2.5.4 Sustainable food purchases

PRIORITISING SUSTAINABLE FOOD PURCHASES FROM LOCAL SOURCES 

As Boğaziçi University, we prioritise food purchases from local sources within the framework of our sustainable purchasing policy. This policy aims to both reduce environmental impacts and support the local economy. By sourcing directly from local farmers and producers, we promote agricultural sustainability and support producers who adopt natural production methods with low chemical use. In this way, we contribute to the economic development of local communities while providing access to healthy and fair food.

Boğaziçi University Sustainable Procurement Policy

National Action Plan for Sustainable Consumption and Production started at Boğaziçi University

The opening meeting of the Sustainable Consumption and Production National Action Plan Project was held at Boğaziçi University on 7 September. The project aims to create a national action plan focused on sustainable production and consumption within the framework of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals, in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, Boğaziçi University and sectoral cooperation.

In cooperation with Boğaziçi University Finance Application and Research Centre, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change and the sectors, the work on the National Action Plan for Sustainable Consumption and Production started with the opening meeting held at Boğaziçi University. The action plan, which will be prepared to promote sustainable production and consumption in Turkey in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, aims to contribute to the steps taken in this field.

Speaking at the opening of the meeting, Prof. Dr. Nilgün Kıran Cılız, Deputy Director of Boğaziçi University Finance Application and Research Centre, stated that in order to achieve success in all the targets set for sustainability, it is necessary to proceed under state control and develop relevant policies. Stating that the project is a good example of this approach, Prof. Dr. Nilgün Kıran Cılız said:

"In order to achieve the goals set out in the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, the Green Deal and the Paris Climate Agreement, it is necessary to proceed under state control and develop relevant policies. Within the scope of our project, we are setting an example of this and establishing the infrastructure in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change. In addition, the financial framework in which the private sector can invest must also be established. For this reason, we attach great importance to the national action plan to be made through this project for the joint progress of higher education, public and private sectors towards these goals."

Gürsel Erul, Deputy Director General for Environmental Management at the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, which is among the stakeholders of the project, said that the national action plan to be prepared for sustainable production and consumption in cooperation with Boğaziçi University is very valuable for the steps to be taken in this field in Turkey.

Erul also emphasised the contribution of the collaborations they have established with higher education institutions, research centres and the sector to Turkey's efforts within the framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Read More

2024 Sustainability Report SDG-2 (Related Section)

Sustainable Food Purchases

Boğaziçi University's sustainable procurement policy is based on a model that aims to minimise environmental, social and economic impacts. Sustainable procurement is considered as a process based on continuous improvement and all risks and impacts that may arise throughout the life cycle of the products are taken into account. Accordingly, the sustainable procurement policy within the university is based on the following principles:

Accountability and Transparency: Our university is responsible for its impact on society, economy and the environment and bears this responsibility in purchasing processes. By ensuring open and transparent communication on supply chains, processes are carried out in cooperation with stakeholders.

Ethical Behaviour and Equal Opportunity: Ethical behaviour is prioritised in procurement processes and equal opportunities are offered to all suppliers to enable them to compete.

Respect for Human Rights and the Rule of Law: The University respects international norms of behaviour and encourages suppliers to comply with the necessary rules.

Innovative Solutions and Continuous Improvement: Innovative procurement practices are supported and sustainability practices are continuously improved to promote more sustainable results in the entire supply chain.

Analysing costs: Our organisation considers the costs incurred throughout the life cycle, the value for money achieved and the costs and benefits to society, the environment and the economy resulting from procurement activities.

Boğaziçi University prefers locally sourced products within the scope of sustainable food procurement. All vegetables and fruits used in cafeteria services are selected from local production and used in season, and producers who adopt natural production methods with low chemical use are supported. Only local animal meat is used in meat products. The preference for local and seasonal foods reduces environmental impacts by reducing carbon emissions from transport and contributes to the local economy. Thus, the meals served on campus are prepared with an awareness of environmental protection and contribute to the adoption of sustainable eating habits.

Boğaziçi University Sustainable Purchasing Policy:

https://impact.bogazici.edu.tr/sites/impact.bogazici.edu.tr/files/sustainable_supply_and_procurement_policy.pdf

Programmes Organised within the Scope of SDG-2

Sustainable Consumption and Production National Action Plan studies started at Boğaziçi University

The opening meeting of the Sustainable Consumption and Production National Action Plan Project was held at Boğaziçi University on 7 September. The project aims to create a national action plan focused on sustainable production and consumption within the framework of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals, in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, Boğaziçi University and sectoral cooperation.

Speaking at the opening of the meeting, Prof. Dr. Nilgün Kıran Cılız, Deputy Director of Boğaziçi University Finance Application and Research Centre, stated that in order to achieve success in all the goals set out in the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Green Deal and the Paris Climate Agreement, it is necessary to proceed under state control and develop relevant policies. Stating that the project is a good example of this approach, Prof. Dr. Nilgün Kıran Cılız added that the financial framework in which the private sector can invest should also be established.

Gürsel Erul, Deputy Director General for Environmental Management at the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, who is among the stakeholders of the project, said that the national action plan to be prepared for sustainable production and consumption in cooperation with Boğaziçi University is very valuable for the steps to be taken in this field in Turkey.