Sustainability Risks and Trends Management

Climate Change and Weather Events

Events associated with climate change, such as increased temperature, extreme precipitation, drought, hurricanes, and flooding, can pose physical risk to organizations. For example, there is a risk that facilities can be exposed to flooding or fires.

The Bank identifies high-risk sectors by conducting a heat map study to determine the climate risk exposure in its portfolio. The change in expected credit loss is calculated by applying stress tests for the sectors with the highest risk. Within the framework of the Risk Appetite Statement Regulation, signal and limit values for these sectors have been determined, and financial risks associated with climate risk are regularly monitored and measured.

Weather and Climate Change Adaptation

Factors associated with climate change, such as increasing temperature, extreme weather events, sea level rise, can affect organizations' business processes, infrastructure, and supply chains.

The Bank conducts “Business Impact Analysis” studies assessing the risks and impacts of potential interruptions in operations within the framework of the Business Continuity Plan.

Risks Related to Food Security and Climate Change

Climate change can have impacts on agricultural productivity, adversely affecting food supply and security.

The Bank aims to reduce costs, mitigate market risks, increase production of products that will reduce imports, expand pressurized irrigation systems that save water, and increase productivity through the use of technology. It also contributes to the sustainable financing of our country's agriculture by diversifying credit products for sustainable agriculture and food security, and offering solutions in areas such as climate change, combating drought, biodiversity, and rural development.

Environmental Pollution and
Chemical Risks

Industrial waste, chemical spills, and environmental pollution can harm ecosystems and human health by affecting water, air, and soil quality.

The Bank aims to reduce its environmental impact by prioritizing training and reporting activities focused on waste reduction, recycling, and sustainability in line with the zero waste regulation.

Wind Energy and Bird Migrations

Wind power installations can affect bird migration routes and damage ecosystems.

The Bank develops its products and services with a sustainable development perspective. In this context, it supports the conservation of biodiversity.
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Environmental and Social Impact Policy

Water Resources Management

Challenges in the sustainable management of water resources and in ensuring access to them can significantly affect organizations and communities.

The Bank prioritizes the management of clean water resources and monitors the risks of water stress and drought caused by the climate crisis, especially through agricultural irrigation loans.
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It also prioritizes water quantity, quality, and sustainable management in basins to mitigate risks for water-dependent sectors while providing agricultural finance. In this context, it attaches importance to reducing irrigation costs, enhancing productivity and profitability, and optimizing the use of our nation’s water resources by promoting the widespread adoption of drip and sprinkler systems, which can achieve 30–40% water savings in agricultural irrigation.

Decline in Water Resources

The decline in water resources poses a significant physical risk, particularly for water-intensive industries. Water scarcity can affect production processes and adversely affect water-dependent organizations.

The Bank endeavors to ensure that clean water and sanitation are accessible and managed in a sustainable manner for all, taking into account risks in water-dependent sectors and water quality, as well as water quantity in basins.

Water Quality Problems

Pollution, industrial waste, pesticides, and other environmental factors can reduce the quality of water resources. This can result in risks related to water supply and use by organizations.

The Bank complies with national and international standards on water saving through the efficient use of water resources and effective wastewater management.

Global Irrigation and Water Scarcity

Increasing global water demand and climate change could reduce water resources used for irrigation, affect agriculture, and cause water scarcity.

Through the loans it extends, the Bank supports the widespread use of drip and sprinkler systems, which reduce the use of water by 30-40% in agricultural irrigation, the decrease in irrigation costs and increase productivity and profitability in agricultural production, and thus the effective and efficient use of our country’s water resources.

Natural Disasters

Natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions can cause serious physical damage to organizations' facilities and operations.

As part of the Business Continuity Plan, the Bank carries out the “Business Impact Analysis” work in order to identify the risks that might arise if the Bank’s operations are interrupted and to determine their potential consequences.
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In addition, information systems scenarios are prepared for systemic outages and emergency scenarios for disasters such as earthquakes and fires.

Fire Risks

Forest fires, fires at industrial facilities, and other types of fires can result in physical asset losses, damage to ecosystems, and increased air pollution.

