Sustainability of University Campuses; Bilecik Seyh Edebali University Example, Bilecik/Turkey

Abstract

Cities provide people with unnatural environments where green areas decrease and environmental problems arise along with modern life. Population growth, water and air pollution, especially climate change, deforestation, and species decline are some of the increasing environmental problems in urban areas. The concept of 'sustainability' has come to the fore in order to prevent environmental problems that arise worldwide and to protect ecosystems. The sustainable urbanization approach includes all environmental (built environment/natural environment), social and economic factors that are affected by urban development and that affect urban development in an interrelated manner, and predicts combining economic and social development with the aim of environmental protection and improvement. In this context, university campuses, which are an extension of urban areas, can act as a laboratory as an example of a small city model on a pilot basis. The fact that the socio-cultural level and environmental awareness rate of university students and staff are higher than those living in urban areas will ensure more efficient sustainable practices in campus areas. In this study, the situation of the university campuses and the landscape components of the Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University campus area regarding the concept of 'sustainability' has been examined. In Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University campus, minimizing the use of natural resources, integrated waste management, water management to reduce the effects of global warming, and long-term holistic planning approaches have been discussed. In addition, proposals have been presented by considering innovative approaches in the planning and design of campuses and urban areas within the scope of the basic principles of sustainability specific to Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University campus. As a result, the importance of university campus areas for sustainable cities has been emphasized and it has been revealed that significant contributions to sustainability would be possible by cooperating with local governments.