Environment and sustainability projects are gaining more importance in Turkey every year. It has become a common agenda not only for local governments, but also for universities, NGOs and young people. For international students, this is an opportunity to contribute to the environment while getting to know a new culture. When I came to Turkey for the first time, I was surprised to see so many recycling bins; it means that things are really taken seriously here.
Why Turkey Needs Green Transformation
The Increase in Environmental Threats and Turkey’s Carbon Footprint
The effects of the climate crisis are no longer just headlines; they are felt from Istanbul’s air pollution to the drying lakes of the Aegean. This is why environmental and sustainability projects in Turkey are no longer a luxury, but a necessity.
The table below shows the change in Turkey’s carbon emissions and renewable energy investments over the last 5 years:
| Year | Carbon Emissions (Million Tons) | Renewable Energy Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 393 | 41% |
| 2021 | 405 | 44% |
| 2022 | 417 | 46% |
| 2023 | 420 | 49% |
| 2024 | 415 | 51% |
Source: IEA Turkey Energy Report
National Initiatives Like Circular Economy and Zero Waste
In recent years, circular economy has been on the agenda in Turkey with practices such as the Zero Waste Project, Waste-Free Campus and Municipal Recycling Centers. Environmental and sustainability projects, especially in metropolitan cities such as Istanbul and Izmir, are supported by both the state and the private sector.
Project Participation and Opportunities for University Students
Transition from Volunteering to Professional Projects
Many universities offer students an active role in environmental and sustainability projects through clubs and eco-societies.
Project Participation Options for University Students:
- Environmental volunteering (TEMA, Nature Association)
- Erasmus+ environment-focused youth projects
- Municipalities’ “Green Youth” programs
- Campus zero waste initiatives
For more information on such activities, you can also check out our article on Volunteering and Social Responsibility Projects in Turkey.
Sustainability through Erasmus+ and Youth Programs
European Union-funded projects in Turkey offer a wide range of short-term environmental education and training opportunities. With programs such as Youth Exchanges and ESC (European Solidarity Corps), you can both learn and contribute to nature.
Great Support to Green Industry from Kosgeb and TUBITAK
KOSGEB Green Industry Support Program
The Green Industry Support Program offered by KOSGEB aims to direct SMEs towards clean energy. Companies in areas such as solar energy investments and clean production technologies are supported up to 367,000 USD.
The main topics supported in the program:
- Solar panel systems
- Waste management infrastructure
- Circular production lines
- Environmentally friendly packaging projects
More information about this program can be found on the official KOSGEB page.
TUBITAK 1832 – Call for Green Transformation in Industry
TUBITAK’s support makes a difference especially in the field of R&D. Projects lasting up to 24 months are funded up to 250,000 USD for micro-sized companies and 395,000 USD for medium-sized companies. The main goal is to integrate green technologies into the industry.
I also recommend our article Start-up Events and Hackathons in Turkey for students who want to learn about such innovative programs.
Power from NGOs: Grant and Mentor Support
Funds of the Support Foundation for Civil Society
Civil society organizations in Turkey that carry out environmental and sustainability projects are also an important source of support. Support Foundation for Civil Society provides grants, mentoring support and training programs to civil initiatives that focus on environmental sustainability. Some of the supports given in 2024 are as follows:
| Supported NGO | Project Subject | Grant Received (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Ege Forest Foundation | Urban afforestation | 25,000 |
| Environmental Volunteers Association | Sea cleaning campaign | 17,000 |
| Movement for Nature | Zero waste trainings | 21,000 |
These supports are not only financial, but also include professional support in areas such as strategic planning, project management and digital transformation.
Carbon Gate’s Green Transformation Program
The programs run by Carbon Gate specifically support small startups based on circular economy principles. These programs are open to both students and young entrepreneurs. If you are thinking of starting your own environmental and sustainability projects initiative, these opportunities are for you.
What Universities Are Doing to Become Green Campuses
Waste Management, Energy Efficiency and Student Clubs
University campuses are becoming not only academic but also social spaces that raise environmental awareness. Many universities in Turkey offer waste sorting bins, energy efficient lighting and bicycle-friendly transportation solutions.
Examples of the most active campus environmental and sustainability projects:
- METU EcoCommunity: Recycling workshops and eco-market events
- Boğaziçi University Environment Club: Beach cleanups, climate crisis seminars
- ITU Sustainability Office: Carbon footprint measurement campaigns
Sustainability Offices and Academic Research
Some universities conduct direct research in areas such as environmental engineering, sustainable agriculture and energy policy. Students can assist in these projects or choose their thesis topics on environment and sustainability projects.
Starting Your Own Environmental Project: Where to Start?
Application Sources, Grant Guides and Sample Projects
If you have an environmental idea but don’t know where to start, the following resources are for you:
Project Initiation Resources:
- KOSGEB entrepreneurship supports
- TUBITAK ARDEB programs
- European Union Horizon 2020 funds
- Project support offices of local municipalities
It can also be inspiring to look at projects that have already been approved.
Greening the Future Starts with You
Why Now is the Right Time?
In a time when we are beginning to experience the effects of global warming first-hand, environmental and sustainability projects are no longer a choice, but a necessity. Turkey has a lot of resources and opportunities in this field. Starting now can be an important step for your own development and for the world.
Find the Right Project with Road to Study
If you are planning to study in Turkey or already want to get involved in projects, Road to Study can connect you with the right schools, volunteer organizations and support funds. You just have to decide to take action!