ZERO WASTE POLICY
As Alanya University, we believe that protecting the environment is not only a legal obligation but also a shared responsibility toward future generations. We carry out all our work with a sustainability approach to ensure the conscious use of natural resources, minimize waste generation, and spread a culture of recycling.
In line with the Zero Waste Project launched under the auspices of the Presidency, we view environmentally friendly practices as an inseparable part of our university's education, research, management, and social contribution activities. At the same time, in accordance with the quality assurance approach adopted by the Higher Education Quality Council (YÖKAK), we continuously improve our sustainability efforts and evaluate them as an important component of our institutional culture.
Our inclusion in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, which evaluates international sustainable campus performance, for the past three years demonstrates that our commitment to environmental sustainability is also recognized on an international scale.
Our university is registered in the National Environmental Information System (NEIS) and holds a Zero Waste Certificate. Furthermore, in line with the ISO 9001 Quality Management System and ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System certificates we possess, we manage all our processes with an approach of continuous improvement; we address quality culture together with our environmental sustainability goals.
We have established the necessary infrastructure for the separation of waste at its source at the Neriman Abdurrahman Alaettinoğlu (Main) Campus and the Hamdullah Emin Paşa (HEP) Campus. Thanks to the recycling points created for paper, plastic, glass, metal, electronic waste, and waste batteries, we support recovery and improve our efforts to reduce the amount of waste generated day by day.
Energy efficiency is also an important part of our sustainability approach. We aim to reduce energy consumption and use our resources more efficiently through the centralized air conditioning systems and sensor-controlled lighting used on our campuses.
We regard the strong collaborations we have established with local governments as an important element of environmental management. Within the scope of the work we carry out with the Municipality of Alanya and the District Governor's Office of Alanya, we ensure the more efficient use of vegetable oils through the oil filtration systems used in the training kitchens of our Culinary Arts and Gastronomy and Culinary Arts programs; we deliver waste vegetable oils that have completed their service life to the relevant units of the municipality. Thus, by preventing these wastes from mixing into the sewage system, we contribute to preventing environmental pollution that could reach the Mediterranean Sea via the Dim River and Oba River, which are among the important natural values of Alanya.
We believe that sustainability can only be strengthened through information sharing and awareness. For this reason, we organize trainings and seminars on zero waste, recycling, climate change, and environmental awareness for our students, academic, and administrative staff throughout the year. In these events, both the expert academicians of our university and field experts invited from different institutions and organizations share their knowledge and experiences.
In line with our social contribution mission, information and awareness activities targeting different segments of society are carried out on environmental awareness, sustainable living, zero waste, and the protection of natural resources through science communication activities, particularly the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) Science Cafe events.
As Alanya University, we know that zero waste is not limited only to separating waste. Zero waste means using resources consciously, protecting the environment, developing sustainable living habits, and transferring this culture to future generations. With this understanding, we are determined to continue working for a livable future, fulfilling our environmental responsibility, and developing our sustainable campus practices together with our students, employees, and all stakeholders.
