The Sustainable Energy Based Tourism Application Center (SENTRUM) project, which was implemented for the first time in the Ayvalık district of Balikesir to create a “green destination model”, was completed.
Within the scope of the SENTRUM project, which is the first example of the “green destination model” with energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable tourism applications, 10 million TL was invested in the “green destination” transformation of Küçükköy.
Within the scope of the project carried out in cooperation with Enerjisa Enerji, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Sabancı University, the tourism resource values of the region were determined first. Road maps were prepared on green purchasing, sustainable transportation, production and consumption. Alternative cycling and walking routes with nature and energy themes were created.
After the energy studies for tourism businesses and public buildings, energy efficient lighting and white goods support was provided to businesses, energy efficiency and solar power plant applications were made in Necmi Komili Primary and Secondary School and Küçükköy Cultural Center. Thus, Necmi Komili Primary and Secondary School was among the firsts in Turkey as a “net zero energy building”.
With the project, in which measurable benefits are seen in the fight against climate change, it has been announced that annual 15 thousand kilograms of coal use in the region is prevented and energy savings are achieved, while annual carbon emissions of 90 thousand kilograms are prevented.
Within the scope of the project, which reveals how the tourism sector can benefit from renewable energy sources and other sustainable practices in a single destination, Küçükköy has also gained a high-speed electric vehicle charging infrastructure with the installation of a charging station with an installed capacity of 120 kW.
With the experience gained in Küçükköy, it has been announced that the work will continue for the implementation of the SENTRUM project in different destinations.