Çimko Increases Alternative Fuel Usage by 38% in 4 Years

Çimko releases 2024 Sustainability Report, sharing transformation-focused strategies across carbon footprint management, social impact, digitalization and renewable energy. CEO Dr. Önder Kırca, stating "The strength of industry is now measured not only by production, but by its contribution to the planet and society," emphasized that Çimko views sustainability as a core element of institutional culture.

Çimko, operating under Sanko Holding, one of Turkey's industrial giants, published its 2024 Sustainability Report prepared in accordance with Turkey's Sustainability Reporting Standards (TSRS) and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, guided by principles of transparency and accountability. The report includes concrete applications and future targets that Çimko pursues in carbon management, energy transition, digital production technologies, social responsibility projects, occupational health and safety. All applications highlighted in the report demonstrated Çimko's vision to shape the future as a manufacturer taking responsibility in combating climate crisis, investing in digitalization and circular economy focus.

"We are making bold investments that will deliver lasting contributions to the future"
In his assessment of the report, Çimko CEO Dr. Önder Kırca stated: "The strength of industry is measured not only by production, but by its contribution to the planet and society. In this context, the new generation industrial approach requires addressing sustainability, technology and social responsibility within a strategic whole. We view sustainability not as a legal obligation or a trend, but as an essential element of institutional culture. We are making bold investments that will deliver lasting contributions to the future."

Alternative fuel usage increased by 38%
Çimko presented the applications it implemented within its sustainability strategy in the Sustainability Report with concrete data. In the cement sector, responsible for approximately 7% of global carbon emissions due to energy-intensive production processes, Çimko made investments to reduce carbon footprint. In 2024, Çimko increased the integration of alternative raw materials into production processes at its facilities while introducing new applications to reduce clinker usage rates.

In addition, Çimko, which made investments to increase the use of biomass-containing alternative fuels, increased its thermal substitution rate based on biomass by 68% as of 2024 compared to 2020. The use of biomass-containing alternative fuels resulted in the reduction of approximately 60,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2024.

In this context, Çimko aims to meet 60% of its thermal energy needs from alternative fuels by 2034.

Carbon reduction through circular economy
The report also devoted considerable space to alternative sources used within the scope of circular economy. In 2024, the company increased resource efficiency through the use of 185,000 tonnes of alternative fuel and 87,000 tonnes of alternative raw materials, achieving a 2.7% reduction in carbon emissions per tonne of clinker compared to 2015. Environmental improvement efforts continued with 32% wastewater recovery and 25 hectares of rehabilitated land.

Adopting a sustainable approach in water management, Çimko recovered and reused approximately 19% of the water used in its factories and 45% in ready-mix concrete facilities.

USD 55 million investment in renewable energy
One of Çimko's important steps in energy transition was the renewable energy production facilities it added to its operations in 2023 with an investment of approximately USD 55 million.
Solar power plants (SPP) located in Ankara, İzmir and Manisa with a total installed capacity of 49 MWp have annual electricity generation capacity of approximately 80 million kWh. These steps make a strong contribution to Çimko's sustainability-focused growth strategy in line with targets to reduce carbon emissions and lower energy costs. Additionally, digital transformation in energy management accelerated through artificial intelligence-supported production planning applications.

Furthermore, Waste Heat Recovery (WHR) systems, used to recover waste heat generated in production processes, play an important role in increasing energy efficiency. As of 2024, 33% of total electricity consumed at the Bartın facility and 9% at the Narlı facility were supplied through WHR systems.

These investments aim not only at carbon reduction but also at lowering energy costs to increase competitive strength and reduce external dependence by contributing to energy independence.

Human-centered business model and social contribution
Through its R&D structure, Çimko is developing both rapid solutions that can be integrated into production processes and long-term strategic transformation projects simultaneously. Through the R&D Branch opened at ODT University Technopark, academic knowledge is transformed into advanced technology and transferred to value-added projects that will contribute to employment and exports.

The company allocated TRY 71 million in resources for social responsibility projects and community investments focused on education, health, environment and local development. By supporting Skills and Talents Centers (BEYEM) established in Hatay and Adıyaman in cooperation with SosyalBen Foundation, the company provided 1,920 hours of education through Invention Workshops targeting the development of 2,750 children in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. Through an inter-university Biodiversity Competition organized for mine site rehabilitation, young people's innovative ideas were supported. Additionally, within the scope of the Volunteering Movement launched under the slogan "Goodness Starts in the Heart" in line with sustainability goals, Çimko Volunteers continue to develop projects for public benefit in the areas of environment, education and recycling.