Smart and Energy-Efficient Buildings

Energy efficiency is one of the main pillars of Dokuz Eylül University’s sustainability strategy. The university continuously improves the performance of its buildings through smart technologies, energy-efficient equipment, and sustainable facility management. New investments and renovation projects prioritize reducing energy consumption while providing safe, comfortable, and productive learning and working environments.

Today, 17 university buildings, representing a total indoor area of approximately 236,000 m², operate with integrated smart building technologies. These buildings include academic units, research laboratories, technology development zones, healthcare facilities, libraries, sports facilities, and cultural buildings. Building Management Systems (BMS) continuously monitor and control lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, indoor environmental quality, water systems, and safety infrastructure, enabling efficient building operation throughout the year.

Beyond automation, the university applies numerous energy-saving practices across its campuses. Most buildings maximize the use of natural daylight through wide glass façades and large windows, reducing the need for artificial lighting during daytime. LED lighting systems have gradually replaced conventional fixtures, while motion sensors automatically control lighting in common areas. High-efficiency HVAC equipment, Energy Star certified computers, and continuous preventive maintenance further improve building performance and reduce energy demand.

Continuous modernization allows Dokuz Eylül University to increase operational efficiency without compromising user comfort. Through smart technologies and efficient infrastructure, campus buildings support sustainable education, research, healthcare, and administrative services while reducing environmental impacts.

Renewable Energy

Dokuz Eylül University has made significant investments in renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen energy security. Renewable energy systems are continuously expanded across campuses, making clean energy one of the university’s strongest sustainability achievements.

The university currently operates photovoltaic systems on seven campuses, including Central Campus, Dokuzçeşmeler Campus, 15 Temmuz Health Campus, Faculty of Education, Institute of Marine Sciences and Technology, and Torbalı Vocational School. During the 2025–2026 reporting period, these solar power systems generated 24.110.405 kWh of electricity. Together with geothermal energy production, total renewable energy generation reached approximately 26.05 million kWh, supplying nearly 51% of the university’s annual energy demand.

Key Renewable Energy Indicators

Solar PV Installed Capacity                          :              15.2 MW

Campuses with Solar PV                               :               7

Annual Solar Electricity Generation          :             24.110.405 kWh

Geothermal Energy Production                :             1.943.670 kWh

Total Renewable Energy Production       :            26,05 million kWh

Share of Renewable Energy                       :             51%

Solar energy forms the backbone of the university’s renewable energy portfolio. Large rooftop photovoltaic systems have been installed on academic buildings, healthcare facilities, and research centers, allowing campuses to produce a significant portion of their own electricity while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

In addition to solar power, geothermal heat exchangers provide renewable heating and cooling at the 15 Temmuz Health Campus, while a small-scale wind turbine located at the Science and Technology Research and Application Center contributes renewable electricity production. These complementary technologies diversify the university’s clean energy portfolio and demonstrate its comitment to innovative energy solutions.

The university also supports circular economy principles through the recovery of waste vegetable oil generated in cafeterias and dining halls. During the reporting period, 5,125 kg of waste vegetable oil was collected and transferred to a licensed recycling company for biodiesel production. Although the biodiesel is not consumed on campus, this practice contributes to resource recovery and renewable fuel production.

By continuously expanding renewable energy systems and improving energy efficiency, Dokuz Eylül University is steadily moving toward a low-carbon campus while supporting national energy transition goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Climate Action and Energy Management

Dokuz Eylül University is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through renewable energy investments, energy efficiency measures, and continuous monitoring of campus energy performance. Climate action is integrated into daily campus operations and supported by both technological solutions and community engagement.

During the 2025–2026 reporting period, the university consumed 27.18 million kWh of electricity while producing approximately 26.05 million kWh of renewable energy. As a result, renewable sources supplied approximately 51% of the university’s annual energy demand. The university’s annual carbon footprint was calculated as approximately 12,052 metric tons of CO₂, based on electricity consumption and campus transportation activities. Regular carbon footprint assessments enable the university to monitor emission trends, evaluate the effectiveness of climate actions, and identify new opportunities for further emission reductions.

Energy performance is continuously monitored through the Energy Efficiency Portal (ENVER), where Building Energy Managers record annual energy consumption data for campus buildings. This digital monitoring system enables the university to evaluate energy performance, identify improvement opportunities, and support evidence-based decision-making in accordance with national energy efficiency regulations.

To further reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the university applies practical energy-saving measures across all campuses. Indoor temperatures are maintained at 21°C during the heating season and 25°C during the cooling season, while regular maintenance of heating, cooling, ventilation, and insulation systems helps improve operational efficiency and reduce unnecessary energy consumption.

Climate action is also promoted through education and community engagement. Every year, Dokuz Eylül University organizes Environmental Days, sustainability seminars, workshops, and student-led awareness activities that encourage responsible environmental behavior. In addition, the university protects more than 3.1 million m² of forested areas and regularly carries out tree planting activities that contribute to carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.