As part of the Business Continuity Plan, the Bank carries out the “Business Impact Analysis” work in order to identify the risks that might arise if the Bank’s operations are interrupted and to determine their potential consequences.
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In addition, information systems scenarios are prepared for systemic outages and emergency scenarios for disasters such as earthquakes and fires.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Energy

Poor energy efficiency and challenges in transitioning to sustainable energy sources can heighten reliance on energy resources and further expand the carbon footprint.

In 2025, the Bank launched the Ziraat SPP project with an installed capacity of 64 MWp for self-consumption that it started working on in 2024. In addition, we contribute to a sustainable future by financing renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, while enhancing energy savings through efficiency investments in our service buildings.

Unsustainable Use of Natural Resources

Factors such as excessive deforestation, unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, and overfishing can result in biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation.

The Bank is endeavoring on solutions to prevent losses and improve efficiency in order to minimize energy and natural resource consumption arising from its operational processes. It aims to reduce its environmental impact through digitalization and innovative practices, which reduce resource consumption. In addition, Ziraat Bank has changed its ATM receipt preferences since 2023. In cases where coin refunds cannot be made, Ziraat Bank uses the accumulated amounts for planting saplings with customer approval.

Loss of Biodiversity

Agricultural expansion, deforestation, and other human activities can lead to biodiversity loss, threatening ecosystems and wildlife. In particular, for natural resource- dependent industries, these losses can pose significant physical risks.

In the context of the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems, the Bank supports organic and good agricultural practices with additional interest rate discounts, contributes to the sustainability of biodiversity through beekeeping loans, and prevents the excessive use of water resources through pressurized irrigation loans.

Recycling and Waste Management Challenges

Inefficient waste management processes, recycling challenges, and ineffective handling of waste can exacerbate environmental impacts.

In line with its goal of minimizing environmental impact, the Bank adopted a zero waste approach and received Zero Waste certification for its 1508 service points in 81 provinces. The Bank aims to reduce waste at source, improve recycling rates, and adhere to the principles of sustainable waste management, and attaches importance to raising awareness among its employees and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Energy Efficiency of Buildings

High energy consumption can affect sustainability goals by reducing the energy efficiency of buildings.

The Bank supports continuous improvement of energy performance, compliance with legal requirements, and using energy-efficient products. Solutions such as energy-saving technologies, lighting and building automation, inverter systems are utilized in our buildings. The screen lights of desktop phones used in our Bank are turned off between 18:00 and 07:30 by activating the Power Save Mode (Energy Saving Mode), and inactive PCs and other devices used in our Bank are automatically turned off at 19:00, 21:00, 23:00, and 05:00 outside working hours, thus saving energy.

Carbon Footprint and Carbon Market Risks

Regulations arising from carbon emissions, carbon trading, and carbon pricing can affect organizations' carbon footprint management and financial position.

The Bank ensures carbon footprint management by measuring its carbon footprint and water footprint and verifies them in accordance with international standards.

Food Security and Agriculture-Related Risks

Factors such as climate change, water scarcity, soil erosion, and increased pests can negatively affect food production and security.

The Bank reduces the carbon footprint of agricultural production with loans for agricultural renewable energy investments and contributes to the climate adaptation of the agricultural sector with pressurized irrigation loans.

Discrimination and Social Injustice

The unequal distribution of environmental impacts can heighten the risks of discrimination and social injustice.

By supporting the entrepreneurship of women and young farmers, the Bank aims to increase their incomes, reinforce rural employment, and increase the youth population in agriculture. It also carries out various projects to meet the financial requirements of young and women entrepreneurs by supporting their commercial activities and to support those with limited access to resources. These steps contribute to reducing social inequalities.

Epidemic Disease

The rapid spread of infectious diseases challenges health systems and can lead to a widespread public health crisis.

The Bank provides infrastructure for staff to work remotely in case of emergencies, conducts tests, and informs staff about the risks of epidemics and the measures to be taken.

Health Issues Related to Water and Food Security

Contaminated water sources and food can trigger health problems related to water and food security.

The Bank strives to ensure the accessibility and sustainable management of clean water and sanitation as a human right for all.

Health Inequalities

Health inequalities, access problems, and socio-economic differences among communities can make it difficult to build a sustainable health system.

