Sustainability

6 Education and Research (ED)

6.1 Number of Courses/Subjects Related to Sustainability Offered

Example of Courses/Subjects Related to Sustainability (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)

Above is a list of all sustainability courses offered by the university that have been aligned with the SDGs. Total number of ongoing courses integrating sustainability: 4355.

6.2 Total Number of Courses/Subjects Offered

Example of Total Courses Offered in Istanbul Okan University 2022-2026

Total number of courses offered in 2025-2026 = 6536

6.3 Total number of study program related to sustainability offered

Examples of study program related to sustainability offered in Istanbul Okan University

Above is a list of the total number of study program related to sustainability. The total number of study program: 210

6.4 The ratio of sustainability courses to total courses/subjects

The ratio of sustainability courses to total courses/subjects in Istanbul Okan University

Of the 6536 courses opened in the 2025-2026 period, 4355 courses were directly related to sustainability issues, 3808 courses were related to environmental, 2045 courses were related to social, and 52 courses were related to economic sustainability issues (66.630%).

6.8 Number of lecturers and researchers on campus in one year period

Total Number of teaching staff 2023-2024: 1061
Total Number of teaching staff 2024-2025: 1118

6.9 Number of scholarly publications on sustainability in one year period

Scholarly publications on sustainability (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)

Scholarly publications on sustainability (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)

Scholarly publications on sustainability (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)

• Araştırmada OKAN
• SCOPUS
• SCHOLAR

6.11 Number of Events Related to Sustainability (ED.4)

Examples of Events Related to Sustainability (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)

During the 2025–2026 academic year, Istanbul Okan University organized and hosted more than 72 environmental sustainability-related events to promote environmental awareness, responsible behavior, and sustainable development across the university community.

These events addressed a wide range of environmental topics, including campus and coastal clean-up activities, waste reduction and recycling awareness, biodiversity conservation, animal welfare, marine ecosystem protection, sustainable agriculture, climate awareness, and environmental education. Through practical and community-oriented activities, participants strengthened their understanding of environmental responsibility while contributing directly to local sustainability initiatives.

The events supported the University's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). These activities demonstrate the University's continuous efforts to integrate sustainability into campus life and foster environmental stewardship through experiential learning.

6.12 Number of activities organized by student organizations related to sustainability per year (ED.5)

Examples of Events Related to Sustainability (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)

Examples of Events Related to Sustainability (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)

Examples of environment and sustainability-related events hosted or organized by the University and organized by student clubs during the 2025–2026 academic year.
Total number of sustainability related events in 2025-2026: 339

6.13 Number of cultural activities on campus (e.g.Cultural Festival) (ED.6)

SDG12: This event on food and beverage culture emphasizes sustainable consumption habits.	SDG 16: Historical awareness is related to this goal, as it emphasizes national values and peace.
SDG4: The transmission of professional culture is a valuable example, especially in terms of aviation training.	SDG5: The academic event on the role of women in visual and auditory culture supports gender equality.
SDG 12: This event highlights sustainable practices in traditional Anatolian cuisine, encouraging responsible food production and consumption.	SDG 4: This talk supports quality education by fostering reading culture and lifelong learning habits among children.
SDG 11: This art exhibition enhances sustainable cities and communities by preserving and promoting artistic and cultural heritage.	SDG 3: This event promotes good health and well-being by encouraging physical activity and fostering a culture of exercise among employees.
SDG 16: This seminar fosters civic awareness and peace by reflecting on the Republic’s values and democratic development.	SDG 4: This talk promotes cultural education and preservation of culinary heritage through historical exploration of food traditions.
SDG 16: This commemorative concert strengthens peace, justice, and strong institutions by promoting national unity and historical awareness.	SDG 10: This event fosters social inclusion and cultural exchange by celebrating culinary diversity and the flavors brought by migration.
SDG 17: This cultural collaboration supports global partnerships and intercultural understanding through traditional Chinese art education.	SDG 12: This event encourages sustainable food craftsmanship and responsible production methods in artisanal cheese-making.
SDG 11: This intercultural music event promotes inclusive and sustainable communities through cultural diversity and artistic expression.	SDG 12: This event explores Anatolian culinary traditions, promoting sustainable food culture and responsible consumption habits.

