Environmental Footprinting Scheme for Turkish Businesses

Project Partners: The Carbon Trust, Aegean Forest Foundation, Lifelong Learning, Vocational Training and Development Association
Project Associates: İzmir Development Agency (İZKA), Aegean Region Chamber of Industry (EBSO), Atatürk Organized Industrial Zone (A.O.S.B), Polibak Plastik Film Sanayi A.Ş., Ege TV
Project Implementation Period: 15.02.2016-15.02.2017/ 12 Months
Project Location: İzmir-Turkey, London-England
Project Budget: 175,739,92 EURO
Grant Contribution Rate: 90%

The objective of the project carried out within the scope of the Civil Society Dialogue Between Turkey and the European Union VI–Environment Grant Program is to ensure the transfer and adaptation of studies on climate change mitigation, environmental protection actions and implemented practices in EU member states in accordance with the priority areas of Nature Conservation and Climate Action.

Within the scope of the project, studies and best practice examples in EU member countries on the calculation and certification of environmental footprints, especially for export-oriented products manufactured in Turkey, were transferred, and an eco-labeling system was established to reduce the carbon emissions (and potentially water use) of the products manufactured in İzmir in the chosen pilot sectors. The carbon footprint of the products manufactured in 5 pilot companies selected in 4 different sectors (printing-packaging, construction chemicals, cement, and glass) was calculated, documented and environmental footprint labels were created to reduce carbon emissions, promote the efficient use of natural resources and develop sustainable strategies. With this system, it is aimed for the Turkish industry to get a larger share from world exports by transforming into a structure that is sensitive to the environment and society and to change the preferences of corporate and individual consumers on reducing their environmental footprints through awareness-raising.