Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma Amaçları
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- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Carbon footprint assessment and reduction strategies of a university campus in Turkey
Türle, İbrahim; Celen, Pınar
As key institutions and significant energy consumers, universities have a critical responsibility to lead efforts in energy efficiency and renewable energy use to reduce their environmental impact. In this regard, the Gümüşhane University carbon probe has produced the first study that makes it possible to identify the sources of greenhouse gas emissions and provides the opportunity to track, measure, and suggest reduction strategies in the years to come. The carbon footprint of Gümüşhane University from 2017 to 2023 has been calculated and examined in this paper. The IPCC and DEFRA conversion factors served as the foundation for the computations. The results showed that the university's use of natural gas and electricity was responsible for almost all of its carbon emissions. According to the IPCC and DEFRA, the 2017 emissions were 4999.93 and 4667 tCO2e, respectively. Following a move to online instruction in 2020, emissions decreased to 3894 tCO2e under DEFRA and 4365.44 tCO2e under IPCC. However, as campus life resumed its pre-pandemic pace in 2022 and 2023, emissions rose again, surpassing 5252.04 tonnes of CO₂e by 2023 using the IPCC method and 4042 tonnes of CO₂e using the DEFRA method. These results suggest that universities need to focus on their energy consumption patterns in order to reduce their carbon emissions, for example by placing greater emphasis on renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and balanced consumption. The outcomes of this research will act as a guideline not only for Gümüşhane University to help it reach its sustainability goals, but also for other university administrations when formulating effective carbon reduction strategies, and for institutions seeking to measure or benchmark their environmental performance.
- Kitap BölümüYalnız künye2025Sustainable Development, Ecological Footprint, Carbon Footprint, Biomimicry, Permaculture, and Proactive Behavior
Şenel Tekin, Perihan; Bekar, Fevziye
The aim of this book chapter is to lay the concepts of sustainable development, ecological footprint, carbon footprint, permaculture and biomimicry, which are thought to complement one another and serve almost the same purpose, on the basis of proactive behaviors. Sustainable development means balancing ecological, social, and economic dimensions and meeting the needs of the present without consuming the resources of future generations. The ecological footprint is an indicator of sustainable development and involves calculations relevant to the world’s energy consumption, capacity and overall biomass efficiency. A carbon footprint is a type of ecological footprint, while biomimicry involves the emulation of nature to create pathways for crafting innovative designs. The discipline of permaculture derives from permanent culture and agriculture and concerns about creating sustainable living spaces. In this regard, sustainability may be ensured with the inclusion of proactive mindsets as opposed to reactive perspectives to facilitate individual ownership of sustainability within social lifestyles and business environments.