The Bank has sustainable finance products for the health sector and social impact investments to reduce health inequalities.

Eco-System Degradation

The degradation of natural ecosystems as a result of human activities can lead to biodiversity loss and a reduction in ecosystem services. This can affect agriculture, fisheries, and other industries.

By diversifying loan support within the framework of sustainable agriculture and food security, it contributes to the conservation of biodiversity and the fight against climate change.

Conflict and Security Related Risks

Regional conflicts, terrorist attacks, and other security-related events can pose physical security risks in the regions where organizations operate.

Having the widest service network in Türkiye, the Bank offers secure financial access as the sole bank in 362 districts and towns and the sole ATM provider in 116 districts.

Accessibility Problems

Problems with the availability of facilities or resources can affect organizations' operations and sustainability goals.

As the bank with the widest service network in the Turkish banking sector, Ziraat Bank delivers its products and services to its customers through 1,753 branches in Türkiye, 28 overseas branches, and as the only bank in 362 districts and towns in Türkiye.

High Energy Costs and Resource Constraints:

Fluctuations in energy costs, energy resource constraints, and energy supply reliability can affect the operational costs of organizations.

The Bank contributes to the transformation of technological developments in the fields of energy efficiency, renewable energy, efficient mobility, and circular economy into opportunities through its resource structure.

Weaknesses in Supplier Relations

Financial problems, management changes, or ethical issues on the supplier side can adversely affect the procurement of goods or services.

The Bank can change suppliers from the supplier pool when necessary by following early warning signals.

Technological Challenges and Data Security

Information systems problems, cyberattacks, or data security breaches can threaten the efficiency and security of the supply chain.

A Cyber Security Center structure has been established within the Ziraat Finance Group, examining bank systems and alarm mechanisms seven days a week and without interruption, scanning for weaknesses or vulnerabilities, collecting intelligence, and responding to cyber threats. Within the framework of managing information security breach incidents, a Cyber Incident Response Team (CERT) is in place to respond to cyber incidents swiftly, effectively, and regularly.

Sustainable Transport and Transportation Challenges

High carbon-emitting vehicles, traffic congestion, and deficiencies in transportation infrastructure can complicate sustainable transport strategies.

In order to reduce the carbon emissions caused by transportation, the Bank provides shuttle services for its employees. Additionally, the process for transition to the use of electric vehicles has been initiated, and in 2024, approximately 16% of service vehicles were electric vehicles.

Sustainability Reporting Risks

Failure to accurately report sustainability performance, lack of transparency in reporting, and providing inaccurate information can put organizations at risk in terms of transparency and credibility, and can lead to legal issues.

In line with the responsible banking approach, both financial and non-financial reporting is carried out in accordance with the relevant national and international regulations, and the reports are shared transparently with the public.

Change in Sustainability Reporting Standards

Changes or updates to international sustainability reporting standards can pose challenges for organizations in maintaining compliance.

Updates in international reporting standards are closely monitored by our relevant employees, and in case of a change/update, the Bank takes the necessary steps quickly by taking actions for the changes.

Carbon Emissions Measurement Limitation Risk

With a carbon emission measurement obligation, countries and regions can set carbon limits and emission reduction goals covering specific industries, companies, or sectors. This can pose financial and legal risks for companies failing to make endeavors to comply with relevant legal regulations. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism Regulation will enter into force on October 1, 2023, limited to the reporting obligation

The Bank closely monitors national and international regulations, taking into account the impact of the carbon emission measurement obligation on the financial sector. To this end, stress tests were applied for the sectors with the highest risk.Within the framework of the Risk Appetite Statement Regulation, financial risks associated with climate risk are regularly monitored and signal and limit values have been established for these sectors. Operating with a sustainable financing approach, the Bank promotes environmental sustainability by offering various green products, particularly the Carbon Reduction Support Package.

Industrial Compliance Challenges

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) can impose carbon limits on industries competing with a country's strict carbon regulations. This can lead to increased costs due to the requirement for industries to invest and change their business processes to comply.