Examples of cultural activities on campus (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)

The total number of cultural activities organized by the University across the campus exceeds 30, and some of the prominent examples within this scope are listed below:

1. Large-Scale Cultural Festivals & Fairs

• O'Müzik Fest: A comprehensive outdoor music festival organized by the Okan Music Society on May 6, 2026, between 12:00 PM and 8:30 PM, held directly at the Istanbul Okan University Tuzla Campus Square with an estimated 100 participants.
• Society Fair (Topluluk Fuarı): A cultural fair organized by the Office of the Dean of Students on February 18, 2026, between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM, featuring performance and promotional booths of all cultural and social student clubs at the Istanbul Okan University Campus Square with 200 participants.
• Spring Festival (Bahar Şenliği): The largest socio-cultural festival of the year, organized under the coordination of the Office of the Dean of Students on May 12, 2026, between 9:00 AM and 11:00 PM, with a very high attendance rate of approximately 5,000 participants at the Istanbul Okan University Tuzla Campus.

2. On-Campus Theater & Performing Arts

• "Yapboz" (Puzzle) Theater Play: A cultural theater performance staged by the Theater Society on November 12, 2025, between 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM at the Bekir Okan Conference Hall, attracting an audience of 450 spectators.
• Improvisation Night (Doğaçlama Gecesi): A performing arts event organized by the Theater Society on December 23, 2025, at the Bekir Okan Conference Hall, catering to a wide audience of 400 people.
• "Fransız Öpücüğü" (French Kiss) Theater Play: A theater play staged within the body of the Office of the Dean of Students on April 28, 2026, at the Bekir Okan Conference Hall with the participation of 100 people.
• "Bir Sağlıkçının Gözünden" (Through the Eyes of a Healthcare Worker) Theater Play: A thematic theater performance organized by the Health Technician Development Society on March 26, 2026, at the Bekir Okan Conference Hall with 150 participants.

3. Live Music & Concerts

• Jam Season: A live music and socialization event organized by the Okan Music Society at the beginning of the new academic semester (October 6, 2025) at the Open-Air Amphitheater with the participation of 200 students.
• Acoustic Concert: A boutique performance event organized by the Okan Music Society on April 3, 2026, at the on-campus Music Studio.
• "Mikrofon Sende" (The Mic is Yours): An interactive music event organized by the Okan Music Society on April 7, 2026, at the ground floor of the Living Center (Yaşam Merkezi) with student participation.

4. Cultural Workshops & Literary Events

• A Step Into Anton Chekhov's World: A cultural panel covering world literature and theater, jointly organized by the Theater Society, O'Fiction Society, and Russian Culture Society on December 17, 2025, at the Mevlana Conference Hall with 60 participants.
• Creative Writing Workshop: A literature and fiction workshop organized by the Game Developers Society and O'Fiction Society on April 22, 2026, at the Mimar Sinan Conference Hall.
• World Dance Day Event: A choreography and dance performance show organized in collaboration with the Dance Society and Okan Music Society on April 29, 2026, at the Open-Air Amphitheater with 70 participants.
• Interview with Can Kantarcı on Sci-Fi/Fantasy Literature Translation: A literary talk and author meeting organized by the Translation Society on December 10, 2025, at the Mevlana Conference Hall with 100 participants.

5. On-Campus Cinema Days & Film Screenings

Note: The following regular film screening sessions were held at the Living Center Cinema Hall to enhance cultural awareness and artistic vision, each attracting an average of 30 to 60 participants.

