The project titled "Calculation of the Corporate Carbon Footprint and Afforestation Activity to Offset Corporate Carbon Emissions for the Kastamonu Güldal Akşit Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center," conducted by Kastamonu University, hosted a meaningful gathering that brought together different generations around nature within the framework of the Presidential declaration of 2025 as the "Year of Family."  

The project was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Oytun Emre Sakıcı, with Prof. Dr. Erol Akkuzu, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arif Oğuz Altunel, and Res. Asst. Döndü Demirel as team members. The study, which began with the calculation of the carbon footprint of the Kastamonu Güldal Akşit Nursing Home for the year 2024, adopted an application model that centers on environmental awareness and intergenerational interaction. In this context, efforts were made to raise environmental awareness among elderly individuals, and children and the elderly were encouraged to plant saplings together.  

This study is the first of its kind in our country to calculate the carbon footprint of nursing homes. Thus, a pioneering step has been taken in terms of environmental sustainability and corporate carbon management. 

The project was carried out in collaboration with the Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services and the Kastamonu Forest Regional Directorate. The first event started with an awareness conference held on May 20, 2025, at the Kastamonu Güldal Akşit Nursing Home. The conference was attended by the Provincial Director of Family and Social Services, Harun Köksalan, the Director of the Nursing Home, Remzi Şahin; nursing home staff and residents; and students from the Faculty of Forestry at Kastamonu University.  

In the opening speech, Project Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Oytun Emre Sakıcı explained the project's content and its connection to the Year of the Family; Prof. Dr. Erol Akkuzu gave a presentation on climate change and the carbon cycle. Then, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arif Oğuz Altunel discussed strategies aimed at reducing carbon emissions. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sakıcı shared data on the carbon footprint of the nursing home and explained how the calculations were made. The conference concluded with a briefing by Research Assistant Döndü Demirel about the afforestation activity.  

The second phase of the project, which is the planting of saplings, was carried out on May 21, 2025, in the Gelindağı area of Aksinir Village. Representing Kastamonu University, the event was attended by Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük, Provincial Director of Family and Social Services Harun Köksalan; and, representing the Kastamonu Forest Regional Directorate, Deputy Regional Director Ahmet Er. The Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, Prof. Dr. Mahmut Gür, faculty members; students; personnel from the Forest Management Directorate; nursing home residents; and children from the Child Care Coordination Center also participated in the event.

The opening speeches emphasized the role of the family in social solidarity and the importance of environmental awareness. The opening speeches placed particular emphasis on the spiritual value of elderly individuals living away from their families spending time together with children under protection.

At the event, 150 Elaeagnus and cornelian cherry saplings were planted in a "1 child-1 elder-1 sapling" pairing. We placed an information board in the area, introducing the project details and the collaborating institutions.

This meaningful meeting, which reinforced the love for nature and intergenerational bonds, contributed to both the environment and social ties in line with the spirit of the Year of the Family. After the event, the day was joyfully concluded with a bowling event for children organized at the Kastamonu University Ay Yıldız Sports and Life Center. 

This study, conducted under the leadership of Kastamonu University, stands out not only as an exemplary application that brings generations together around nature in the Year of the Family 2025 but also as a scientific step that serves as a model in the field of environmental management.