public awareness events,
- cooperative programs with municipalities and NGOs,
- exhibitions, student projects, and public campaigns led by SURKAM and IKLIMER,
- annual awareness programs on “Don’t Waste Your Energy – Be Efficient,”
- national-level outreach through academic publications and conferences.
These programs cultivate climate awareness among students, staff, alumni, local residents, and vulnerable groups.
Related Links & Reports
- SURKAM
- İKLİMER
- Environment and Energy Management Office
- Waste Management Office Regulations
- Environment and Energy Management Office - Medical Waste
- Environment and Energy Management Office – Hazardous Waste
- Istanbul Medipol University Corporate Greenhouse Gas Calculation Report 2024
- Zero Waste
- Directive on the Working Procedures and Principles of Climate Ambassadors
- Istanbul Medipol University Strategic Plan
- National Zero Waste Regulation
- National Climate Change Strategy
- SURKAM Activity Report
- Student Clubs
- Sustainability Student Club
- Social Contribution Projects
Water Conservation and Rainwater Harvesting
Istanbul Medipol University implements comprehensive water-efficiency practices in line with its Sustainable Campus Strategy and SDG 13 targets. The Water Efficiency Unit, established under the Rectorate, coordinates awareness programs, technical improvements, and data monitoring to reduce water consumption across all campuses.
As part of the Water Efficiency Campaign, the University disseminates guidelines to students and staff on responsible water use, leakage prevention, and behavioral change. In addition, a model rainwater harvesting system has been installed at designated points on campus to support sustainable water management. In the last two months of 2023, 3,200 liters of rainwater were collected from an 18 m² pilot area, demonstrating the practical benefits of harvesting systems for irrigation, cleaning, and greywater use.
These efforts contribute to the institution’s broader climate adaptation strategy by reducing pressure on freshwater resources, supporting resilience against drought risks, and promoting sustainable practices within the university community.
Organic Waste Recycling
To promote a circular-resource model and reduce organic waste, Istanbul Medipol University conducts a campus-wide composting program. Organic waste generated in selected university units is collected, processed, and transformed into nutrient-rich compost through environmentally friendly methods.
The compost produced is periodically packaged and distributed free of charge to university employees and campus gardens. This practice not only minimizes waste going to landfill but also enhances soil quality, supports plant growth, and raises awareness on the ecological benefits of composting.
To promote a circular-resource model a Through this initiative, the University strengthens its commitment to sustainable resource management, climate action, and community engagement, illustrating how even small-scale interventions can foster meaningful environmental impact.
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- SURKAM
- SURKAM Activity Report
- İKLİMER
- Environment and Energy Management Office
- Environment and Energy Management Office - Medical Waste
- Environment and Energy Management Office – Hazardous Waste
- Zero Waste
- Zero Waste Regulation
- SDG 13 Report
- Istanbul Medipol University Corporate Greenhouse Gas Calculation Report 2024
- Istanbul Medipol University Strategic Plan
- Climate Ambassador Assignment
- Directive on the Working Procedures and Principles of Climate Ambassadors
- Student Clubs
- Sustainability Student Club
- Social Contribution Projects
- Istanbul Medipol University Waste Management Directive
- Waste Management Office Regulations
- Istanbul Medipol University Energy Management Unit Directive
- National Zero Waste Regulation
- National Climate Change Strategy
- Republic of Türkiye Energy Efficiency Strategy
- Council of Higher Education 2024-2028 Strategic Plan