6.14 Number of university sustainability program(s) with international collaborations (ED.7)

Istanbul Okan University Continuing Education Center (OKSEM) Sustainable Leadership Training (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)

IOU Sustainability and Innovation Center and Commited Collaboration (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)

IOU Sustainability and Innovation Center – Turkish Development and Investment Bank Cooperation (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)

IOU Sustainability and Innovation Center – IDEMA Collaboration (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)

IOU Sustainability and Innovation Center – TÜBİSAD Collaboration (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)

Zero Waste approach (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye) - Sustainability

We started measuring carbon emissions in the Entrepreneurship Course (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)

We received our first carbon certificate (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)

Sustainability Literacy (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)

1. International Sustainability Programs and Collaborations

Istanbul Okan University conducts education, research, and community engagement activities integrated with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and develops multi-stakeholder collaborations at both national and international levels. The Learning Application and Research Center / International Accreditations and Rankings Unit and the Sustainability and Innovation Center (SIM) serve as focal points for these activities. These centers are responsible for both integrating sustainability into internal academic programs and carrying out joint projects with international institutions.

2. Examples of International Collaborations and Programs

• a. European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Program: The Sustainability and Innovation Center aims to join the COST network (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) for the 2024–2025 period to participate in multidisciplinary and international research networks focused on sustainability. This collaboration facilitates knowledge and experience sharing among researchers across Europe, strengthening sustainability-focused education and research activities.
• b. Education Program with the Development and Investment Bank of Turkey: Within the framework of a cooperation protocol with the Development and Investment Bank of Turkey, the University organized a “Sustainability Training Program” in November 2024. The program consists of seven modules covering the Sustainable Development Goals, climate change mitigation, green finance, corporate sustainability management, innovation-based transformation, and ESG reporting. It is aimed at both students and staff and is based on national and international sustainability standards.
• c. Carbon Neutral Student Program with Commited (Fibabanka): Istanbul Okan University, in collaboration with Commited, a subsidiary of Fibabanka, measures students’ carbon footprints and awards carbon-neutral certificates accordingly. This project, conducted within the Entrepreneurship course, directly integrates sustainability awareness into student programs, offering a learning model based on international carbon-neutral certification principles.
• d. TÜBİSAD Collaboration – Electronic Waste Management Project: The SIM center implements an electronic waste collection and recycling system across the campus in cooperation with TÜBİSAD (Turkish Informatics Industry Association). This project integrates environmental sustainability and circular economy principles into teaching and application processes, aligning with national and international best practices.
• e. Zero Waste: Zero Waste is a resource and waste management approach based on circularity. It promotes sustainable production and consumption habits and supports efficient use of resources. The approach emphasizes avoiding wastefulness, preventing, reducing, reusing, and recycling waste, and contributes to positive socio-economic outcomes, including enhanced social solidarity. Istanbul Okan University supports the Zero Waste Project launched by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization in June 2017, aiming to control waste and leave a clean, developed, and livable world for future generations. In accordance with the Zero Waste Regulation published in the Official Gazette No. 30829 on July 12, 2019, the university established a Zero Waste Management System and received the Zero Waste Certificate on January 18, 2021.

3. International Project Participation and EU Funding

The UTAS – Transportation Technologies and Intelligent Automotive Systems Application and Research Center participates in European Union HORIZON 2020 projects in sustainable transportation and clean energy. Projects include:

• IN2CCAM – Connected and Cooperative Automated Mobility
• RECIPROCITY – Innovative Concepts for Mobility
• MODALES – Low Emission Adaptation in Driving
• OPTITRUCK – Predictive Powertrain for Intelligent Trucks
• OPINA – Open Innovation Platform for Autonomous Vehicles

Istanbul Okan University serves as a direct partner and coordinator in these projects, which focus on sustainable energy, low-emission transportation, and eco-friendly technologies in collaboration with international consortia.

4. International Integration Through Educational and Research Programs

Sustainability-focused undergraduate and graduate programs, such as “Power Electronics and Clean Energy Technologies” and “Automotive Mechatronics and Intelligent Vehicles”, directly target clean energy and sustainable engineering themes. These programs are connected to joint projects with European universities and include learning and research modules supported by HORIZON and COST networks.

a. Sustainability Literacy: Istanbul Okan University measures students’ sustainability literacy using various assessment methods to develop understanding of sustainability concepts, evaluate their ability to apply these concepts to real-world challenges, and assess commitment to sustainable practices.

b. Sustainable Leadership Training: Sustainable leadership, defined as the ability to guide others toward solutions for highly complex social, cultural, economic, and environmental problems, is addressed in this certification program from both organizational and personal competency perspectives:

