The National Workshop on UI GreenMetric for Universities in Türkiye, a prestigious event proudly hosted by Hasan Kalyoncu University, unfolded its enlightening chapters on October 5-6, 2023. Dr. Ruki Harwahyu, S.T., M.T., M.Si., an esteemed Expert Member of UI GreenMetric hailing from Indonesia, participated in the occasion with a compelling in-person presentation.

Speakers’ Group Photo

To set the tone for the participants' arrival, Prof. Türkay Dereli, the esteemed Rector of Hasan Kalyoncu University, opened the proceedings with welcoming remarks, complemented by the valuable insights of Dr. Ruki Harwahyu, the Expert Member of UI GreenMetric.

Prof. Türkay Dereli (left) and Dr. Ruki Harwahyu (right)

The workshop, divided into four sessions, began with Session 1, where Dr. Ruki Harwahyu led the way. He provided a comprehensive introduction to UI GreenMetric, covering its vision, mission, and ranking criteria, and concluded with a tutorial on how universities can submit their data.

Dr. Ruki Harwahyu

The presentation then passed to Prof. Dr. Yılmaz Yıldırım, the UI GreenMetric National Coordinator for Türkiye, who explained comprehensively about the current state of UI GreenMetric's national network in Türkiye.

Before the onward to subsequent sessions, the workshop witnessed the signing of the declaration form, marking the official inclusion of two new members into the UI GreenMetric member: Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University and Batman University.

Signing the Declaration Form

Session 2, titled "Good Practices in Türkiye in UI GreenMetric Studies," unfolded with presentations from various universities, as follows:

• Assoc. Dr. Börte Köse MUTLU, Sustainability Office Coordinator of Istanbul Technical University (Sustainability Studies in Universities: The Example of Istanbul Technical University)
• Melike YAZMAN, Sustainability Coordination Office Representative of Erciyes University (Erciyes University Sustainability Activities)
• Fatma Zehra Şükür, Environmental Engineer of Yıldız Technical University (The Role of Universities in the Climate Action Vertical and YTU Practices)

The workshop proceeded to Session 3, retaining the same theme from the previous session, which presented several speakers as follows:

• Dr. Sıdıka Tuğçe DAĞLIOĞLU, UI GreenMetric Campus Coordination Representative of Ege University (Ege University UI Greenmetric Studies)
• Assoc. Dr. Hatice Eser ÖKTEN, International Relations Office Manager of Izmir High Technology University (UI GreenMetric Journey of Izmir High Technology University)
• Prof. Dr. F. Duygu Özel Demiralp, Foreign Affairs Coordinator of Dokuz Eylül University (Dokuz Eylül University Sustainability Studies)

The grand finale unfolded in Session 4, a thematic exploration around three of the six UI GreenMetric criteria. The stage hosted various speakers as follows:

• Dr. Lecturer Member Şafak HENGİRMEN TERCAN, Environmental Asst. Eng. Erkan BAŞARAN, UI GreenMetric Campus Coordinator of Hasan Kalyoncu University (Is it Possible to Become a Zero Carbon Campus in Energy?)
• Prof. Dr. Zeynep ZAİMOĞLU Faculty of Environmental Engineering Department of Environmental Engineering of Cukurova University (Biodiversity, Planting and Water Management on Campuses)
• Dr. Lecturer Member Derya ÖZÇALIŞKAN, Quality Development Coordinator of Gaziantep University (Gaziantep University Waste Management Applications)

As the workshop drew to a close, Prof. Türkay Dereli shared his closing remarks, and Prof. Dr. Ir. Riri Fitri Sari addressed the participants virtually. The day's highlight included a visit to the campus solar power plant, featuring an impressive 2.3 MW installed power capacity, followed by a Gala Dinner. During the dinner, Ege University proudly announced its role as the host for the upcoming UI GreenMetric National Workshop in Türkiye, marking an exciting conclusion to the event.

The workshop, filled with enthusiasm and curiosity, not only showcased the knowledge of the speakers but also highlighted the unwavering commitment of the participants to the shared goal of building sustainable universities for the global community. From this intellectual gathering, a sincere hope arises—that the involvement and network of Turkish universities in the esteemed UI GreenMetric Rankings will grow and thrive, nurturing a legacy of sustainable academic excellence.