Sustainability Governance and Policy Integration in Turkish Higher Education: An Analysis Through UI GreenMetric

Abstract

This chapter explores how sustainability metrics and policies are integrated into Turkish higher education, with a particular focus on universities' engagement with both global and national frameworks, especially UI GreenMetric. Through content analysis of strategic plans, policy documents, and institutional reports, the chapter investigates how sustainability is embedded within university governance structures. The findings reveal that although Turkish universities increasingly align with international sustainability benchmarks, this engagement remains largely compliance-driven and shaped by centralized policy mandates. While top-tier institutions in UI GreenMetric rankings demonstrate proactive integration of sustainability into institutional planning and reporting, mid- and low-tier universities tend to adopt more reactive, policy-driven approaches. The chapter concludes by proposing a policy-oriented hybrid model that balances state-driven mandates with institutional autonomy to advance sustainability more effectively across the sector.