The Bank supports companies that are highly exposed to transition risks by providing financing resources to help them comply with environmental regulations, enhance energy efficiency, and adapt their operations to low-carbon production processes. In this way, it contributes to the achievement of sustainability goals of businesses, enables them to increase their competitive advantage, and strongly supports the transition to an eco-friendly economy.

Sustainability Concerns in International Relations

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism applications can raise concerns about alignment with sustainability goals across countries. This can lead to challenges in international relations unless it is seen as part of a broader global sustainability strategy.

The Bank plays an active role in combating climate change through innovative financial products and strategic collaborations in line with Türkiye's 2053 Long-Term Climate Strategy. In this context, the Bank continues to develop financial instruments and intermediate eco-friendly investments to support Türkiye in achieving its Net Zero emission goals.

Brand and Image Challenges

Failure to fulfill sustainability commitments or greenwashing practices can result in damage to brand and reputation.

The Bank undertakes comprehensive endeavors to preserve its strong brand perception and further enhance its reputation among customers. To this end, various corporate and thematic commercials effectively convey the Bank's values, services, and contributions to society.

Social Media and Internet Associated Reputational Problems

The rapid spread of unfavorable sustainability-related news or feedback on social media can lead to reputational problems.

All suggestions, requests, and complaints submitted to the Bank's Call Center are meticulously evaluated and necessary analyses are carried out to increase customer satisfaction. In addition, feedback received via social media is monitored in real time and customer demands are responded to by taking action in the fastest way possible.

Employee Dissatisfaction and Talent Loss

The lack of sustainability-related commitments and practices can lead to employee dissatisfaction and attrition. Also, there can be difficulties in attracting new talent that is sensitive to sustainability issues.

The Bank prioritizes the satisfaction and happiness of its employees and supports them in managing not only their career and financial status but also their expectations and concerns about life. In 2024, the mood of employees were monitored daily with the Happiness Barometer application.

Human Resources and Talent Shortage

It can be challenging to find staff with sustainability-related expertise and skills and to have sufficient human resources to implement sustainability strategies.

The Bank attaches importance to training and development activities aimed at enhancing both the professional knowledge and skills and personal talents of its employees within the framework of the “Investment in Human Resources and Learning Organization” strategy. In this context, specialization and certification trainings are provided to raise employee awareness of sustainability and reinforce their engagement with the issue.

Diminished Employee Engagement

Low engagement in sustainability goals of employees can complicate the process of achieving these goals.

In this context, specialization and certification trainings are provided to raise the Bank's employee awareness of sustainability and reinforce their engagement with the issue. Additionally, in order to ensure their active participation in achieving sustainability goals, various training activities are organized to reinforce the staff's knowledge and skills in this respect. This approach aims to foster strong internal motivation and engagement with the Bank's sustainability strategies.

Employee Training and Compliance Challenges

Difficulties can be encountered in the trainings or practices provided to employees in order to quickly adapt to changes related to sustainability.

In this context, specialization and certification trainings are provided to raise the Bank's employee awareness of sustainability and reinforce their engagement with the issue. Additionally, in order to ensure their active participation in achieving sustainability goals, various training activities are organized to reinforce the staff's knowledge and skills in this respect. This approach aims to foster strong internal motivation and engagement with the Bank's sustainability strategies.

Changing Consumer Preferences

Sudden shifts in consumer demand for sustainable products and services can pose challenges for organizations in adapting to them.

The Bank continuously analyzes market trends and consumer behavior and develops strategies to effectively manage shifts in consumer interest in sustainable products and services. It also adapts to changing market conditions through financial instruments such as sustainable investment funds and green bonds.

Consumer Uncertainty

Consumer interest in sustainable products and services can change over time. This can introduce uncertainty for organizations in meeting the demands.

The Bank develops strategies by analyzing market trends and consumer behavior through a variety of sustainable products and services offered to customers from different segments.

Consumer Outcry and Boycott Threats

Consumers' objections to sustainability-related practices or threats of boycotts can affect an organization's customer base.

The Bank carefully reviews all suggestions, requests, and complaints submitted to the Call Center, working to increase positive feedback and analyze and address the underlying causes of negative feedback. Accordingly, it stands out with its goals of increasing customer satisfaction and reducing complaints.

