MALTEPE UNIVERSITY
SUSTAINABILITY OFFICE DIRECTIVE
SECTION ONE
Purpose, Scope, Mission, Vision, and Definitions
Purpose and Scope
ARTICLE 1 – (1) This directive has been prepared to establish, define the duties, management, and relationship of the Sustainability Office within higher education institutions in the context of combating climate change, and to set forth the principles, procedures, and evaluation criteria for the monitoring and assessment of the Sustainability Office.
Mission and Vision
ARTICLE 2 – (1) Our mission is to integrate sustainability as a fundamental principle into the governance structures, research activities, and educational frameworks of Maltepe University, through the Maltepe University Sustainability Office established under the Rectorate of Maltepe University.
(2) Our vision is to create a model of sustainability that serves locally and globally, fostering a sense of responsibility across all units of Maltepe University by integrating sustainability values.
Definitions
ARTICLE 3 – (1) In this directive:
- Advisory Board: Refers to the Advisory Board of the Sustainability Office,
- Coordinator: Refers to the Coordinator of the Maltepe University Sustainability Office,
- Office: Refers to the Maltepe University Sustainability Office,
- Rectorate: Refers to the Rectorate of Maltepe University,
- Senate: Refers to the Senate of Maltepe University,
- University: Refers to Maltepe University.
SECTION TWO
Objectives and Areas of Activity of the Sustainability Office
Objectives of the Sustainability Office
ARTICLE 4 – (1) To raise awareness of environmental, economic, and social sustainability among the university's academic and administrative staff, students, and the general public, and to engage in activities that support the adoption and implementation of a sustainability mindset.
(2) To promote the development and practical application of sustainability as a science, leveraging the existing knowledge and experience at the university to foster technology development, production, and services that contribute to Turkey’s scientific, technological, and cultural infrastructure.
(3) In line with relevant legislation, to provide education, open certification programs, offer consultancy services, and develop R&D projects on sustainability topics for public institutions, organizations, private sector stakeholders, and students.
(4) To carry out social responsibility projects related to sustainability within the scope of the university's resources, vision, strategies, and objectives.
(5) To participate in national and international sustainability projects, strengthen partnerships with related organizations, and make recommendations to decision-makers on the subject.
(6) To coordinate energy-focused sustainability activities within the university by actively monitoring the University Energy Management Unit Directive.
Activity Areas of the Sustainability Office
ARTICLE 5 – (1) To organize, conduct, and support short-term and/or long-term educational activities on sustainability, both nationally and internationally, with the input of experts, to support existing educational programs, and to establish and maintain certification programs.
(2) To support sustainability-related projects and inter-organizational coordination, facilitating knowledge and experience sharing among institutions, organizations, groups, and individuals involved in sustainability.
(3) To support the systematic organization of internal operations through sustainability reports and similar outputs.
(4) To assist in the development of new sustainability-related projects.
(5) To promote awareness of sustainability within and outside the university.
(6) To collaborate with the University Environmental and Energy Technologies Application and Research Center on joint projects.
(7) To coordinate with Rectorate units to design, build, and operate a campus environment that minimizes ecological footprint.
(8) To facilitate coordination for participation in national/international projects related to sustainability, climate change, energy, and similar topics.
(9) To integrate sustainability goals into educational and research activities.
(10) To incorporate environmental management into daily operations by reducing energy consumption and related carbon emissions, minimizing water usage, implementing waste reduction strategies, and ensuring high recycling rates, thus coordinating sustainable campus efforts with relevant units.
(11) To preserve and enhance the biodiversity of the university’s land.
(12) To coordinate with other research and application centers within the university to produce joint projects that raise awareness on sustainability issues.
SECTION THREE
Management Bodies of the Sustainability Office, Coordinator, and
Responsibilities of the Advisory Board
Management Bodies of the Sustainability Office
ARTICLE 6 – (1) The Coordinator, who must be a faculty member with expertise or experience in sustainability areas such as environment, energy, or climate change, is appointed by the Rector for a two-year term. The term may be renewed.
(2) In the absence of the Coordinator, one of the Advisory Board members is appointed as a deputy.
(3) In the event of resignation or absence of the Coordinator for more than six months, a new Coordinator is appointed through the same process.
(4) The Advisory Board consists of faculty members experienced in sustainability, recommended by the Coordinator and approved by the Rector.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Coordinator
ARTICLE 7 – (1) To represent the Sustainability Office.
(2) To ensure the regular functioning and development of the office's activities.
(3) To facilitate coordination between the Rectorate and relevant units within the university regarding sustainability activities.
(4) To coordinate projects and activities to align with the university’s Strategic Plan and sustainability objectives.
(5) The Coordinator is directly responsible to the Rector for coordinating and publicizing the university’s sustainability-related educational, research, and community outreach activities on appropriate platforms.
Responsibilities of the Advisory Board
ARTICLE 8 – (1) The primary duties of the Advisory Board are to provide scientific and administrative knowledge and experience to the Office and to make recommendations on activities.
(2) To evaluate scientific and administrative activity plans and make recommendations to the Senate.
(3) To prepare annual activity reports and submit them to the Senate.
SECTION FOUR
Miscellaneous and Final Provisions
Cases Not Covered by the Directive
ARTICLE 9 – (1) In cases not covered by this directive, the provisions of relevant legislation and Senate decisions apply.
Effective Date
ARTICLE 10 – (1) This directive becomes effective upon its approval by the Maltepe University Senate.
Execution
ARTICLE 11 – (1) This directive is executed by the Rector of Maltepe University.
DATE OF SENATE APPROVAL
Date Meeting Number/Decision Number