Turkcell Shares Its Sustainability Vision with the World at COP29
In a session at the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference COP29, Dr. Ali Taha Koç, the General Manager of Turkcell (IS:TCELL), shared the company's sustainability vision and the projects it is undertaking in this area. Meeting with representatives from the global technology ecosystem and various sectors at the conference held in Baku, Azerbaijan, Dr. Koç first took the stage as a speaker in the “Digital Solutions for the Future” session at the World Bank pavilion.
During this session, which also featured Sangbu Kim, Vice President for Digital Transformation at the World Bank, Dr. Koç emphasized Turkcell's investments in wind and solar energy plants, stating: “As Turkcell, while serving humanity, we approach our ecosystem and all living things with the same sensitivity, aiming to leave a livable world to future generations. In this regard, we have identified sustainability as one of our strategic focus areas. As a company that established its sustainability team five years ago and made short, medium, and long-term plans in this field, our priority is to focus on energy efficiency, reduce the energy we consume, and accelerate investments in renewable energy. We are determined to combat the climate crisis, which has grown with the Industrial Revolution, with a 'technology revolution.'”
In the session, Dr. Koç also provided information about Turkcell's AI-based sustainability initiatives and its investments in wind and solar energy plants, indicating that by the end of 2026, total investments in solar energy plants are expected to reach 240 million dollars.
“Digital Transformation and Climate Crisis are Our Priorities”
On the same day, in a session held at the Turkey pavilion, Dr. Ali Taha Koç discussed the role of digitalization in sustainable development and the activities Turkcell is undertaking under this title. Dr. Koç mentioned: “As Turkcell, we are aware of the role digital transformation plays in combating climate change. Thanks to the innovations we have signed, we are developing solutions that will ensure energy efficiency both in our operations and in the products and services we offer to our customers. Our goal is to become a net-zero company by 2050. In this direction, we meet 100% of our electricity needs from renewable energy-certified sources. We have established our greenhouse gas reduction targets for 2030 in accordance with the criteria of the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and have received approval from SBTi. We are the only company in the telecommunications and technology sector in Turkey that has had its SBTi targets approved. Furthermore, we have become a leader in our field by entering the 'A' list in the CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) Climate Change reporting, which evaluates the sustainability efforts and results of 21,000 companies from around the world. We are also aware of the challenges posed by electronic waste. Through our 'Transform to Education' project, which we have been running since 2019, we have collected tons of tech waste for recycling. The revenue generated from this has allowed us to provide qualified educational support to hundreds of children. We are committed to finding solutions as part of our sustainability pledge.”
Support for the “Green Digital Action” Declaration from Turkcell
Turkcell has also supported the “Green Digital Action” declaration signed at COP29. Accepted as the final document during the Digitalization Day, which was held for the first time at a COP summit on November 16, the declaration emphasizes the critical role of digital technologies in combating climate change and highlights the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to reduce the environmental impacts of digitalization. By declaring its support for this statement, Turkcell reaffirmed its determination to contribute to sustainable development through digital transformation.