The role of public buildings in carbon footprint

In the last century with the rapid development of industry and technology, energy resources have become the strategic needs of countries. Because fossil fuels used as energy sources become unable to respond to current needs and the harmful gases released by the combustion of these fuels disrupt the natural balance of the environment and atmosphere and cause climate change. With climate change, which is accepted by scientific evidence, becoming visible and felt, countries and international organizations have searched for solutions by rapidly working and researching for a sustainable environment. In this context, many protocols and agreements have been made and in order to reduce and limit greenhouse gases, the contracting countries have made commitments by presenting national contribution declarations to the extent of their own possibilities. Turkey also prepared a National Contribution Declaration in 2015 and predicted that it would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30% according to the reference scenario (BAU) until 2030. In this context, public institutions in Turkey will need to analyze the current situation of their resources and activities within the scope of combating climate change. In addition, by making the necessary measures and planning, they will set an example to private sector organizations and society and ensure that awareness is raised. Based on this idea, a sample public building was selected in Ankara and carbon footprint measurement was made in line with the fuel data of the building's four-year electricity, water, natural gas and service vehicles. As a result of the calculations, the total carbon footprint of the building for four years was found to be 630,329.26 kgCO2e. At the end of the study, the number and dimensions of panels to be placed on the roof of the building were calculated in order to meet the most used electrical energy of the building with photovoltaic panels. In addition, the innovations to be made in the building and the deficiencies that need to be reviewed are indicated. As a result, it has been revealed once again with this study that the use of fossil fuels causes environmental pollution and therefore climate change. For this reason, it is necessary to consciously use and reduce fossil fuels (natural gas, coal, diesel, etc.) used in all buildings, especially in public buildings. In addition, studies should be carried out for the use of renewable energy sources and ensure that investments should be directed to these areas.