The mission of Opet’s project, “Green Road,” was to turn Turkey’s roads and highways into “Green Chains” together with the support of other companies. The project, initiated in 2004, plans to expand through the involvement of all commercial establishments along the transportation corridors such as gas stations, stores, and hotels. Since the beginning, 429,629 plants have been sown as part of the project, with the goal of planting trees and other plants around the entrances and exits of all Opet stations.
As a company that supports the protection and preservation of the environment, Yapı Kredi continues its paper conservation efforts. Measures that encourage paper conservation have been taken at the branches as well as at headquarters. To facilitate this program, paper-recycling containers were placed throughout the banks. Obsolete and superfluous documents were shredded, collected, and sent to local recycling companies.
E-mails were sent to instill paper conservation awareness among the staff. As a result, there was a reduction in paper demand in spite of the expanding number of branches. In the scope of the project, “Paper Reduction Act,” branches have switched from paper to electronic documentation. The need to obtain a copy of customer documents caused excessive paper consumption. With this project, instead of retaining paper copies of customer documentation, branches now process everything electronically.
Furthermore, Yapı Kredi stopped production of greeting cards and promotional materials for customers, like calendars, organizers, among other materials. Thanks to all these measures, Yapı Kredi saved 4,199 tons of paper and prevented 71,394 trees from being cut down.
Green Products
Tüpraş began investing in a $1.6 billion project for transforming high-sulphur fuel oil used at its refineries into white products according to Euro-V standards like diesel and gasoline. This project will allow for fuel oil and other residual products (primarily diesel which is abundant in the region) to be transformed into white fuels, which are in great demand in Turkey. With this project’s construction completed between 2008 and 2012, the Izmit Refinery will expand production of LPG, diesel, and petrol coke (all in great highly demand in Turkey) as well as increasing the production of value-added unleaded gasoline, which is less harmful to the environment than leaded gas.
Arçelik is committed to protection of the environment through its production of more energy-efficient, faster, and more water-efficient products that preserve natural resources through reduced consumption. Arçelik invests in energy-efficient technologies with A+ and A++ Energy Class products. Arçelik has added the manufacture of the A+ 5275 No Frost Refrigerator, the A++ 5088 No Frost Refrigerator (New Black Orbital), whose mass production began in September 2008, and the Blomberg A++ MDND 1880 Mirror New No Frost Refrigerator, in addition to manufacturing its existing No Frost Two-Door Refrigerator product range.
Although induction ovens have long been available in international markets, Arçelik was the first company in Turkey to add these ovens to its product range. Induction ovens can conserve energy by up to 50% when compared to gas ovens. Dryers using heat pump technology consume 40% less energy compared to dryers using heaters. Moreover, Arçelik has ongoing projects for energy-efficient compressors, built-in ovens, and washing machines. The built-in oven and washing machine projects aim to increase energy efficiency levels.
The Arçelik 62101 El “Ecologist” is the world’s least water-consuming 12-person dishwasher since 2004. Furthermore, Arçelik manufactures the unique dishwashers, the TechTouch (Arçelik) and SmarTouch (Blomberg) that operate by the touch of a single button. The single-button “Push and Go” dishwasher is a revolutionary product that guarantees the same performance for every wash and aims to simplify the lives of consumers. When the minimum water and energy levels are selected, this dishwasher demonstrates that is truly a green product.
Ford Otosan believes that hybrid vehicles will gain popularity in the next couple of years and will become the world standard for personal transportation over the next 20 to 30 years due to their fuel economy and low emissions. In response to this belief, Otosan created the hybrid Transit prototype. Using the experience gained from this project, Ford Otosan announced the initiation of three different projects for the development and domestic production of three critical components of hybrid electric vehicles: the electric engine, the battery, and the electronic control units. Ford Otosan also has ongoing projects for hybrid trucks.
Otokar, designer and manufacturer of mass transit vehicles, developed the Doruk 230DG model that runs on natural gas. The vehicle has EEV-standard emissions, between the Euro-V and Euro-VI standards. The Doruk 230DG reduces NOx gas emissions, which causes acid rain, by 50% and SO2 gas emissions by 90%. Particle emissions are 50% to 75% less when compared to diesel buses.
