Turkish Cement Sector 2024 Sustainability Report Published

TURKCIM released its 2024 Sustainability Report, which addresses the economic, environmental and social performance of Turkey's cement sector through a comprehensive approach. The report, to which all TURKCIM members contributed, consolidated environmental, social and governance (ESG) data from 53 integrated facilities, providing a comprehensive framework for the sector's sustainability journey.

The report was prepared taking into account Turkey Sustainability Reporting Standards (TSRS) and was shaped on the basis of the double materiality approach adopted by TURKCIM. Within this scope, the sector's environmental and social impacts and their reflections on financial performance were analyzed comprehensively. As a result of surveys and interviews conducted with the participation of different stakeholder groups, the sector's sustainability priorities were determined.

The report highlights issues that have high priority in both impact and financial terms: combating and adapting to climate change, energy management and efficiency, sustainable products, circular economy and waste management, contribution to Turkey's economy, occupational health and safety, product quality and compliance with legal regulations. The report also addresses sustainability and climate-related risks and opportunities across the sector.

Alternative Fuel Meets 13% of Energy Needs
Turkey's cement sector took important steps last year to strengthen its environmental performance. Within this scope, 2.1 million tons of alternative fuel were used, meeting 13% of the sector's thermal energy needs from these sources. With the use of 6.6 million tons of alternative raw materials, a substitution rate of approximately 5% was achieved. There was also an increase in renewable energy investments, with approximately 10% of cement plants' electricity consumption met from solar and wind energy.

The total environmental investments made in the sector during 2024 reached TRY 1.6 billion, while annual environmental expenses reached TRY 300 million. These investments played an important role not only in reducing carbon emissions but also in strengthening resource efficiency and circular economy practices.

TURKCIM CEO Volkan Bozay stated the following regarding the report: "As a cement sector, we now view sustainability not as a choice, but as a fundamental transformation area. The use of alternative fuels and raw materials, energy efficiency, renewable energy investments and digitalization efforts are the most concrete indicators of this transformation. Our published 2024 Sustainability Report serves not only to present our current performance, but also as a strategic guide that outlines our risks, opportunities and our roadmap for the period ahead."

Green Transition Enhancing Turkish Cement's Competitive Strength
Turkey's cement sector continues to increase its global competitive strength in line with the process of aligning with the European Green Deal, carbon regulations, energy transformation and sustainable production practices, while also treating social benefit and sustainable development as an inseparable part of its business conduct.

TURKCIM's 2024 Sustainability Report serves as an important reference document for the sector's transition to a low-carbon and more resilient future.