Before the launc event, Turkish Environment Agency President Prof. Dr. Ferhat Pirinççi visited Rector of KAEU Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil at his office and they discussed the Zero Waste Project.
Orhan: “Zero Waste Project is also a Social Responsibility Project"
The opening speech of the Zero Waste launch event was delivered by Kırşehir Provincial Director of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, Muhammed Yusuf Orhan. In his speech, Orhan provided insights into the progress of the Zero Waste Project in Turkiye, noting that the project was initiated under the coordination of the ministry in 2017. He emphasized that efforts continue toward a sustainable and livable world and country, highlighting the project as a significant social responsibility initiative. Orhan also discussed the activities carried out by the Kırşehir Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change within the scope of the Zero Waste Project. He expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to implementing the project at our university and supporting its processes.
Rector Karahocagil: “We Will Continue our Efforts for a More Livable World"
Following Kırşehir Provincial Director of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, Muhammed Yusuf Orhan, Rector of KAEU Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil, took the stage to emphasize the ongoing efforts to protect the environment and nature and to raise awareness on these issues. "As a university and a city where the values of Akhism flourish, we focus not only on education, teaching, and quality initiatives but also on projects related to the environment and nature," stated Rector Karahocagil. He highlighted that within the scope of quality initiatives, our university has been awarded the ISO 50001 Energy Management System Certificate. Rector Karahocagil also mentioned the establishment of zero-waste committees within the university as part of the Zero Waste Project, creating a system that has led to significant transformations. Prof. Dr. Karahocagil proudly announced that our university was included in the global UI GreenMetric rankings, which evaluate environmentally conscious and sustainable institutions, during its first application. "We will continue to work and strive for a more livable world, a more sustainable life, and a greener campus," he affirmed. Expressing his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the implementation of the Zero Waste Project, Rector Karahocagil wished that the project would bring benefits to both our university and the city of Kırşehir.
Pirinççi: “Living in a Good and Quality Environment is Our Right; Leaving a Quality Environment for Future Generations is Our Responsibility"
Following our University Rector, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil, Türkiye Çevre Ajansı President, Prof. Dr. Ferhat Pirinççi, also delivered a speech. Addressing the challenges awaiting the world in 2025, Pirinççi emphasized the critical role of the Zero Waste Project in creating a more livable world. Prof. Dr. Ferhat Pirinççi elaborated on the initiatives of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change and the planned efforts within the framework of the waste project. He stated: "Living in a good and quality environment is our right. However, it is also our duty and responsibility to preserve this environment and pass it on to future generations. In this regard, we will continue our efforts to protect the environment and nature." Additionally, Prof. Dr. Pirinççi provided detailed information about the Deposit Return Machine gifted to the university and expressed his gratitude to all contributors who played a role in the implementation of the Zero Waste Project.
After the opening speeches, Hülya Çakır, Environmental Engineer and Head of the Education and Awareness Branch at the Zero Waste Applications Department of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, delivered a presentation titled “Zero Waste Journey in Universities”. This was followed by a presentation by Prof. Dr. İlkay Açıkgöz Erkaya, a faculty member from the Environmental Engineering Department at KAEU Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, titled “Kırşehir Ahi Evran University Zero Waste Action Plan.” Following the presentations, participants visited the Green Campus Festival Area, located in the central cafeteria parking lot of our university, showcasing various initiatives and activities aligned with the Zero Waste Project.