• Participants gain a foundational understanding of sustainability leadership concepts, principles, and theories and learn to integrate current sustainability developments into leadership roles.
• The program increases participants’ awareness of environmental and social responsibility, enabling them to assess environmental impacts and societal duties effectively.
• Participants develop a deep understanding of business ethics and ethical leadership, including transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making.
• The program strengthens participants’ abilities to foster innovation and manage organizational change.

c. Sustainability-Themed Courses and Conferences: Istanbul Okan University integrates sustainability into academic and social structures through courses, seminars, and conferences. Sustainability-themed courses across faculties aim to enhance students’ environmental and social responsibility awareness. The university organizes national and international conferences, panels, and workshops on UN SDGs, climate action, renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable campus practices, promoting knowledge sharing, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community engagement.

5. Conclusion and Evaluation

Istanbul Okan University conducts international partnerships in at least five sustainability-themed programs:

• COST European Cooperation Program
• Development and Investment Bank of Turkey Joint Education Program
• Commited (Fibabanka) Carbon Neutral Certification Program
• TÜBİSAD Electronic Waste Management Project
• HORIZON 2020 – UTAS-Coordinated Sustainable Transportation Projects

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
• IOU Sustainability and Innovation Center and cOmmited Collaboration
• IOU Sustainability and Innovation Center – Development and Investment Bank of Türkiye Collaboration
• IOU Sustainability and Innovation Center– IDEMA Collaboration
• IOU Sustainability and Innovation Center – TÜBİSAD Collaboration

6.15 Number of sustainablity community services project organised and/or involving students (ED.8)

Examples of activities organized by student organizations related to sustainability related SDG4 and SDG 10: Artistic activities such as cinema enhance individuals’ aesthetic, social, and cultural sensitivity (SDG 4). Films with universal themes, such as Toy Story, can also be linked to SDG 10, as they promote inclusivity by delivering messages such as respect for differences. (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)

Examples of activities organized by student organizations related to sustainability related SDG3: Promotion of physical activity and the widespread adoption of sports contribute to individuals gaining healthy lifestyle habits. (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)

Examples of activities organized by student organizations related to sustainability related SDG12: Sustainability in gastronomy aims to develop conscious approaches to food production and consumption. This falls under the scope of SDG 12.

Topluluklar Hakkında

6.18 Total number of graduates

OİS	PROLİZ

Istanbul Okan University regularly monitors graduate data as part of its commitment to continuously improving educational quality and tracking student graduation outcomes.

The total number of graduates from Istanbul Okan University over the past three years is presented in the table below.

These data have been compiled based on the Student Information System (OIS), graduation approval records, and official graduation statistics. Istanbul Okan University aims to support the academic development of its students, achieve high graduation rates, and educate graduates who contribute to the workforce, academia, and society.

Graduate numbers are monitored annually, evaluated within the framework of quality assurance processes, and incorporated into the University's institutional performance indicators.

6.20 Impact of Education and Research programs in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

	Goal 4: Istanbul Okan University is committed to promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all through inclusive and equitable quality education.
	Goal 8: Istanbul Okan University is committed to supporting stable, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth and ensuring full, productive employment and decent work for all.
	Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)
	Goal 11: Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)
	Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)
	Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)
	Goal 17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)

[6.26] Impact of Education and Research programs in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Description:
Istanbul Okan University aims to instill sustainability awareness among all its stakeholders by ensuring strong alignment of its education, research, and community engagement activities with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The university carries out comprehensive studies supporting sustainable development through interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative practices, and multi-stakeholder partnerships.

Integration of SDGs into Education

• Sustainability, environmental management, energy efficiency, climate change, circular economy, gender equality, and social justice topics have been integrated into curricula across various faculties and departments.
• Several undergraduate and graduate courses have been opened to support students’ sustainability-oriented projects, theses, and applied studies.
• The number of courses aligned with environmental SDGs is 3,808, with social SDGs 2,045, and with economic SDGs 52.
• The university signed a collaboration protocol with Commited, a subsidiary of Fibabanka, to measure carbon footprints. Under this protocol, the Sustainability and Innovation Center conducts carbon emission measurements in the “Entrepreneurship” course. Students using the application calculate their personal carbon footprints and receive a free carbon-neutral certificate.
• Within the scope of community engagement projects, students carry out awareness activities on environmental protection, energy saving, recycling, and waste management.
• Seminars, conferences, workshops, and summer schools organized university-wide provide students with a multidimensional understanding of the SDGs.