Otokar is continuing to work on the Doruk 160 LE Hibra, Turkey's first hybrid bus prototype. The bus uses the popular hybrid technology and runs on both diesel and electricity. Otokar is planning to initiate vehicle tests as part of this project, supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK), in order to perfect the vehicle.
The CO2 emissions of Fiat engines are being reduced every year. Tofaş uses these low-volume/high-performance Fiat engines in its vehicles because of its dedication to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. The Fiat product range, using 1.3 Multijet and 1.4 Turbo engine technologies, was found to be the brand with the lowest CO2 emission two years in a row, 2007 and 2008, in a regular study conducted by JATO. Finally, through the ECO-DRIVE project, Fiat has developed an innovative and cutting-edge technology that allows individuals “to go green” when they drive. Furthermore, Tofaş manufactures Albea and Palio models with 1.4 litre-engines with LPG options.
Diesel desulfurization unit projects were completed at the Izmir, Izmit, and Kırıkkale Refineries in 2005, 2007, and 2008, respectively, with the help of Tüpraş. As of January 1, 2009, the European Union rolled out a standard for diesel products to contain no more than 10 ppm of sulphur. Thanks to the EU environmental standard-compliant diesel desulfurization units, diesel with less than 10 ppm of sulphur was put on the market far in advance of when the standard actually came into effect. Greenhouse gasses emitted from vehicles have reduced significantly due to the use of high-quality products such as these. The active investments of Tüpraş are paramount for the environment.
Green Investments in the Companies
Arçelik: Arçelik continues its efforts to protect the environment with its products and green activities. The treatment method for processing water was changed in the Dishwasher Facility. The type of fuel used in the Cooking Appliances Facility was switched to a cleaner technology.
Aygaz: Iron-manganese demineralization and reverse osmosis systems were installed and artesian well water was ameliorated at the Aliağa Filling Facility. Hence, the annual requirements for drinking water of the facility were met, enabling 600 m3 of safe water per day.
The corrosive effects of chemicals were eliminated through treatment of chemicals in wastewater at the Yarımca Tanker Filling Facility, thus protecting both our employees as well as the environment. Previously, nearly 4.5 litres of chemicals were used to treat a tank of chemical water, whereas now only one litre of flocculation material is sufficient for the same amount of chemical water. The foam extinguisher system with heat-flame detectors installed for the toluene tank and for the hazardous material tank at the Kırıkkale Tanker Filling Facility has minimized both environmental and occupational health and safety risks.
Ford Otosan: Instead of using electric energy, the ultra-filtration unit in the treatment facility uses solar energy, a renewable energy source. Moreover, the daylight sensors installed in the building and programmed according to the production schedule also contribute to conserving electric energy.
Otokar: Volatile organic compounds (VOC) have been reduced thanks to the new solvent recycling facility.
Tat: Chemical Oxygen Requirement (KOI), the primary criterion for pollution levels at the Torbalı facility has dropped significantly below the legislative limits as a result of the modernization of the bio-treatment facility. By investing in the cooling tower at the Karacabey facility, 1,344,000 tons of water was conserved.
Tofaş: Wastewater from the passivation and phosphate bath processes in the painting division are run through advanced treatment to recycle both de-mineralized water and bath chemicals. Investments were made at the electrophoresis facility to switch to a programmable robot system instead of using conveyor belts to carry the frames. As a result, tank volumes were reduced, concomitantly decreasing the amount of water and fuel consumed.
Tüpraş: A project started in 2008 for identifying ways to treat waste sludge at the Kırıkkale Refinery is ongoing. The project aims to develop a method that dramatically reduces the cost and environmental impact of disposing waste by utilizing all possible recycling options. Thus, the toxic waste will become non-toxic; creating added value through a safer and more sustainable waste management process that is sensitive to the environment.
The wastewater treatment facility at the Izmit Refinery aims to recycle discharged water for reuse in appropriate areas of the facility. Tüpraş’s green investments include projects like replacing steam pumps with more energy-efficient electric motor pumps; diesel desulfurization units; gasoline treatment units; and fuel oil conversion.
