Recently, a significant step was taken in Turkey to achieve environmentally friendly production and sustainability goals: the Green Transformation Support Program. This program aims to support investments that reduce environmental impacts and use resources more efficiently. Green transformation is a comprehensive change process that businesses implement to reduce environmental impacts and increase sustainability. In this context, the Green Transformation Support Program offers a framework that guides and supports businesses in this process.
Purpose and Scope
The primary objective of the Green Transformation Support Program is to promote low-carbon production methods that protect natural resources and align with the circular economy approach in Turkey. This support aims to contribute to climate and sustainability goals while also increasing resource efficiency. The program provides a comprehensive framework covering investor applications, project evaluation, monitoring, and necessary revision processes.
Application and Evaluation Process
The program is open only to capital companies operating in the manufacturing industry and based in Turkey. Applications must be made in accordance with the call conditions determined by the Ministry, and a green transformation team must be formed during this process. Applications should be supported with roadmap reports, which present a detailed plan of the investor's green transformation strategies and projects. The green transformation team plays a role in preparing, implementing, and monitoring these roadmap reports, consisting of at least three people appointed by the investor. Facilities implementing projects deemed suitable and supported will be awarded the title of Green Transformation Center throughout the program.
During the application process, investors must clearly state the objectives, scope, and targets of their projects. In project evaluations, concrete and measurable improvements per unit of production must be provided based on the performance indicators specified below:
- Energy consumption,
- Greenhouse gas emission amount,
- Air pollutant emission amount,
- Carbon footprint,
- Water footprint,
- Raw material consumption,
- Waste amount,
- Water consumption,
- Wastewater amount,
- Wastewater pollution load,
- Amount of recycled input from facility waste.
Applications may be accepted or returned for revision based on evaluation reports.
Support Scope and Elements
The Green Transformation Support Program covers various expenditures such as technology, software, and hardware used in supported projects. However, entirely new investment projects or R&D activities are excluded from this support. Supports are provided for improvements and investments to be made in existing facilities.
Monitoring and Completion
Project monitoring and final status measurements are conducted at regular intervals throughout the investment period. However, projects that fail to meet the targets are removed from the support scope, and the Green Transformation Center title is revoked.
In conclusion, the Green Transformation Support Program offers comprehensive support to businesses in achieving sustainability goals. Therefore, gaining the title of Green Transformation Center in this program promises to play a significant role in achieving Turkey's sustainability goals, providing businesses with the opportunity to fulfill their environmental responsibilities and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. The improvements made under the program will ensure significant gains both environmentally and economically, reinforcing the future success of businesses. This support program offers great opportunities for investors, serving as a comprehensive guide for steps to be taken on the path to green transformation.
References
Ministry of Industry and Technology. "GREEN TRANSFORMATION SUPPORT PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURES AND PRINCIPLES REGULATION." Official Gazette, July 26, 2024, https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2024/07/20240726-19.htm.
