What is "Responsible Consumption and Production"?
Yeditepe University demonstrates a strong institutional commitment to responsible consumption and production across all campus operations. Guided by its Sustainability Policies, Purchasing Procedure (SAT.PR.01), and Hazardous & Toxic Waste Management Procedure (ISG.PR.02), the university implements ethical sourcing, waste-reduction strategies, circular systems, and transparent reporting practices aligned with SDG 12.
The university applies an ethical food-sourcing policy through its Sustainable Food Systems initiative, ensuring safe, healthy, and sustainably sourced meals for all students and staff. Annual food-waste measurements and reduction initiatives have resulted in a significant decrease—from 77 metric tons (2019) to 36 metric tons (2023)—while 7,300 kg of waste cooking oil is collected and converted into biodiesel. Vegan and vegetarian options further support sustainable consumption patterns.
All forms of hazardous and toxic waste are managed under a formal university-wide procedure that mandates segregation at source, labelled storage, MOTAT tracking, and disposal via licensed firms, ensuring full compliance with national standards. Beyond hazardous streams, the university also measures and reports all waste categories, including 36 tons of organic waste, 199 tons of non-toxic inorganic waste (paper, plastics, metals), and 22.8 tons of toxic waste annually. Organic waste from kitchens and landscaping is reused within campus systems, while recyclables are collected through designated units across all buildings.
Yeditepe University also implements structured use-minimisation policies for both plastic and disposable items. Campus-wide 3R programmes (Reduce–Reuse–Recycle), zero-waste certification (2021), digital correspondence practices, double-sided printing, reusable welcome bags, canteen mug-incentive schemes, and expanded recycling infrastructure demonstrate a systematic approach to reducing single-use materials. These measures actively promote a culture of responsible use among students, faculty, and administrative staff.
Sustainability principles are extended to the entire supply chain, with SAT.PR.01 requiring the procurement of recyclable materials, restrictions on single-use items, and supplier evaluation based on environmental criteria such as durability, safe material content, and minimised packaging waste. These requirements apply to equipment purchases, stationery, services, and construction tenders, ensuring consistent sustainability expectations across all external partners.
The university maintains full transparency by systematically reporting waste-management performance. Recorded values include 256 tons of total waste generated, 233 tons recycled, and 23 tons sent to landfill. These results, along with progress on responsible consumption initiatives, are published annually in Yeditepe University’s publicly accessible Sustainability Reports (2018–2024), reinforcing the institution’s commitment to accountability and continuous improvement under SDG 12.
