A Strong Step for the Climate

Izmir University of Economics (IUE) has reached the top rankings in Turkey through its projects and international collaborations aimed at mitigating the negative effects of climate change. According to the 2025 University Monitoring and Evaluation General Report released by the Council of Higher Education (YOK), IUE ranked first among foundation universities in Turkey in the ‘Climate Action’ category and 7th overall. Stating that the report references data from the UK-based research organization Times Higher Education (THE), placing the University in the 200–300 range globally, IUE Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Efe Biresselioğlu said, “We will continue our work with an approach that considers the future, protects nature, and takes responsibility on behalf of humanity.”

The shrinking of energy resources due to global warming, significant shifts in climate, and the urgent need for green transformation projects prompted Izmir University of Economics to act. Having established a comprehensive strategic climate action plan, IUE took decisive steps, including the founding of the Sustainable Energy and Climate Policies Research and Application Center (SENLAB) in October 2024.

INVOLVED IN GIANT PROJECTS

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Efe Biresselioğlu, who has participated in 15 international projects, published over 40 articles in prestigious journals, and received the 2020 TUBITAK Incentive Award, was appointed as the director of the center. SENLAB has begun taking active roles in numerous international projects under the Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe programs, with a total budget exceeding 20 million euros. These ongoing projects focus on a climate-neutral future, energy efficiency, and sustainable living spaces.

UNIVERSITY'S CARBON FOOTPRINT MEASURED

IUE also became the first university in the Aegean Region to calculate its carbon footprint. Led by Prof. Dr. Fehmi Görkem Üçtuğ of the Faculty of Engineering, the study analyzed data ranging from campus energy consumption to carbon emissions resulting from student commutes. Using globally recognized corporate greenhouse gas inventory standards, IUE earned the ISO 14064-1 Corporate Greenhouse Gas Inventory Verification Certificate.

INTEGRATED INTO THE CURRICULUM

In line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), topics such as ‘Good Health and Well-being’, ‘Clean Water and Sanitation’, and ‘Affordable and Clean Energy’ have been added to IUE’s curriculum. The University has adopted an educational approach that encourages students to take an active role in the fight against climate change.

THE NEW CAMPUS WILL BE ‘ECO-FRİENDLY’

The IUE Güzelbahçe Campus, currently under construction with the goal of becoming a world-class high-tech educational hub, is scheduled to complete its first phase in July 2026. It will serve as a model for ‘environmental friendliness’, featuring clean energy technologies and buildings with optimized energy performance. On-campus transportation will be provided by electric vehicles, clearly reflecting IUE’s climate vision through a sustainable living approach.

“WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO FUTURE GENERATIONS”

IUE Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Biresselioğlu emphasized that building a future sensitive to the environment and climate is only possible through scientific production, international cooperation, and social responsibility. Stating that the University is active in fields ranging from carbon footprint reduction to sustainable campus practices, Prof. Dr. Biresselioğlu said, “We have a responsibility to leave a livable, healthy, and balanced world for future generations. In this regard, universities must be centers that transform society, guide people, and produce solutions.”

“CLIMATE CHANGE IS A MULTIDIMENSIONAL CRISIS”

Pointing out that climate work is no longer a choice but a necessity, Prof. Dr. Biresselioğlu stated the following: “In every step we take, we believe in the guidance of science and the transformative effect of collective intelligence. The leadership of universities in climate action is vital for a fair and livable world. It must not be forgotten that climate change is a multidimensional crisis with economic, social, and human dimensions. As a University, we shape our scientific research, educational activities, and international collaborations around climate action.  Our success in the YOK report is a concrete indicator of the critical role universities play for society.”