Question. Every day we hear something new about sustainability. On the one hand, as an organization, we feel that we need to do something about it.
Who can we get help from?
Are there any firms, or companies that can help us?
What do sustainability companies do?
What do sustainability companies in Bursa do? What should they do?
Is it difficult to be a sustainability company in Turkey?
What do international sustainability companies do?
Can anyone write a sustainability report?
We have many questions…
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As the importance of the concept of “sustainability” begins to be understood more, we see that organizations are trying to take more steps in this regard.
New legal regulations on sustainability are emerging every day. Sustainability Reporting is becoming mandatory for organizations of a certain size. Even if it is not mandatory in your country, some regulations and expectations from the supply chain inevitably lead the organization to this path.
For this reason, sustainability consultancy has become much more important. Sustainability companies or companies that provide sustainability consultancy are trying not to leave industrial organisations alone in this journey, by offering their experience and knowledge.
By working with an expert sustainability company, organizations have the chance to be informed about the latest developments, best practices, and most innovative solutions.
Now let’s answer the questions we asked one by one:
1-WHAT DO SUSTAINABILITY FIRMS DO?
A sustainability consultancy firm tries to bring more sustainable solutions for the environment without hindering the success of the business. Some of their tasks are as follows:
– Researching to assess the environmental impact of a business. For example, determining carbon footprint, energy use, water use, waste generation and air quality,
– To minimize the negative impact of the company on the environment,
– Providing specialized knowledge on reducing the use of vital or finite resources such as energy, water, or oil,
– Develop strategic sustainability plans tailored to the business or organization,
– Provide an overview of the official requirements and rules relevant to the company and ensure compliance,
– To keep the legal information concerning the company up to date and to advise on any changes,
– To present plans to reduce waste in the operational or production processes of the enterprise,
– Collect and analyze various data related to the sustainability of the business and prepare reports to show the findings,
– Presenting reports to stakeholders,
– To educate and train employees and stakeholders on basic issues related to environment and sustainability,
– Develop and support the implementation of various sustainability initiatives within the organization,
– Maintain awareness of new technologies or methods that can improve sustainability and continuously recommend cost-effective and environmentally friendly practices.
2-WHAT DO SUSTAINABILITY COMPANIES IN BURSA DO? WHAT SHOULD THEY DO?
Geography can affect the sustainability activities of institutions and organizations in various ways. If you are among the sustainability companies in Bursa, you should consider the geographical conditions of Bursa. The factors to be emphasized are as follows:
Accessibility and Utilisation of Natural Resources: Geographical location affects organizations’ access to and use of natural resources. The availability and utilization of resources such as water, soil, forests, minerals, etc. may depend on geographical factors. Sustainability activities involve the balanced and efficient use of local resources. A sustainability firm in Bursa should be both knowledgeable about the accessibility and utilization of natural resources in Bursa and competent to produce solutions.
Climate Conditions and Climate Change Impacts: Geographical location determines the way organizations face climate conditions and climate change impacts. Climate change can affect organizations’ risk management strategies, energy use, water resource management, and environmental impacts. A sustainability firm in Bursa should be aware of the climatic conditions specific to Bursa and be capable of developing climate resilience recommendations.
Environmental Threats and Risks: Geographical location affects the level of exposure of organizations to various environmental hazards and risks. For example, natural disasters such as flooding, erosion, drought, or human-induced factors such as pollution and habitat loss vary depending on geographical regions. Therefore, sustainability strategies should be aligned with geographical risks. A sustainability firm in Bursa should be aware of the environmental threats and risks specific to Bursa and should be capable of developing recommendations for the organization against these threats.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services: Geography affects the biodiversity levels and ecosystem services of organizations. Biodiversity is important for agriculture, water resources, clean air, and other ecosystem services. Sustainability activities aim to protect and increase the efficiency of these ecosystem services. A sustainability firm in Bursa should be aware of the richness of Bursa’s biodiversity and be capable of structuring the organization’s sustainability strategy in a way that will benefit from this richness but not harm it.
