Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Legal Basis for Policies
At Istanbul Okan University, the policies related to minimizing the use of disposable items, reducing plastic usage, and managing waste disposal are grounded in both national and international legal frameworks that emphasize environmental protection, sustainability, and public health. These legal foundations ensure the university's compliance with regulations and reflect its commitment to environmental responsibility.
1. Turkish Environmental Law (No. 2872):
The university’s policies align with the Turkish Environmental Law, which mandates the protection of the environment by minimizing waste generation and promoting recycling. Article 11 of the law specifically encourages the reduction of solid waste through sustainable practices and the safe disposal of hazardous waste. The law also promotes reducing plastic waste and discourages the use of non-recyclable materials, providing a strong legal basis for the university’s plastic minimization efforts.
2. Zero Waste Regulation (Official Gazette No. 30829):
In compliance with the "Zero Waste Regulation," which is part of Turkey's Zero Waste Initiative launched in 2019, Istanbul Okan University has adopted policies to minimize disposable items and promote waste recycling. This regulation requires institutions to implement waste management systems aimed at reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills, including the collection and separation of recyclable materials. It also encourages institutions to minimize single-use plastics, aligning with the university’s sustainable plastic use reduction policies.
3. Regulation on the Control of Packaging Waste (Official Gazette No. 28035):
This regulation aims to minimize the environmental impact of packaging waste, including plastic packaging, by encouraging the reduction, reuse, and recycling of materials. Istanbul Okan University's plastic minimization and waste disposal policies follow these guidelines by actively promoting the use of reusable and recyclable materials on campus.
4. Occupational Health and Safety Law (No. 6331):
The university’s hazardous waste disposal policies, particularly for materials used in laboratories and other high-risk areas, are based on the Occupational Health and Safety Law. This law requires the safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials to protect public health and ensure workplace safety, providing legal grounds for proper waste management systems.
5. EU Single-Use Plastics Directive (Directive 2019/904):
Although not directly binding, Istanbul Okan University’s policies are influenced by international standards such as the EU’s Single-Use Plastics Directive. This directive targets the reduction of single-use plastic products, including straws, cutlery, and food containers, by encouraging member states to adopt policies that promote sustainable alternatives. The university's efforts to reduce plastic usage are aligned with these global best practices.
6. Paris Agreement (2015):
As part of global efforts to combat climate change, Istanbul Okan University’s policies contribute to Turkey’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. By reducing waste, minimizing the use of plastic, and promoting recycling, the university helps decrease carbon emissions, reduce environmental degradation, and support sustainable development goals.
7. Turkish Waste Management Regulation (No. 29314):
The university’s waste disposal policies also follow the Turkish Waste Management Regulation, which governs the collection, transportation, and disposal of waste, including hazardous and non-hazardous materials. This regulation emphasizes the importance of reducing waste generation at its source and encourages recycling initiatives, both of which are key elements of the university’s waste management strategy.
By basing its policies on these national and international legal frameworks, Istanbul Okan University ensures compliance with the law while fostering a culture of sustainability and environmental stewardship. The university is committed to continuous improvement in these areas to contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future.
SDG 12.2.1. Ethical sourcing policy
Istanbul Okan University has a policy on the ethical sourcing of food and supplies. The university is committed to promoting sustainability and social responsibility by ensuring that the food and supplies it sources meet ethical standards. This includes prioritizing suppliers who adhere to fair trade practices, environmentally friendly production methods, and the humane treatment of workers and animals. Additionally, the university encourages the use of locally sourced and organic products to support local economies and reduce its environmental footprint. This policy is part of Istanbul Okan University's broader commitment to sustainability and ethical practices in all areas of its operations.
The university places significant emphasis on ensuring that the firms from which goods and services are procured fulfill their responsibilities towards their employees in line with the ethical sourcing policy, particularly under the Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331. In this regard, the procurement technical specifications and contracts include the provisions of Article 4 of the Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331, which states:
- The contractor is responsible for ensuring the occupational health and safety of employees at their own expense. This includes ensuring that employees benefit from the services provided by occupational safety experts, workplace physicians, and, when necessary, other health personnel.
- The health monitoring of employees must be conducted, professional risks must be prevented, and necessary training and information should be provided. All necessary measures must be taken, organizations established, tools and equipment provided, and health and safety measures adapted to changing conditions. Monitoring, supervision, and correction of any non-compliance with workplace health and safety measures must also be ensured by the contractor.
Additionally, it is strictly monitored that the contractor does not employ uninsured workers, through correspondence with the Social Security Institution (SSI) in compliance with the Social Insurance and General Health Insurance Law No. 5510. Istanbul Okan University also provides Occupational Health and Safety training to the staff employed under its supervision.
