Sustainable Energy and Green Campus Practices at Yıldız Technical University
Energy demand, which is increasing in proportion to the world’s population, is still largely met by fossil fuels. However, environmental pollution caused by the use of fossil resources and the near depletion of fossil resources have led to the search for new and clean energy sources. Our university supports this philosophy, which the entire world is embracing, with its academic and administrative efforts.
As part of ongoing studies, building designs in our university buildings have been designed to minimize energy consumption. Wherever necessary, energy-efficient appliances are used. Energy consumption is monitored throughout the campus, and during renovations and maintenance, electronic devices are replaced with newer, lower-energy-consuming equipment. A prime example of this is the buildings’ natural lighting windows, designed to maximize daylight. LED lighting is being used throughout the campus for use during dark hours. Furthermore, many buildings minimize energy consumption with smart systems such as automatic doors and automated lighting systems.A similar situation applies to ventilation systems. Building designs allow for healthy airflow, but where natural heat control and ventilation are insufficient, highly energy-efficient air conditioning systems with inverter technology are used. Care is taken to ensure that devices such as refrigerators used in laboratories and faculty kitchens are energy-efficient, holding a Class A certification. Computers and printers, some of the most frequently used electronic devices on campus, also hold the Energy-Star certification, an energy-saving standard that indicates the product consumes 20-30% less energy than intended.Another crucial aspect of minimizing energy consumption and ensuring building security is smart building applications. All buildings and grounds on our campus are monitored by cameras. This allows for immediate response to issues such as theft and fire. Fire alarms and directional signs designed in accordance with Occupational Health and Safety standards in all buildings ensure evacuations with minimal damage in the event of a disaster. Meters that monitor electricity consumption in real time, and circuit breakers that prevent power leaks and automatically disable them in the event of a power outage, are two key elements of our campus’s electrical infrastructure.
In line with Yıldız Technical University’s sustainability goals, the “Davutpaşa Campus Solar Panel Project,” which aims to reduce the environmental impact of energy consumption and promote the use of renewable energy, has been initiated. As part of the project, solar energy systems have been installed and activated throughout the campus. With this initiative, a significant portion of the electricity consumed on campus is intended to be supplied through solar panels, utilizing clean and renewable energy sources.
