Özyeğin University has intensified efforts to reduce single-use plastics on campus. In 2024, for example, all single-use plastic and paper cups were eliminated from campus kitchens, replaced by reusable alternatives. Dual waste bins (separating recyclables from general waste) have been installed in classrooms, offices and outdoor areas to improve on-site waste sorting. These measures built on ÖzU’s Plan for Plastics and the Zero Waste certification, reaffirming its commitment (first certified in 2020) to resource efficiency and waste reduction. The following are some concrete actions taken as part of this plan:

• Carboys have been reduced in cafeterias, and purified drinking water dispensers are promoted as alternatives.
• The use of paper towels has been encouraged over disposable options.
• The use of plastic cups was already restricted; now all plastic and paper cups have been removed from kitchens in favor of glass or reusable cups.
• Dual waste bins for recycling and general trash have replaced single bins across campus, enhancing segregation of recyclables.

These initiatives support the Sustainable Development Goals by cutting plastic consumption and ensuring that all plastic waste is recycled or properly managed. They also involve awareness campaigns to encourage behavior change among students and staff, helping to move the entire campus towards a plastic-free culture.

ISO 14001 Environmental Management System Certificate

Özyeğin University was the first university in Turkey to receive ISO 14001 Environmental Management certification (awarded in 2014 by BSI), and it maintains this through annual audits and continuous improvement. Under this system, the university conducts regular environmental impact analyses and focuses on reducing the consumption of natural resources. In recent years (up to 2024), the certified management framework has been expanded to include multiple related ISO standards: the campus operations are also covered by ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety), ISO 50001 (Energy Management) and ISO 46001 (Water Efficiency). This integrated approach ensures that energy, water and safety are all managed systematically for sustainability. For instance, ÖzU has published an Energy and Water Resources Usage Guide that explains environmental considerations for campus facilities.

Importantly, the university now tracks and reports its environmental footprints on an annual basis. ISO 14046-compliant Institutional Water Footprint Inventory Reports have been published for 2023 and 2024, providing transparent data on campus water use. Likewise, the University’s Corporate Carbon Footprint Report for 2024 was released, detailing annual greenhouse gas emissions. These footprint reports help guide further reductions in resource use and greenhouse gases. In summary, as of 2024 ÖzU’s environmental management is characterized by a multi-ISO certification system (ISO 14001/45001/50001/46001) and ongoing measurement of carbon and water footprints.

Waste Management Policy

Özyeğin University has embraced a zero-waste approach in its waste policy: it strives to minimize waste at the source and to reuse or recycle nearly all remaining waste, in order to prevent pollution. In practice, the university has established procedures to sort all waste streams from academic and administrative activities. For 2024, ÖzU reaffirmed its zero-waste commitment by successfully passing the annual inspection for the Zero Waste Certificate, demonstrating that its waste management system continues to meet the Ministry’s standards. The latest Strategic Plan (2024–20) now includes measurable targets to reduce waste per person and increase recycling rates. In other words, the university is setting concrete goals to track year-by-year improvements in waste reduction.

Awareness and training are key parts of the policy. The University runs regular campaigns (e.g. during European Waste Reduction Week 2024) to educate students, staff and on-campus contractors about proper waste sorting and reduction. According to OzU’s environmental report, these activities “ensure that students, faculty and staff are active participants in sustainable waste practices. All campus members – including subcontractors and suppliers – are informed about the waste policy and encouraged to assume their share of responsibility.

Hazardous wastes (from labs or building projects) are separately collected and securely disposed of without harming health or the environment. In all facilities, organic/landscape waste is composted, recyclables (paper, plastic, metal, glass, electronics, etc.) are sent to appropriate recycling streams, and any remaining non-recyclable trash is handled by licensed disposal services. In sum, ÖzU’s 2024 developments in waste management reinforce its Zero Waste Certificate status: by integrating strict source reduction (including plastic elimination), clear targets, and ongoing community engagement, the university continues to set high standards for campus sustainability.