Zero waste seminar inspires sustainable action at Kayseri University

Zero waste seminar inspires sustainable action at Kayseri University | Photo: Hidde van Esch

In a world where responsible consumption and production is no longer optional, higher education institutions are stepping up as key agents of change. Kayseri University in Türkiye, a member of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) network, recently hosted a seminar on zero waste practices, reinforcing its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event addressed the urgent need to rethink waste, positioning it not merely as an environmental challenge but as a central pillar of a sustainable future.

The seminar reflected growing recognition that reducing waste is both a practical necessity and a moral imperative. According to the United Nations, global municipal solid waste generation is expected to reach 3.4 billion tonnes by 2050 if no action is taken, with only around 19 per cent currently recycled. Aligning academic life with sustainability targets can make a significant contribution to reversing this trend.

Practical strategies for zero waste on campus

The keynote speakers, including Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University Sustainable Campus Commission Chair and Environmental Engineer Prof. Dr. Ece Ümmü Deveci, delivered insights grounded in both technical expertise and practical application. Prof. Dr. Deveci’s presentation covered the separation of waste at source, reuse, and recycling, emphasising that institutional and individual actions are equally critical.

Participants examined the environmental impacts of waste reduction in detail, exploring how reduced landfill use translates into lower greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with SDG 13: Climate Action. Case studies of successful zero waste projects demonstrated how partnerships and knowledge sharing can accelerate progress, particularly in academic environments where research and practice converge.

Why sustainable campus culture matters

The seminar’s discussions revealed that sustainable waste management is more than a facilities issue — it is a culture shift. By embedding SDG 12 principles into daily campus life, universities can reduce their ecological footprint while educating the next generation of sustainability leaders. Students were encouraged to take ownership of waste management, with practical steps like avoiding single-use plastics, composting organic waste, and advocating for systemic change within the university’s infrastructure.

Research from the World Bank highlights that waste mismanagement contributes significantly to environmental degradation, particularly through methane emissions from landfills, which are over 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat. Addressing this within a university setting offers measurable benefits for both the local environment and the institution’s carbon profile.

Building momentum for global change

The zero waste seminar at Kayseri University stands as an example of how academia can integrate global goals into its operations, teaching, and culture. Such initiatives illustrate that progress towards the SDGs is not confined to government policy or corporate strategy; it begins in classrooms, laboratories, and campus common areas.

As the UN’s 2030 deadline approaches, the need for collective action is becoming more pressing. Universities that align their practices with the SDGs not only fulfil an ethical duty but also position themselves as leaders in the sustainability movement.