IUE’s ‘carbon footprint’ calculated

Izmir University of Economics (IUE) has taken another exemplary step in sustainability and environmental contribution by becoming the first university in the Aegean Region to calculate its carbon footprint. IUE earned the right to receive the ISO 14064-1 Corporate Greenhouse Gas Inventory Verification Certificate at the end of a study that analyzed many data points; from energy consumption on campus to the carbon emissions generated by students commuting to and from the University. IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu said, “We will continue with determination on our path to becoming a University that produces environmentally sensitive and sustainable solutions.”

All the study carried out at Izmir University of Economics to measure its carbon footprint was led by Prof. Dr. Fehmi Görkem Üçtuğ, faculty member at the Faculty of Engineering. Internationally recognized corporate greenhouse gas inventory calculation standards were used during the measurements.

ALL DETAILS CONSIDERED

Data such as fuel consumption at the University, refrigerant and fire extinguisher gas inventory, all business trips of staff, the University’s annual purchases, and waste declarations were decisive factors in calculating the carbon footprint.

“WE MUST DO OUR PART”

Emphasizing that they had carried out a very important study to raise environmental awareness, IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu said, “As a University, we are not only an institution that transfers knowledge, but also one that instills a vision of life in young people. For us, it is very valuable that our students see and experience a critical issue such as sustainability at the University where they study. The global population is increasing, while resources are decreasing. We are feeling the effects of global warming more and more in our daily lives. To ensure a more livable world and a healthy future, we must protect our environment. If everyone does their part, the carbon footprint can be reduced, and we can take concrete steps toward a more sustainable future. The studies our University is conducting to minimize its carbon footprint and our sustainability projects will continue to grow, especially at our new Guzelbahçe campus, which is currently under construction.”

“AN INSPIRING STUDY”

Prof. Dr. Fehmi Görkem Üçtuğ, Faculty Member at IUEs Faculty of Engineering, said, “Considering that we are the first and only university in the Aegean to calculate its carbon footprint, I can say that we have carried out an inspiring study. While conducting this study, we also drew inspiration from the Izmir Chamber of Commerce (IZTO). Because last year, IZTO carried out a similar study and became the first chamber of commerce in Turkey to officially receive verification. We are pleased to have completed a similar project at our University as well.”

MADE 3 RECOMMENDATIONS

Prof. Dr. Üçtuğ also offered three simple recommendations that staff and students can easily follow to help reduce the carbon footprint. He said, “First, let’s turn off unused lights and computers, and avoid leaving our phones charging all day. Second, let’s be mindful of water use. And third, let’s give importance to waste recycling and properly dispose of all waste. If these three practices become widespread across all institutions in our country, they will provide significant benefits both financially and environmentally.”