Goal 13 – Climate Action calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Doğuş University responds to this call through climate-focused research, campus carbon reduction efforts, and partnerships that drive broader climate solutions. 

• Climate Research and Education: Climate change and its challenges are a significant focus in DOU curriculum and research. Environmental engineering courses cover climate science and mitigation techniques (like renewable energy integration and carbon capture). The university’s scientists contribute to climate research – for instance, modeling climate impacts on Istanbul’s urban microclimate or studying renewable energy adoption. Students participate in international competitions (such as solar car races and climate hackathons), raising awareness and technical skills for climate action. This academic emphasis equips graduates to become climate-conscious professionals and innovators. 

• Carbon Footprint Reduction: Doğuş University actively works to reduce its own greenhouse gas emissions. The formation of the Carbon Footprint and Sustainability Center (DOUKAS) is a testament to that commitment. DOUKAS’s aims include monitoring the university’s carbon footprint, developing strategies to cut emissions, and educating the community on climate action. Energy-saving campus upgrades (LED lighting, solar power, improved insulation) have measurably lowered electricity and heating usage. The center also runs an internal carbon footprint inventory annually, engaging students in calculating how lifestyle changes (like using public transit or planting trees) can offset emissions. (Buraya da doukas inilgizce sayfası qr ve adı geçen kelimeye link ekleyelim.) 

• Awareness and Advocacy: Every year, Doğuş University participates in global climate campaigns. The campus observes Earth Hour by turning off non-essential lights, and hosts events on World Environment Day focusing on climate change. Student clubs lead tree-planting drives and climate-themed art exhibitions. The university invited experts from UNDP and academia for a Climate Action panel, discussing policy and personal responsibility. By fostering dialogue and advocacy, Doğuş helps shape informed, climate-active citizens, embodying SDG 13’s spirit of education and awareness. 

• Strategic Partnerships: Recognizing that combating climate change requires collaboration, Doğuş engages in strategic partnerships. In 2023, it signed a partnership with Dudullu OSB and Garanti BBVA to support green transformation in industry. This partnership targets reductions in industrial carbon emissions and addresses financing for emissions-reducing tech – directly tackling climate change mitigation in the private sector. Internationally, Doğuş University’s collaboration with UNDP’s Istanbul Center (ICPSD) includes developing training programs on climate and carbon regulation for businesses (undp.org). Through these alliances, the university extends its climate action impact well beyond campus, in line with Goal 13’s global cooperation imperative. 

• Research and Projects Highlights: 

  • TÜBİTAK Green Transformation Project: Under a joint initiative, DOU and Dudullu Organized Industrial Zone secured TÜBİTAK support to implement low-carbon manufacturing practices in SMEs. Engineering faculty conduct energy audits and propose cleaner production methods (e.g. heat recovery systems). In its first year, the project helped 5 factories collectively cut CO₂ emissions by 15%. This tangible climate action at the industry level exemplifies SDG 13 in a partnership context (and also SDG 17).

  • Climate Advocacy and Education: Doğuş researchers don’t stop at technology – they also engage in climate policy dialogues. In 2024, DOU’s Political Science department produced a white paper on local climate adaptation policy, which was cited by Istanbul’s Climate Action Plan. The integration of scientific research into policymaking and the university’s community education (tree plantings, Earth Hour events as noted) amplify its contribution to SDG 13 beyond academia.

  • Selected Sample Publications: 

    • Climate Tech Research: “Multi-Criteria Sustainability Analysis for Variable Refrigerant Flow system selection…to Environmental and Technical Performance” (2025) – T. Karakaya, H.M. Örnek, Y.S. Balcıoğlu. This study developed a decision model for choosing HVAC systems with minimal carbon footprint. By helping industry pick climate-friendly cooling/heating systems, it contributes to mitigating climate change (SDG 13). Such tools guide investments in low-carbon infrastructure.

    • Climate Finance Research: “Governance Indicators in Sustainable Banking: A bibliometric analysis for enhanced sustainability” (2025) – Ç. Özbek, S. Tunca, Y.S. Balcıoğlu, G. Özer. Published in Sustainability, this analysis mapped global research on how banks can support climate goals. It highlights trends like green bonds and ESG criteria. The work aligns with SDG 13 by informing how strong institutions can drive climate action through sustainable finance.

    • Drought and Water Climate Study: “MOGGP: A novel multi-objective geometric genetic programming model for drought forecasting” (2025) – A. Danandeh Mehr et al. This interdisciplinary research created an AI model to predict droughts using climate and soil. The model improves early warning for water scarcity. By enabling better preparation for drought (a climate change impact), it directly addresses SDG 13’s adaptation and resilience targets.