The Potential Contribution of Remotely Sensed Images for GreenMetric Ranking

Abstract

GreenMetric (GM) ranks the universities worldwide to determine their sustainability levels. Ranking depends on the scores which is calculated based on the evidence provided for various criteria. In this study, it is suggested to use remotely sensed images both as data to be used in score calculation related to greenery level and as evidence to be presented. In this context, GM scores regarding the sustainability indicators of the first category were determined by using satellite images. The main campuses of two universities from Turkey were selected as study areas. Sentinel-2B satellite images of the campus areas were exposed to digital image processing techniques to derive statistical values regarding greenery. Based on these data and information, the total scores of the setting and infrastructure category for both campuses were calculated as 1000 and 925, those officially claimed were 1050 and 825. When considering the main campus of a university, remotely sensed image has high potential to obtain the required information about green and non-green areas. Therefore, thematic maps to be produced from such data can set a standard for statistical evidence requested by GM in various indicators. This approach will also contribute to the more reliable evaluation.