Operational Challenges

Integrating and adapting new sustainable practices into operations can necessitate changes to the organization's existing business processes and infrastructure.

The Sustainability Committee, established under the chairmanship of a Board Member, is a key structure ensuring the effective implementation of decision-making processes. By coordinating the formulation and implementation of sustainability strategies, the Committee accelerates the Bank's achievement of its environmental, social, and governance goals. It also allows for rapid adaptation to evolving sustainability trends, so that the bank effectively adopts innovative practices in the sector.

Increased Competitive Pressure

The implementation of similar sustainability strategies by competitors can intensify competitive pressure, thereby risking that organizations could lose their competitive advantage.

National and international sustainability trends are regularly monitored and new products and services are developed by taking into account the requirements and expectations of stakeholders, thus achieving customer satisfaction. In this way, the Bank both offers more valuable solutions to its customers and strengthens its sustainability vision in the sector.

Uneven Economic Development

Uneven economic development and social problems can make it difficult for organizations to focus on and implement sustainability projects.

By supporting the entrepreneurship of women and young farmers, the Bank aims to increase their incomes, reinforce rural employment, and increase the youth population in agriculture. It also carries out various projects to meet the financial requirements of young and women entrepreneurs by supporting their commercial activities and to support those with limited access to resources. These steps contribute to reducing social inequalities.

Productivity and Business Continuity Risks

Changes in production processes and the adoption of sustainable practices can have an impact on business continuity and productivity. Operational challenges during the transition can affect profitability.

As part of the Business Continuity Plan, the Bank carries out the “Business Impact Analysis” work in order to identify the risks that might arise if the Bank’s operations are interrupted and to determine their potential consequences. In addition, information systems scenarios are prepared for systemic outages and emergency scenarios for disasters such as earthquakes and fires.

Challenges in Adapting to New Markets

As organizations expand the sustainability transition into new markets, they can face challenges related to language, culture, and local regulations in adapting to these markets.

The Bank has developed the Sustainable Finance Framework, which aims to make funds available for the financing of eligible loans having a positive impact on the environment and/or on society. As a requirement of its pioneering position in the sector, the Bank plays an active role in financing sustainable investments with its environmental loan products and expands its green and social loan portfolio while supporting sustainable production in agriculture, one of the sectors most affected by climate change, within the scope of the agricultural ecosystem financing strategy.

Lack of Investment and Innovation

Lack of adequate funding and innovation can limit the transition to sustainability and place organizations at a disadvantage within the sector.

The Bank has optimized the notebook and Mini PC devices used in all units so that they have low power consumption and a long lifespan. This has increased energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and contributed to the use of sustainable technology.

Failure to Respond to Sustainable Product and Service Demands

Failure to provide sustainable products and services in line with market demands can impact customer satisfaction.

Customer satisfaction is maintained with products and services in line with stakeholder expectations, market expectations, and sustainability trends.

Cybersecurity Threats

The digitalization of sustainability strategies can increase cybersecurity risks. This includes threats such as data breaches, information leaks, or cyberattacks.

Ziraat Finance Group (ZFG) has established the Cyber Security Center, which monitors bank systems 24/7, scans for vulnerabilities, and takes measures against cyber threats. It aims to strengthen this structure continuously.

Product and Service Quality Problems

Sustainability-oriented changes can affect product and service quality, causing a negative impact on customer satisfaction.

National and international sustainability trends are regularly monitored and new products and services are developed by taking into account the requirements and expectations of stakeholders, thus achieving customer satisfaction. In this way, the Bank both offers more valuable solutions to its customers and strengthens its sustainability vision in the sector.

Reluctance of the Management

Reluctance or lack of support from senior management for sustainability-related projects can make sustainability transition difficult.

The Bank ensures the effective implementation of decision-making processes through the Sustainability Committee established under the chairmanship of a Board Member.

Investor and Shareholder Pressure and Expectations

Investor or shareholder expectations regarding sustainability can place organizations under pressure and compel them to act swiftly. Investors and shareholders can attach importance to sustainability-related commitments and performance. There is a risk of defying or not conforming to these expectations.