Ford Otosan: The company cut back greenhouse emissions and increased efficiency in the following ways:
• Annually conserving 3,533,892 kWh of electricity and 790,530 cc of natural gas;
• Reducing the number of cabins in the trim station and the installed capacity of the cabins;
• Heating the tank of oily wastewater from the ultra-filtration process of the treatment facility;
• Using solar panels;
• Implementing a priming coat that dries in lower temperatures in the coating furnaces;
• Installing air curtain units on the industrial entrance and exit doors; and
• Optimizing temperature and operating time in the central boilers.
Otokar also initiated several environmentally conscious measures:
• The process for washing vehicles before painting was altered;
• A recycling facility was established; and
• VOC levels fell below legal limits.
Arçelik carried out energy efficiency enhancement projects in all of its facilities to reduce waste of natural resources including:
• Replaced equipment;
• Improved lighting systems;
• Alternative fuels;
• Improved processes;
• Automatic equipment shutdown when not in use;
• Disposal of inefficient units; and
• Initiation of projects for the efficient use of electric motors, building insulation, and for regulating temperatures.
The Energy Efficiency Campaign (ENVER) was initiated with the help of public and private organizations and NGOs. The purpose of ENVER is to create awareness of more efficient means for the use of energy, and to put energy-efficiency on the top of Turkey’s agenda through various public relations and information activities. A memorandum issued in 2008 set methods for state institutions and organizations to use energy more efficiently. In an effort to raise public awareness on energy efficiency, the National Energy Efficiency Act was passed in 2008, and the year was declared as the Energy Efficiency Year. Arçelik, Aygaz, Opet, and Tüpraş have become the main sponsors of this Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources project in order to disseminate the project’s awareness raising activities.
Wastewater Projects
Arçelik: A recycling project was carried out at the Electric Motors Facility that runs the die cooling liquid used in the Bühler aluminum injection press through a filtering system to make it reusable. Another project at the Washing Machine Facility was put into effect to reduce wastewater from the phosphate rinsing process by installing a filtering system and to prevent the generation of wastewater from the electrophoresis rinsing process by operating a closed circuit process with a built-in membrane filter. With these projects, Arçelik was able to recycle a total of 40,271 cubic meters of water.
Opet: Opet’s new mineral oil plant is being built on a 40,000 m2 tract of land at the Tüpraş Facility in Aliağa, Izmir. The facility will manufacture motor and industrial oils. Moreover, the facility will be equipped with cutting-edge technology, making it one of the most modern factories in Europe. The facility will also have direct connections to the refinery and the port and will operate on principles respecting both the population and the environment.
Wastewater generated at the facility will be treated at a bio-treatment facility and used on the property for watering the gardens. Stock tanks will be located in a safety pool for added security.
Collection channels will be built in areas at risk for possible leaks from filling machines, tanks, and pumps. Oil separators will be installed within the operation field to prevent the oils collected in the channels from leaking into the environment. The safety pools where the tanks are located will also be connected to this separator. In the event of an emergency or a leak, the channels within the facility will be run through the oil separators and sent to oil disposal facilities that have been licensed by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.
Waste categorized as domestic solid waste will be gathered in closed containers within the facility and collected by the Municipality. Paper waste will be sent to recycling companies. Contaminated barrels will be sold to barrel companies licensed by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.
A temporary storage area will be built for all waste materials to be collected and separated. Readings will be taken in an effort to monitor and prevent air pollution. Preventive measures for both noise and soil pollution will also be implemented.
Otokar: Otokar has an ongoing project that recycles water from chemical treatments and reuses it in the pools of the minibus paint shop. This project saves 3,000 cubic meters of water every year.
Tofaş: Since 2002, Tofaş has recycled its wastewater and reused for watering gardens, resulting in a savings of 50,000 cubic meters of water every year. Wastewater from the passivation and phosphate bath processes in the painting division are run through a technically advanced treatment to recycle both demineralized water and bath chemicals. Tofaş replaced the conveyor belts with a programmable robot system for the electrophoresis phase to carry the frames and downsized tank volumes by 25%, reducing the amount of water consumption. Moreover, the amount of fuel used for heating the tank decreased by 12% due to a smaller tank volume.
Tüpraş: The Wastewater Treatment Facility at the Izmit Refinery recycles discharged water in appropriate areas at the facility.
Türk Traktör: Recycling the phosphate bath water allows the water to be reused.