Alarko Holding’s Headquarters in Ortaköy Becomes Carbon Neutral
Foreks - Alarko Holding (IS:ALARK) has taken its sustainability approach a step further in its 70th year by adding a new initiative to its national and international exemplary practices. Beginning to balance the direct and indirect carbon footprint of its headquarters in Ortaköy, a symbol of Istanbul, through the acquisition of the International Renewable Energy Certificate (I-REC) and wind energy-based Gold Carbon Credits, Alarko Holding has strengthened its planet-centric commitments with this move.
Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, Alarko Group is undertaking numerous simultaneous projects with its subsidiaries to achieve its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Prioritizing energy and resource efficiency along with renewable energy in all its facilities, Alarko has added another step toward transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Going forward, the Holding aims to balance the carbon footprint of its headquarters annually through Gold Carbon and Green Energy - IREC certificates based on renewable energy.
Alarko Holding prioritizes responsible investments for a sustainable planet. As a strong expression of environmental and social responsibility, Alarko conducts all its new investments with a sustainability focus. The Holding is committed to transforming its current areas of activity around the axes of economy, people, technology, and the planet, supporting a low-carbon economy with innovative technologies, R&D investments, and circular business models. Recently, Alarko became the first holding in Turkey to publish a responsible communication policy and committed to considering environmental and social impacts in its brand communication processes, planning all its steps with the aim of effectively contributing to the UN Global Compact principles, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs).
Alarko Agriculture Group aims to be one of the world's leading investors in modern greenhouses for sustainability and reliable food. Entering the agriculture sector in 2023, Alarko utilizes the sustainable power of geothermal energy in its modern greenhouses. The geothermal water used is re-injected into underground reserves without surface contact, preserving the natural cycle. Pesticide-free products produced with state-of-the-art smart agriculture applications are sold both in the domestic market and exported.
With a goal of having a 360-degree presence in agriculture, Alarko Agriculture Group is progressing with Turkey’s first and Europe’s largest hybrid micro-granule fertilizer factory established in Çankırı, using 65% less energy and 70% less water. A solar energy system with a capacity of 1200 kWp meets 35% of the facility's energy consumption.
Alarko is facilitating technology transfer to the country in the energy storage sector. Alarko Energy Group aims to make maximum contributions to the transition to a low-carbon economy by investing in renewable energy sources and energy storage systems. Planning to increase its renewable energy capacity by 3.5 times within the next 5 years, it targets achieving a total installed capacity of 640 MW from the current 140 MW.
This year, Alarko established a partnership with Gotion Group, one of the world’s leading technology and battery manufacturers, to set up energy storage systems and lithium-ion battery production lines in Turkey. This investment includes technology transfer, establishing an R&D center in Turkey, and exporting to foreign markets.
Alarko Carrier inspires its industry with its practices. Alarko Industrial and Trade Group adopts sustainability as a fundamental strategy in its production processes. The solar energy system on the roof of the Alarko Carrier Eskişehir Plant aims to produce 500,000 kWh of electricity annually. A closed-loop water reuse system installed in the unit’s combi boiler production line minimizes wastewater.
Alarko Industrial and Trade Group, with its Alarko-branded photovoltaic panels added to its product range in the last quarter of 2023, is making a significant contribution to the fight against climate change.
Hillside Beach Club in Fethiye plays a pioneering role in sustainable tourism. With advanced sustainability practices, Hillside Beach Club has been awarded the title of Europe’s best in the Haute Grandeur "Best Eco-Friendly Resort" category, planting a tree seedling for each new guest. Since 2003, the facility has planted over 305,000 tree seedlings and holds ISO 50001 Energy Management System and ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certifications. Hillside validates its greenhouse gas emissions according to the ISO 14064 standard and supports renewable energy use with the I-REC certificate. The facility has also earned the "Travelife Gold" certification, awarded to hotels that minimize water use and manage resources effectively, working with a zero waste policy.
Hillside Beach Club is additionally creating a terrestrial and marine biodiversity inventory to identify the flora and fauna around it. The facility is committed to supporting local products and suppliers, carefully integrating cultural events with tourism, and exemplifying a service philosophy that promotes societal and ecological sustainability in the tourism sector.