Since 2010, the Bank has been obtaining sustainability-themed funding from various international financial institutions (IFIs) on favorable terms. IFIs prioritize development-oriented projects and can design lending programs aimed at combating climate change, supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy, and promoting sustainable infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, energy efficiency, employment generation, clean transportation, smart building investments, and financing for women and young entrepreneurs.

Difficulties in Obtaining Financing from Financial Institutions

Financing sustainable projects can cause financial institutions to face challenges in meeting sustainability criteria.

As a requirement of its pioneering position in the sector, the Bank plays an active role in financing sustainable investments with its environmental loan products and expands its green and social loan portfolio while supporting sustainable production in agriculture, one of the sectors most affected by climate change, within the scope of the agricultural ecosystem financing strategy.

Deterioration in Investor and Stakeholder Relations

Failure to fulfill sustainability-related commitments or changing strategies can lead to a loss of trust among investors and stakeholders.

In 2022, 2023, and 2024, the Bank's syndicated loans were obtained on a sustainability-linked basis, tied to a set of environmental and social performance goals.

Digital Transformation Problems

The integration of sustainability-aligned digital technologies can complicate the digital transformation process for organizations.

The Bank is endeavoring on solutions to prevent losses and improve efficiency in order to minimize energy and natural resource consumption arising from its operational processes. It aims to reduce its environmental impact through digitalization and innovative practices, which reduce resource consumption.

Technological Infrastructure Problems

Inadequate or outdated technological infrastructure can result in a failure to manage sustainability projects effectively.

The Bank contributes to the transformation of technological developments in the fields of energy efficiency, renewable energy, efficient mobility, and circular economy into opportunities through its resource structure.

Technological Failures and Interruptions

Failures or interruptions in systems based on sustainable technologies can affect the operations of organizations.

The Bank conducts “Business Impact Analysis” studies assessing the risks and impacts of potential interruptions in operations within the framework of the Business Continuity Plan.

Supply Chain Security

Finding sustainability-aligned suppliers and securing this supply chain can be challenging.

New suppliers are regularly researched in the procurement of goods and services to maintain a broad supplier pool as a safeguard against potential disruptions.

Green Energy and Carbon Footprint Reduction

Companies are pursuing various strategies to increase the use of renewable energy and reduce their carbon footprint. They tend to invest in green energy projects and promote sustainable energy use.

The Bank supports investments to mitigate the pressures on productive sectors in combating the climate crisis and transition to a zero-carbon economy. It also has activities aimed at turning energy efficiency, renewable energy, efficient mobility, and circular economy technologies into opportunities.

Circular Economy and Waste Reduction

Circular economy principles are increasingly being embraced to optimize resource efficiency and reduce waste. Strategies focusing on recycling, reuse, and waste reduction are becoming widespread.

In line with its goal of minimizing environmental impact, the Bank adopted a zero waste approach and received Zero Waste certification for its 1,508 service points in 81 provinces. The Bank aims to reduce waste at source, improve recycling rates, and adhere to the principles of sustainable waste management, and attaches importance to raising awareness among its employees and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Conservation of Biodiversity

Companies are moving towards adopting eco-friendly practices to protect biodiversity. Projects such as habitat protection, afforestation and ecosystem restoration are integrated into sustainability strategies.

The Bank aims to reduce costs, mitigate market risks, increase production of products that will reduce imports, expand pressurized irrigation systems that save water, and increase productivity through the use of technology. It also contributes to the sustainable financing of our country's agriculture by diversifying credit products for sustainable agriculture and food security, and offering solutions in areas such as climate change, combating drought, biodiversity, and rural development.

Water Management and Efficient Use

Companies tend to use water resources effectively and sustainably, reduce water consumption, and adopt water management strategies.

The Bank complies with national and international standards on water saving through the efficient use of water resources and effective wastewater management. In addition, the Bank meticulously revises projects and implementations in line with local government directives on wastewater management for new or renovated branches in their respective locations.

Innovation and Green Technologies

Investments in green technologies and sustainable innovations are on the rise. Innovative solutions can aim to both improve business processes and reduce environmental impact.

The Bank prevents the consumption of natural resources through the digital applications it implements. For example, the “Credit Monitoring Module” eliminated the message traffic of approximately 8 million e-mails per year.

