Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN) demonstrated its leading efforts in the field of sustainability and environmenal awareness on the international level once again. BEUN academics participated in the Zero Waste Festival, held at Atatürk Airport bringing high-level participants from various countries together, and closely followed developments in the field of environment, climate change, and sustainable development.
At the festival, Associate Prof. Dr. Deniz Karaelmas, Director of the Environmental Problems Application and Research Center; Associate Prof. Dr. Mustafa Zor, Director of Çaycuma Vocational School; and Asst. Prof. Dr. Sefa Kocabaş, academic staff member of the Department of Environmental Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, represented BEUN.
The World Environmental Agenda Met in Istanbul
The festival, held between 4–7 June at Atatürk Airport, was attended by First Lady Emine Erdoğan, Chair of the High-Level Advisory Board on Zero Waste and Honorary President of the Zero Waste Foundation; Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation; Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum; Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Osman Aşkın Bak; Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Dr. Alparslan Bayraktar; Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır; Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy; Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu; Minister of National Education Prof. Dr. Yusuf Tekin; Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı; Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş; members of the United Nations Zero Waste Advisory Board; ministers from many countries; academics; and invited guests.
Within the scope of the festival, sessions addressed environmental issues, climate change mitigation, circular economy, sustainable development, and zero-waste practices in a multidimensional manner.
Erdoğan: “Zero Waste Is Much More Than an Environmental Movement”
Speaking at the festival, Emine Erdoğan, Honorary President of the Zero Waste Foundation, emphasized that the zero waste approach is not only a project aimed at protecting the environment, but also a global responsibility concept that safeguards humanity’s shared future.
Emine Erdoğan stated, “The ‘use-and-throw-away, forget-and-dispose, don’t-think-and-consume’ mindset is consuming not only natural resources but also humanity’s conscience. While billions of tons of food are wasted every year in the world, millions of people cannot access basic needs. The zero waste approach is the key to both environmental and social justice.”
Zero Waste Awareness from Children to Young People
Throughout the festival, children, young people, and families took part in various activities aimed at increasing environmental awareness. Especially through theater performances, puppet shows, and educational programs designed for children, recycling, environmental cleanliness, and a sustainable lifestyle culture were conveyed in an engaging and entertaining way. Participants expressed a shared view that zero waste practices should become an integral part of daily life.
Rector Özölçer: “Our University Continues to Contribute to Türkiye’s Sustainable Future”
Making evaluations regarding the participation of academics in the festival, Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer stated that every work carried out in the field of environment and sustainability is one of the most valuable legacies left for the future, and expressed the following remarks:
“I sincerely congratulate our esteemed academics who represented our university at the Zero Waste Festival, and I would like to thank them for their sensitivity and contributions. I firmly believe that the knowledge, experience, and collaborations gained in such important international organizations will make significant contributions to new projects to be carried out at our University in the fields of environment, sustainability, and climate change.
I extend my gratitude to our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has put forward a great vision for raising environmental awareness across all segments of society, and to the First Lady, Mrs. Emine Erdoğan, who pioneered the Zero Waste Movement becoming a worldwide exemplary success story. I also thank all our Ministers who contributed to the program and carried out important work for the development of environmental policies.
As Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, we continue to be an institution that not only supports environmentally friendly practices in line with sustainable development goals but also implements them. With this understanding, we are proud to have been re-elected as the GreenMetric Turkey National Coordination Office as of 2025. Our University will continue to steadily contribute to our country in expanding environmentally friendly campus practices and strengthening a culture of sustainable living.”
BEUN Sets an Example with Eco-Friendly Campus Practices
BEUN, which draws attention with its projects in the field of environment and sustainability, has become one of the universities in Türkiye that stands out thanks to its investments in recent years.
In addition to zero waste practices carried out within the university and plastic waste collection campaigns, the solar power plant installed on the roof of the Farabi Campus Dining Hall building prevents emissions equivalent to the carbon absorption of approximately 641 trees annually. Meanwhile, the 2,200 square meter green roof project implemented on the Faculty of Engineering building provides a significant environmental contribution in the fight against climate change. A total of nine electric vehicle charging stations established across the Farabi, 15 Temmuz Şehitler, and Ibn Sina campuses also support the promotion of sustainable transportation culture.
BEUN’s Strong Contribution to a Sustainable Future
The Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, which is recognized on national and international platforms for its environmental awareness, zero waste practices, and sustainable campus initiatives, continues to contribute to Türkiye’s green transformation goals through its projects and scientific studies.
BEUN academics who took part in the Zero Waste Festival also held important discussions to develop an environmentally friendly future vision and establish new collaborations, demonstrating the university’s strong representation in the field of sustainability.