Social and Cultural Dynamics: Geography determines local social and cultural dynamics. These factors influence the way sustainability projects and policies of organizations are accepted and implemented. Sustainability efforts should be shaped by the needs and cultural values of local communities. A sustainability firm in Bursa should be aware of Bursa’s cultural values and be able to develop strategies accordingly.
Transport and Logistics: Geographical location affects organizations’ transport and logistics strategies. The environmental impacts and carbon footprint of transport vary depending on geographical factors. Sustainability activities aim to reduce the efficiency and environmental impact of transport and logistics processes. A sustainability firm in Bursa should consider Bursa’s unique transport and logistics opportunities when developing solutions.
3- IS IT DIFFICULT TO BE A SUSTAINABILITY COMPANY IN TURKEY?
Being a sustainability company in Turkey may bring certain challenges, but these challenges can be overcome with the right strategy, innovative approach, and cooperation. It is important for companies working in the field of sustainability to closely follow the developments in the sector, to offer solutions tailored to local needs, and to act with a long-term vision.
We can list the areas that need to be developed regarding sustainability in Turkey as follows:
1. The need for widespread awareness of sustainability
2. The need for business culture and administrative structure in Turkey to be more aligned with sustainability
3. The need to improve sustainability-related legal regulations and policies in Turkey and stricter enforcement of existing legal regulations
4. Need to increase financial support and investments
However, it is possible to turn apparent risks into opportunities. Turkey has a high potential for growth in the field of sustainability. In recent years, the demand for sustainability services has been increasing with the increase in environmental and social responsibility awareness.
4- WHAT DO INTERNATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY COMPANIES DO?
Wherever you are in the world, you will see that sustainability companies are trying to achieve the same goals, taking into account geographical differences. Let’s summarise below:
– International sustainability firms help businesses reduce their environmental impact.
– They make carbon footprint calculations and develop mitigation strategies.
– They develop energy efficiency projects and provide renewable energy solutions.
– They create waste management and recycling programs.
– Provide environmental impact assessment and monitoring services.
– Organise social responsibility projects and community engagement programs.
– They provide consultancy on supply chain sustainability and ethical supplier management.
– They provide support in sustainability reporting and certification processes.
– They offer expertise on climate change and water resources management.
– They work on compliance with international standards and international cooperation.
5- CAN ANYONE WRITE A SUSTAINABILITY REPORT?
Writing a sustainability report requires a certain level of expertise and knowledge, so it can be difficult for everyone to have sufficient knowledge and experience.
The following skills and knowledge are important to prepare a good sustainability report:
Sustainability Concepts and Principles: To prepare a sustainability report, it is important to understand sustainability concepts and related principles. This includes environmental, social, and economic dimensions.
Reporting Standards and Guidelines: Sustainability reports are often prepared according to specific standards (e.g. GRI – Global Reporting Initiative) or guidelines. It is important to know and apply these standards and guidelines.
Data Collection and Analysis Skills: To prepare a good sustainability report, it is necessary to have data collection, analysis, and interpretation skills. It is important to collect information from various data sources and transform them into meaningful results.
Reporting Techniques: It is important to use effective reporting techniques when writing a sustainability report. Communicating the right information clearly and understandably increases the impact of the report.
Evaluation of Sustainability Performance: Preparing a sustainability report involves assessing an organization’s sustainability performance and identifying opportunities for improvement. It is important to manage this assessment process effectively.
Stakeholder Communication and Engagement: It is important to provide information in the sustainability report for the organization’s various stakeholders (employees, customers, investors, local communities, etc.). Taking the views of stakeholders and informing them increases the impact of the report.
Monitoring Trends and Developments: It is important to follow trends and sectoral developments in the field of sustainability. This ensures that the report is up-to-date and future-orientated.
As a result, not everyone can write a sustainability report because this process requires certain knowledge, skills, and experience. Professional sustainability experts or people experienced in reporting have the necessary qualifications to accurately assess and effectively report on an organization’s sustainability performance.