News

WAITRO Summit 2026 to be Hosted by ITU

ITU will host the 2026 summit of WAITRO, a global research and innovation network with approximately 200 members from over 70 countries. Organized under the theme “Leading by Example - Strengthening Collaborative Production for Our Shared Future,” the summit focuses on the transition from vision to concrete application.

Consultation Meeting Held in Ankara as Part of COP31 Preparations

A COP31 Consultation Meeting was organized to evaluate views and recommendations regarding Turkiye's climate policies as part of COP31 preparations. The meeting, which brought together representatives from public institutions, academia, the private sector, and civil society, addressed priority topics related to climate action. Held in Ankara on February 26, 2026, the meeting continued with thematic parallel sessions following the opening speeches. Throughout the day, topics such as mitigation and energy transition, adaptation to climate change, climate finance, technology and capacity building, youth and climate ambassadors were evaluated in different sessions.

Istanbul Zero Waste Week Coordination Meeting Held

Under the auspices of the Istanbul Governor's Office and coordinated by the Zero Waste Foundation, a coordination meeting was held at the Neslişah Sultan Cultural Center regarding the activities to be carried out as part of Istanbul Zero Waste Week, which will take place from June 1-7, 2026. Representatives from public institutions, local governments, universities, and non-governmental organizations attended the meeting, with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Börte Köse Mutlu representing Istanbul Technical University. The meeting addressed efforts to promote the zero waste management system, raise public awareness, and strengthen inter-institutional cooperation. The events organized as part of Istanbul Zero Waste Week aim to strengthen environmental sustainability and promote zero waste practices.

COP31 to be Held in Turkiye

COP31 will take place in Antalya, Turkiye, from November 9 to 20, 2026, with the participation of 196 countries. The 31st Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (COP31), to be hosted and chaired by Turkiye in 2026, The Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, Murat Kurum, has been appointed as the “COP President” for the 21st Session of the Conference of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP21) and the 8th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA8).

Recycling and Zero Waste Practices in Daily Life Were Discussed

Topics of interest regarding recycling habits and the zero waste approach were discussed live on the evening news. Representing our Institute on the program, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Börte Köse Mutlu shared her insights on the current state of recycling awareness, the proper separation of waste, the environmental impacts of plastic waste, and how the zero waste approach can be implemented in daily life. The broadcast also featured common mistakes made in recycling processes and practical tips for proper waste management.

“Sustainable Consumption and Food Waste” Training Held

The “Sustainable Consumption and Food Waste” training was delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Derya Kahveci Karıncaoğlu on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Prof. Dr. Nahit Kumbasar

Zero Waste Institute Participated in the Zero Waste Forum

The forum, which aimed to share knowledge in the areas of sustainable production and consumption, circular economy, and waste management, brought together representatives from academia, the public sector, the private sector, and civil society. The event addressed current practices, policy development processes, and international collaborations related to the zero waste approach. Representing our Institute at the forum, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Börte Köse Mutlu provided assessments to various national and international media channels, sharing information about the research areas, academic goals, and contributions to sustainability efforts of the Zero Waste Institute.

The topic of recycling waste tires was discussed

Waste tires constitute an important waste category in terms of environmental management due to their long-lasting structures. In evaluations on the subject, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Börte Köse Mutlu from our Institute shared information on the environmental impacts of waste tires and recovery methods.

The Effects of Waste Oil on Ecosystems Have Been Assessed

Domestic and industrial waste oils can have serious effects on water resources and ecosystems when not collected separately and disposed of improperly. In evaluations conducted on this subject, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Börte Köse Mutlu from our Institute shared her views on the environmental

The Environmental Impacts of Single-Use Textile Cleaning Products Have Been Addressed

Single-use textile cleaning products, which have become widespread since the pandemic, offer convenience in terms of hygiene but also bring new environmental debates regarding waste management. In evaluations on this subject, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Börte Köse Mutlu from our Institute shared her views on consumption habits, waste generation, and environmental impacts of single-use products. Please access the related content via

A Discussion Was Held Regarding the Establishment of the Zero Waste Institute at ITU

The Zero Waste Institute is being established within Istanbul Technical University! The institute aims to bring together interdisciplinary research and educational activities in the fields of sustainability and circular economy

Strategic Partnership Established Between ITU and Zero Waste Foundation

A protocol was signed between ITU and the Zero Waste Foundation aiming for a wide range of cooperation in the fields of sustainability and zero waste, from high-quality postgraduate education to advanced research projects, from social contributions to the development of international relations.