Natural and Ecosystem-Based Solutions

Ecosystem-based solutions are increasingly being implemented to support environmental sustainability objectives through strategies such as forest restoration, wetland protection, and biodiversity conservation.

By diversifying loan support within the framework of sustainable agriculture and food security, the Bank contributes to the conservation of biodiversity and the fight against climate change.

Carbon Footprint

Companies are evaluating their carbon impact holistically by considering not only the direct emissions from their core operations but also the emissions generated throughout the supply chain and during the use of their products.

The Bank nurtures its relationships with suppliers as business partners based on mutual respect, responsibility, and fair sharing. It supports the success of its suppliers by endorsing completed projects. In the procurement of goods and services, environmental impacts caused not only during the procurement process but also throughout their subsequent use are taken into consideration.

Energy Storage and Renewable Resources

Advances in energy storage technologies and the increase in renewable energy sources make the use of energy more sustainable.

In 2025, the Bank launched the Ziraat SPP project with an installed capacity of 64 MWp for self-consumption that it started working on in 2024. In addition, we contribute to a sustainable future by financing renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, while enhancing energy savings through efficiency investments in our service buildings.

“Carbon Zero” Company Goals

Companies, industries, and countries focus on reducing their carbon footprint by setting zero net carbon goals. Reducing carbon emissions is an important trend to increase sustainability.

The Bank plays an active role in combating climate change through innovative financial products and strategic collaborations in line with Türkiye's 2053 Long-Term Climate Strategy. In this context, the Bank continues to develop financial instruments and intermediate eco-friendly investments to support Türkiye in achieving its Net Zero emission goals.

Smart Grids

Smart grids are systems developed to enhance energy efficiency, optimize energy consumption, and minimize outage durations. These systems enable more efficient management of energy demand and supply.

Our Bank supports the continuous improvement of energy performance, compliance with legal requirements, and the use of energy-efficient products. Solutions such as energy-saving technologies, lighting and building automation, inverter systems are utilized in our buildings. The screen lights of desktop phones used in our Bank are turned off between 18:00 and 07:30 by activating the Power Save Mode (Energy Saving Mode), and inactive PCs and other devices used in our Bank are automatically turned off at 19:00, 21:00, 23:00, and 05:00 outside working hours, thus saving energy.

Dissemination of Electric Transportation

Electric vehicles and public transportation offer a cleaner transportation alternative compared to fossil fuel vehicles. This supports the transition to a sustainable transportation system by reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.

The process for transition to the use of electric vehicles has been initiated in our Bank. In 2024, approximately 16% of service vehicles were electric vehicles.

Energy Training and Awareness

Raising public awareness on energy efficiency, promoting energy-saving habits, and training on sustainable energy use are among the sustainability trends in the energy field.

In line with its goal of minimizing environmental impact, the Bank adopted a zero waste approach and received Zero Waste certification for its 1,508 service points in 81 provinces. The Bank aims to reduce waste at source, improve recycling rates, and adhere to the principles of sustainable waste management, and attaches importance to raising awareness among its employees and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Waste Classification and Separation

The proper classification and separation of waste helps to make recycling processes more efficient. This trend includes developing a culture of waste separation in society.

In line with its goal of minimizing environmental impact, the Bank adopted a zero waste approach and received Zero Waste certification for its 1,508 service points in 81 provinces. The Bank aims to reduce waste at source, improve recycling rates, and adhere to the principles of sustainable waste management, and attaches importance to raising awareness among its employees and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Waste Tracking and Monitoring

Businesses can develop strategies to reduce waste generation by monitoring and analyzing waste from production processes. Monitoring and reporting can help improve waste management processes.

Registered in the zero-waste system, our Bank is able to separate and monitor waste types, manage recycling processes, and submit reports transparently.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) Management

The fast pace of technological developments poses challenges to the management of waste electrical and electronic equipment. Proper recycling of electronic waste and removal of components support sustainability endeavors in this area.

Electronic wastes generated by the units and branches of the Bank are collected in the warehouses of our Unit and sold as electronic scrap. This prevents harm to environment caused by electronic waste and ensures its recycling.

