Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN) hosted another scientific event within the scope of “Science Cafe” meetings. The event titled “Energy Efficiency: Environment, Economy, and Behaviour” organized by BEUN Science Communication Office was held at Gökçebey district of Zonguldak.
The Rector of Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, Director of Çaycuma Vocational School of Food and Agriculture Asst. Prof. Dr. Deniz Karaelmas, Director of Çaycuma Vocational School Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Zor, Director of Gökçebey Mithat-Mehmet Çanakcı Vocational School Assoc. Prof. Erdal Kaya, Chairperson of the Gökçebey Mithat-Mehmet Çanakcı Vocational School Strengthening and Development Association Sevgi Kurtoğlu, district dignitaries, academics and many citizens attended the program held at Gökçebey Municipality Cultural Center.
The program was moderated by Asst. Prof. Dr. Melek Toparlak Şahin, and faculty member of Department of Environmental Engineering at BEUN Faculty of Engineering Prof. Dr. Yılmaz Yıldırım, faculty member of Department of Economics at BEUN Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences Prof. Dr. Arzu Bayramoğlu, faculty member of Department of Environmental Engineering at BEUN Faculty of Engineering Asst. Prof. Dr. Elif Öztekin and faculty member of Teoman Duralı Faculty Member of Humanities and Social Sciences Research Asst. Dr. Evrim Yılmaz Polat served as speakers.
Environmental, Economic, and Social Dimensions of Energy Efficiency Discussed
Within the scope of Energy Efficiency Week (5–11 January), the event addressed the efficient use of energy resources, environmental sustainability, and the impact of individual behaviors on energy consumption from a multidimensional perspective.
In her opening remarks, the program moderator Asst. Prof. Dr. Melek Toparlak Şahin stated that the Science Café meetings aim to strengthen interaction between the university and society, and she thanked BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer for his support of such events. Dr. Şahin also expressed her gratitude to Gökçebey Municipality for hosting the event, emphasizing that contributing to the creation of an environment for scientific sharing in this meaningful venue that brings the university together with the people of Gökçebey is highly valuable.
Prof. Dr. Yılmaz Yıldırım stated that, in line with energy efficiency targets, the circular economy model reduces resource use in production and consumption processes, minimizes waste generation, and consequently lowers energy demand. Emphasizing that the circular economy approach reduces energy intensity through reuse, recycling, and efficient production mechanisms, Yıldırım highlighted that energy efficiency improves air quality by reducing fossil fuel use, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigates environmental pressures.
Prof. Dr. Arzu Bayramoğlu evaluated energy efficiency not as a cost factor but as a strategic investment that provides savings and efficiency in the long term. Bayramoğlu noted that energy efficiency reduces production costs, enhances competitiveness, and contributes to economic sustainability, adding that Türkiye has national strategies, incentives, and legal regulations aimed at increasing energy efficiency, and that the widespread implementation of these policies is of great importance.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Elif Öztekin associated the growing importance of sustainability with the depletion of natural resources, the increase in environmental problems, and the necessity of preserving the quality of life for future generations. She emphasized that evaluating Zonguldak’s ecotourism potential in line with sustainability and energy efficiency principles is significant for regional development.
Research Assistant Dr. Evrim Yılmaz Polat emphasized that individuals’ orientation toward energy conservation is influenced not only by economic factors but also by environmental awareness, social responsibility, and value systems. Polat stated that digitalization and artificial intelligence applications make energy consumption more traceable and manageable, highlighting the potential of these technologies to increase efficiency.
High Interest from the People of Gökçebey
At the end of the program, questions of the citizens were answered by expert academics. Particularly within the scope of household economy, emphasis was placed on issues such as points to consider in household electricity consumption, the use of energy-efficient appliances, conscious consumption habits, and the environmental and economic contributions of separating plastic waste at the source.
Rector Özölçer: “We Value Bringing Science Together with Society”
At the end of the program, BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer stated that the university considers sharing its scientific knowledge with all segments of society as a fundamental responsibility and made the following remarks:
“Through our Science Café events, we aim to carry the scientific knowledge produced at our university beyond campus boundaries and contribute to everyday life. Addressing issues such as energy efficiency, which have environmental, economic, and social dimensions, through direct interaction with our citizens is extremely valuable for us.”
Rector Özölçer thanked President of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar for his support of efforts to strengthen science communication, noting that such events will further enhance university–society interaction.
At the end of the program, Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer presented certificates of appreciation to the speakers. The program concluded with a group photo taken after the certificate presentation ceremony.
