Environment

At a time when the effects of global warming are felt deeper every day, it is unacceptable that manufacturing and industrial companies remain insensitive to the matter. Being fully aware of the rapid exhaustion of natural resources, Akkök Group places a great deal of importance on sustainability and eco-compatibility in all of its activities. The Group wants to leave a healthy environment for coming generations and aims to create environmental awareness in all of its production and service processes as well as social responsibility projects.

Akkök Group companies have carried out several effective projects for the protection of ecological balance; the Group is especially sensitive to the effects of its investments on the environment and natural resources.
The threat of the depletion of natural resources led Akkök Group to launch an environmental project during 2008. The project aims to raise the environmental awareness of employees and lead them to act accordingly both in their working processes and their daily lives. A Waste Paper Recycling Project was initiated in Akhan, the headquarters of Akkök Group. Additionally, an awareness raising activity was carried out with all employees at the headquarters as well as at all production units to separate used batteries from ordinary waste.

In 2010, Akkök headquarters participated in the Earth Hour, a global event organized by the World Wide Fund (WWF) on March 27, displaying a responsible attitude about global warming.

Triple Responsibility Project continues

Aksa and Ak-Kim, two companies affiliated with the Group, continued their efforts under the Triple Responsibility Project, throughout 2010 as well. Since 2004, Aksa has been publishing reports about its environmental and economic activities in the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) reporting format. These reports are accessible on the corporate website of Aksa. Aksa, the first Turkish chemical plant to sign the UN Global Compact Principles in 2006, was also the sponsor of the Workshop on the Global Compact Principles (Global Compact) that was held at the National Quality Congress organized by KalDer.

Aksa calculates its carbon footprint

Although there are currently no legal requirements in Turkey, Aksa began calculating its carbon footprint in 2010, acting as a pioneer in this area and displaying its environmental sensitivity. The Company assembled a committee to closely monitor the recent developments in the EU and Turkey, about global warming and to take actions to this end.
As its first initiative, the Committee issued the carbon inventory for the July 2009-July 2010 period, in compliance with ISO 14064-1. The established management system and the issued “Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report” were inspected by the British Standards Institution (BSI) in Germany and in Turkey, to be certified according to ISO 14064-1 standard. As a result, Aksa was the first company in Turkey certified by the BSI in terms of high-level safety. The efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will continue at Aksa as well as at supplier and subcontractor companies.

Environmentally sensitive initiatives from Ak-Kim

Ak-Kim, another signatory to the Triple Responsibility Commitment, became one of the first Turkish companies to implement this program. The Commitment emphasizes the sensitivity of the chemical sector to environmental, human health and technical safety issues and is based on the principle of voluntarism.
Ak-Kim also signed the UN Global Compact Principles in 2007 and committed to aligning its operations and strategies with ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. The Company published its first Progress Report (COP) according to its commitment to the UN Global Compact and this report is accessible on the corporate website of Ak-Kim.

In 2008, Ak-Kim initiated the waste recycling project intended for the Taşköprü Municipality and the surrounding villages. Under the project, training seminars have been provided to the local community on the importance of the separating and recycling of waste material. Support has been provided to local administrations to acquire a supply of waste cans and trash bags. With regard to environmental activities conducted by Ak-Kim in the region, Ak-Kim Memorial Forests in Kılıç, Subaşı and Denizçalı villages have been maintained and additional trees have been planted.

Akenerji supports World Environment Day

Akenerji displays its responsibility toward society and the environment not only by its production processes but also through its contributions to social life. The Company sponsored the events organized in Adıyaman for the World Environment Day on June 5, demonstrating its sensitivity for the environment.

Akmerkez fights global warming together with the whole world

As with all other Akkök Group companies, Akmerkez also carries out its activities with sensitivity toward society and the environment. Akmerkez participated in the Earth Hour event organized by WWF on March 27, simultaneously with the whole world showing their responsible attitude toward global warming. Designated as the Best Shopping Mall in the World and in Europe, Akmerkez extended its support to the Earth Hour event, symbolizing the fact that millions of people on the world can “stop” global warming if they act as one. With this action, Akmerkez sent a message to leave a better world for the upcoming generations.

Ak-Tops prioritizes the environment in its waste management efforts

Ak-Tops was one of the first 100 enterprises in Turkey to receive the TS EN ISO 9002 Quality Management Systems Certification. Ak-Tops acknowledges the importance of adding value by showing respect to society and the environment. With such awareness, the Company successfully adopted the TS EN ISO 14001 Environmental Management System in 2008. As a proof of its sensitivity to preserve the ecological balance, the system of industrial waste elimination employed at Ak-Tops avoids risk and ensures compliance with the environment. According to the results of weekly analyses made at the Company’s wastewater treatment facility, the average need for chemical oxygen amounts to 100-110 mg/l.