Artificial Intelligence

The Bank is applying artificial intelligence to support sustainability endeavors in areas such as energy management, climate forecasting, and resource optimization.

It is improving its ability to identify anomalies and detect vulnerabilities with artificial intelligence and machine learning that can analyze user behavior.

Circular Economy and Waste Reduction

Circular economy models encourage endeavors to minimize waste and recycle materials.

In line with its goal of minimizing environmental impact, the Bank adopted a zero waste approach and received Zero Waste certification for its 1,508 service points in 81 provinces. The Bank aims to reduce waste at source, improve recycling rates, and adhere to the principles of sustainable waste management, and attaches importance to raising awareness among its employees and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Forest Protection and Reforestation

The projects for the protection of forests and reforestation carried out under Corporate Social Responsibility contribute to combating climate change by increasing carbon storage capacity. This is also critical for conserving biodiversity and preventing soil erosion.

Also in 2023, in cases where customers are performing cash payments and deposit transactions through ATMs (cardless), the Bank offered customers the opportunity to forfeit the return of coins from the ATMs and instead have the money directed to the planting of trees.

Employee Health and Wellbeing

Companies implement programs and policies supporting employees' physical and mental health and focus on ensuring employees' work-life balance. Healthy working conditions, ergonomic office arrangements, and mental health supports are part of this trend.

In accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Law and relevant regulations, the Bank aims to provide a healthy and safe working environment with an understanding of continuous development and works to analyze and minimize health and safety risks.

Training and Raising Awareness

Training programs and campaigns are becoming more important to raise awareness of sustainability issues. Companies are increasing their endeavors to raise awareness of sustainability issues among both employees and consumers.

The Bank attaches importance to training and development activities aimed at enhancing both the professional knowledge and skills and personal talents of its employees within the framework of the “Investment in Human Resources and Learning Organization” strategy. In this context, specialization and certification trainings are provided to raise employee awareness of sustainability and reinforce their engagement with the issue.

Sustainability Programs in Education

Educational institutions focus on raising sustainability awareness among students through programs and projects addressing sustainability issues.

Our employees received a total of 2,937 hours of in-class trainings and e-trainings on Environment, Climate Change, and Sustainability.

Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation

Sustainability-oriented entrepreneurship and social innovation enable new models and solutions to emerge in the business world. This contributes to the development of business models taking into account environmental and social impact.

By supporting the entrepreneurship of women and young farmers, the Bank aims to increase their incomes, reinforce rural employment, and increase the youth population in agriculture. It also carries out various projects to meet the financial requirements of young and women entrepreneurs by supporting their commercial activities and to support those with limited access to resources. These steps contribute to reducing social inequalities.

Impact Investments

By investing in social and environmental impact-oriented projects, companies and investors aim for social and environmental gains as well as financial returns.

By supporting the entrepreneurship of women and young farmers, the Bank aims to increase their incomes, reinforce rural employment, and increase the youth population in agriculture. It also carries out various projects to meet the financial requirements of young and women entrepreneurs by supporting their commercial activities and to support those with limited access to resources. These steps contribute to reducing social inequalities.

Environmental Taxonomy and Green Finance

The financial sector aims to reduce environmental impact by promoting sustainable investments through environmental taxonomy and green finance instruments.

Renewable energy projects and energy efficiency improvements are incentivized through green finance instruments, contributing to reducing environmental impacts. This approach enables important steps to be taken to support sustainable development by minimizing adverse impacts on nature.

Carbon Markets and Trading

Companies publish public reports in digital formats to enhance transparency regarding their sustainability performance.

The Bank shares its sustainability performance with the public through the Integrated Annual Report and CDP Climate Change and Water Security Program reports.

Sustainable Construction and Green Buildings

The construction industry is moving towards reducing its environmental impact by using energy-efficient green building designs and sustainable construction materials.

Ziraat Towers is the first and only green building in the IFC campus to receive LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) “Platinum” certification. Ziraat Bank supports the continuous improvement of energy performance by providing the necessary information and resources to achieve goals and objectives, ensuring compliance with relevant legal and other requirements, and promoting the purchase of highly energy-efficient products and services at new or renovated branch locations.