Bursa Uludag University's contribution to the society with sustainability projects

Abstract

Universities bring solutions to society's problems with academic research and education and by raising leaders who would be role models. There are more than 8 million university students in Turkey. Approximately ten percent of the population is university students in Turkey. Therefore the positive influence of sustainability projects at universities will be undeniable. Bursa Uludag University (BUU) is a large state university with over 60 000 students and 6000 staff. The vision of BUU Sustainable Campus Project, which was launched in April 2021, was stated as "Being a university that lives sustainability in all activities such as research, education, and campus operations." This paper aims to present the contribution of BUU's sustainability efforts to the social cohesion between the university staff and students and among the members of the society and city. BUU's short but significant journey toward sustainable development will be shared. Several projects such as seed balls, ecological gardens, waste-to-art, an introduction to sustainability, a walk for the Environment, no elevators day, rainwater harvesting, and corporate sustainability expert program will be presented to this aim.