To institutionalize sustainability across all operations, the university has published the following policies:

• Academic Freedom and Rights Policy
• Anti-Discrimination, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy
• Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation Policy
• Marine Pollution Reduction Policy
• Smoke-Free Campus Policy
• Parenting Policy
• Equal Employment and Non-Discrimination Policy
• Ethical Resource Use Policy
• Safe and Sustainable Food Policy
• Women’s Admission and Participation Policy
• Sustainable Harvest Policy for Aquatic Food Ecosystems
• Sustainable Procurement Policy
• Sustainable Water Policy
• Sustainable Investment Policy
• Lifelong Learning Accessibility Policy
• Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery Policy

Research and Innovation

The university hosts several centers that directly contribute to the SDGs, including the Sustainability and Innovation Center, Energy Studies Application and Research Center, Gender Studies Center, Transportation Technologies and Smart Automotive Systems Center, Eurasia Research Center, Economic and Financial Research Center, Law and Technology Center, Health Application and Research Center (SUAM), among others.

The Research and Project Development Directorate (ARPROGED) operates effectively to enhance the university’s R&D potential and support faculty members in producing scientific projects.

Scientific Research Projects (BAP) and TÜBİTAK BİGG Fund provide support for entrepreneurship and innovation-based initiatives.

Academics actively participate in national and international research projects on renewable energy, water resource management, urban sustainability, environmental protection, gender equality, and sustainable development.

Articles, theses, conference papers, patents, and research reports related to SDGs are regularly published.

The university has published strategic documents such as the Watershed Management Strategy, Climate Action Plan, GHG Report, and the Istanbul Okan University SDG Report.

In addition, institutional regulations such as the Waste Management Directive, Energy Management Directive, Sexual Harassment Prevention Directive, and Equal Opportunity Directive strengthen the governance of sustainability across the institution.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

Istanbul Okan University supports the Zero Waste Project, initiated by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change in 2017, to control waste and ensure a clean, livable world for future generations.

In accordance with the “Zero Waste Regulation” published in the Official Gazette on July 12, 2019, the university established a Zero Waste Management System and received the Zero Waste Certificate in January 2021.

Under the “Green Campus” initiative, students and academics participate in living lab projects to test innovative environmental solutions on campus.

The university signed a protocol with TÜBİSAD (Informatics Industry Association) to design and implement electronic waste management and recycling procedures, raising awareness and promoting sustainability.

Through a cooperation protocol between the Sustainability and Innovation Center (SIC) and IDEMA, the university develops joint projects in social development and sustainability.

A Sustainability Cooperation Protocol signed between Istanbul Okan University and the Development and Investment Bank of Turkey focuses on climate-friendly campus initiatives, social impact projects, gender equality, energy efficiency, and waste and water management.

The collaboration with Commited (Fibabanka) led to the development of a carbon footprint measurement application, enabling the university to obtain a 64 tCO₂e carbon certificate in the 2023–2024 academic year. Based on data collected from students’ food, transportation, and household consumption habits, the university achieved a carbon-neutral certification.

Istanbul Okan University invites all its stakeholders to adopt sustainable consumption habits, engage in recycling, avoid fossil fuels, and contribute to carbon neutrality efforts.

International Collaboration

Through programs such as Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe, the university conducts joint research projects on climate change, energy transition, and sustainable societies.

Istanbul Okan University actively participates in international networks and platforms operating in the field of sustainability, contributing to knowledge exchange and the dissemination of best practices worldwide.

All these educational, research, and community engagement activities directly contribute to Istanbul Okan University’s advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) — as well as to the overall achievement of all other SDG targets.

The university continues to strengthen its sustainability vision through education, research, innovation, and social impact—fostering an integrated approach that supports environmental, economic, and social sustainability for future generations.