Through these measures, Istanbul Okan University ensures that both the ethical sourcing policy and compliance with occupational health and safety regulations are meticulously observed during the procurement process.
SDG 12.2.3. Policy waste disposal - hazardous materials
Istanbul Okan University has a comprehensive directive and process in place for waste disposal, including the management of hazardous materials. The university is committed to ensuring that all waste is disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations and sustainability practices. This includes the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials such as chemicals, biological waste, and other potentially harmful substances. The university follows strict protocols to minimize environmental impact and ensure the safety of the campus community. Regular audits and training are conducted to maintain compliance and promote best practices in waste management.
SDG 12.2.4. Policy waste disposal - landfill policy
Istanbul Okan University has a directive in place for waste disposal that includes measuring the amount of waste sent to landfill and recycled. The university is committed to reducing its environmental footprint by tracking and monitoring waste disposal practices. This policy ensures that the university actively measures and records the quantities of waste generated, with a focus on increasing recycling rates and minimizing the amount of waste sent to landfill. Regular assessments and reporting help the university continuously improve its sustainability efforts in waste management.
SDG 12.2.5. Policy for minimisation of plastic use
Istanbul Okan University has policies in place aimed at minimizing the use of plastic. The university is committed to reducing plastic consumption on campus as part of its broader sustainability goals. This includes encouraging the use of reusable alternatives, reducing single-use plastics in dining areas and events, and promoting awareness campaigns to reduce plastic waste. The university also works with suppliers to minimize plastic packaging and supports recycling initiatives to manage plastic waste effectively. These efforts align with the university’s dedication to promoting environmental responsibility and sustainability.
SDG 12.2.6. Policy for minimisation of disposable items
Istanbul Okan University has policies focused on minimizing the use of disposable items. The university promotes sustainable practices by encouraging the use of reusable alternatives across campus, especially in dining areas, offices, and events. Efforts include reducing reliance on single-use items such as disposable cups, plates, and cutlery, and offering reusable options where possible. Additionally, the university raises awareness about the environmental impact of disposable products and works with suppliers to minimize packaging waste. These policies are part of the university's broader commitment to sustainability and reducing waste.
SDG 12.2.7. Disposable policy: extensions to services
Istanbul Okan University's policies on minimizing disposable items, reducing plastic use, and waste disposal extend to outsourced services and the supply chain. The university ensures that its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility is reflected not only within the campus but also in its interactions with third-party suppliers and service providers.
By extending these policies to its supply chain and outsourced services, Istanbul Okan University ensures that sustainability efforts are comprehensive and integrated across all aspects of its operations.
Zero Waste Regulation (Official Gazette No. 30829):
In line with the Zero Waste Regulation, which forms part of Turkey's national strategy for waste management, Istanbul Okan University ensures that its suppliers and contractors comply with waste minimization strategies. This regulation mandates institutions to implement waste reduction and recycling practices, providing the legal basis for requiring suppliers to follow suit and contribute to the university's zero-waste goals.
SDG 12.2.8. Minimisation policies extended to suppliers
Istanbul Okan University's policies on minimizing disposable items, reducing plastic use, and managing waste disposal extend to outsourced suppliers, including those providing equipment, stationery, and building contracts. The university ensures that its sustainability and environmental policies are integrated throughout its supply chain by applying the following measures:
By extending these policies to suppliers of equipment, stationery, and building contracts, Istanbul Okan University ensures that its environmental initiatives are comprehensive and affect all aspects of procurement and service provision, driving sustainability across its entire supply chain.
Zero Waste Regulation (Official Gazette No. 30829):
In line with the Zero Waste Regulation, which forms part of Turkey's national strategy for waste management, Istanbul Okan University ensures that its suppliers and contractors comply with waste minimization strategies. This regulation mandates institutions to implement waste reduction and recycling practices, providing the legal basis for requiring suppliers to follow suit and contribute to the university's zero-waste goals.
SDG 12.3.1. Waste tracking
Istanbul Okan University measures the amount of waste generated and recycled across the university. The university is committed to tracking its waste output as part of its sustainability initiatives, focusing on reducing overall waste, increasing recycling rates, and minimizing landfill contributions. This measurement process includes regular monitoring and reporting of waste data, helping the university assess its environmental impact and make informed decisions to improve waste management practices and sustainability performance.
Waste Management Regulation (No. 29314):
The Waste Management Regulation outlines the responsibilities of businesses, including suppliers and contractors, for managing and disposing of waste. It mandates the separation of waste at its source, encourages recycling, and sets guidelines for the proper disposal of hazardous materials. Istanbul Okan University’s requirement for suppliers and contractors to follow waste disposal policies aligns with this regulation
SDG 12.4.1. Publication of a sustainability report
