Comprehensive overview of Yıldız Technical University's sustainability activities, SDG contributions, and campus impact metrics for the 2024 academic year.
Executive Summary
The 2024 Sustainability & Impact Report presents a comprehensive overview of Yıldız Technical University's sustainability performance across all 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This year marks a significant milestone with over 1,400 tracked activities — a 43% increase from 2023.
Key Achievements
- 1,400+ activities tracked and mapped to SDGs across both campuses
- 1.2 MWp solar capacity — more than doubling our renewable energy generation
- 45% recycling rate improvement through smart waste management systems
- 320 Erasmus+ students participating in international mobility programmes
- Gold-level Zero Waste Certificate awarded for Davutpaşa Campus
- 28 women entrepreneurs supported through TeknoYıldız programme
Environmental Performance
Our environmental programme achieved substantial progress in 2024. The solar power plant expansion at Davutpaşa Campus increased our capacity from 500 kWp to 1.2 MWp, preventing approximately 800 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. Smart building management systems were deployed across 18 major buildings, achieving 22% energy savings.
The campus-wide recycling programme, supported by 12 IoT-enabled smart waste stations, achieved a 45% improvement in recycling rates while reducing contamination from 28% to 8%.
Social Impact
The university expanded its Mental Health & Wellbeing Centre, adding 5 new psychologists and launching a 24/7 crisis hotline. In the first quarter, the centre served 2,400 students — a 180% increase from the previous year. The Accessible Campus Navigation App, developed by Computer Engineering students, was downloaded by 3,200 users within its first month.
Research & Education
28 dedicated sustainability courses were offered across 11 faculties, with 142 sustainability-related research papers published. Research funding for sustainability projects totalled €3.2 million, supporting 5 interdisciplinary research clusters.
Looking Ahead
For 2025, YTU targets 2.0 MWp solar capacity, campus carbon neutrality roadmap implementation, full fleet electrification of campus shuttles, and expansion of the biodiversity monitoring programme to include the Beşiktaş campus.