The 2024 rankings have been disclosed by the UI GreenMetric platform, which assesses the environmental and sustainability performance of the world's most esteemed universities. The platform evaluated the applications of 1,500 universities worldwide this year in order to determine its rankings and promote international cooperation and environmental awareness.

 In recognition of its efforts and progress towards its objective, Atatürk University was awarded the "Green University" certificate by the UI GreenMetric platform subsequent to this outcome.

 In the 2024 rankings, Atatürk University has advanced by 5% from the previous year, rising to the 246th position on a global scale. The university, which is currently in the first 16% segment, attained a 19th-place ranking among 120 universities from Turkey and a position in the first 15% segment as a result of this success.

 GreenMetric rankings assess the sustainability policies of universities in six fundamental categories: energy and climate change, sustainable waste management, water management, transportation, education, and research. Atatürk University's dedication to environmentally favourable and sustainable initiatives was once again demonstrated by its scores in these categories.

 "We are committed to raising awareness about sustainability."

 Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu, the Rector of Atatürk University, stated in his evaluation of the subject, "Our university continues to make a significant impact on the national and international stage through its environmentally friendly practices and projects, which are in accordance with sustainable development objectives." Our unwavering commitment to this matter is evidenced by our success in the 2024 GreenMetric classification. In addition to enhancing our rankings, our objective is to raise awareness of sustainability in both our region and the global community. We are integrating our "Green University" objectives into urbanisation initiatives as a university to establish a robust science-based policy. In this direction, we are steadfastly progressing towards our objective of being ranked among the Top 100 universities in conjunction with all of our components.

 Prof. Dr. Ceylan: "We Are Making Efforts to Ensure a More Sustainable Future"

 Prof. Dr. Zeynep Ceylan, Director of the Environmental Problems Application and Research Centre and Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Coordinator, stated that the COP-29 Climate Change Conference, which took place in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11-22, 2024, under the theme "In Solidarity for a Green World," was a highly intensive negotiation process. States, private sector representatives, and civil society organisations convened to discuss global measures to be taken against climate change, accelerate sustainable development goals, and carry forward the commitments of the 2015 Paris Agreement. Regrettably, the current commitments of the countries are insufficient to achieve the objective of restricting the global temperature increase to 1.5°C. Turkey has emerged as a regional leader and has significantly contributed to global climate action through the 2053 Net Zero Target and "green urbanism projects." It is evident that progress will be significantly accelerated in the context of implementing green urbanism projects in accordance with GreenMetrik's "Green University" objectives, as well as the implementation of robust international cooperation and science-based policies, in order to achieve the objectives. The structure, energy and climate change management, sustainable waste management, water management, sustainable transportation, and education and research are all categories that can be realised through projects that can be implemented rapidly for cities in a broader context. He stated, "We, the Atatürk University family, are cognisant of the necessity of fulfilling our responsibilities in the most effective manner possible in relation to urgent climate action plans and urgent solution proposals."

 Citing that Atatürk University's global classification was established at the 75th percentile in 2020, it increased to the 46th percentile in 2021, 30% in 2022, and 21% in 2023. Prof. Dr. Ceylan: "The 2024 GreenMetric World Green University Rankings; continued its progress in 2024, as it did in the previous three years." Despite the fact that the number of universities approved to participate in the ranking has increased annually (from 1183 to 1477), it has risen to the 246th position among universities worldwide, representing a 5% increase. It has achieved a position in the top 16% of the global university rankings and the 19th position among 120 universities in Turkey, thereby achieving a place in the top 15%. This achievement was achieved by achieving scores in six distinct categories. Entering the top 100 universities is an objective that is commensurate with Atatürk University, as the competition intensifies as we ascend the rankings.

 What is GreenMetric?

 Annually, universities worldwide participate in this organisation, which was established in 2010.