Çimko, a subsidiary of Sanko Holding, has published its 2024 Sustainability Report, sharing its transformation-oriented strategies across multiple areas, from carbon footprint and social impact management to digitalization and renewable energy. Prepared in accordance with the Turkey Sustainability Reporting Standards (TSRS) and aligned with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, the report reflects Çimko’s commitment to transparency and accountability. It covers concrete actions and future goals in areas such as carbon management, energy transition, digital production technologies, social responsibility projects, and occupational health and safety.
Commenting on the report, Çimko CEO Dr. Önder Kırca said “The strength of industry is measured not only by production but also by its contributions to the planet and society. In this context, the new generation industrial approach requires addressing sustainability, technology, and social responsibility in an integrated strategic framework. We view sustainability not as a regulatory obligation or trend, but as an intrinsic element of our corporate culture. We are making bold investments that will deliver lasting contributions to the future.”
Alternative Fuel Usage Increased by 38%
As a company operating in the cement sector, which is responsible for approximately 7% of global carbon emissions due to energy-intensive production processes, Çimko has undertaken investments aimed at reducing its carbon footprint. In 2024, the company increased the integration of alternative raw materials into its production processes and implemented new practices to reduce clinker usage.
Additionally, Çimko has invested in increasing the use of biomass-based alternative fuels, achieving a 68% increase in thermal substitution from biomass compared to 2020. This approach contributed to the reduction of nearly 60,000 tons of CO₂ emissions in 2024. Çimko aims to meet 60% of its thermal energy needs from alternative fuels by 2034.
Carbon Reduction through Circular Economy
The report also highlights the use of alternative resources within a circular economy framework. In 2024, Çimko increased resource efficiency by using 185,000 tons of alternative fuel and 87,000 tons of alternative raw materials. Compared to 2015, this enabled a 2.7% reduction in carbon emissions per ton of clinker. Environmental improvement efforts also included 32% wastewater recovery and 25 hectares of rehabilitated land.
With a sustainable approach to water management, Çimko recycles approximately 19% of the water used in its factories and 45% in ready-mix concrete facilities.
55 million Dollar Investment in Renewable Energy
A key step in Çimko’s energy transition was the 2023 addition of renewable energy production facilities to its portfolio, with an investment of approximately 55 million dollars. Solar power plants located in Ankara, İzmir, and Manisa, with a total installed capacity of 49 MWp, have an annual electricity generation capacity of approximately 80 million kWh. These initiatives strongly support Çimko’s sustainability-focused growth strategy, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and lower energy costs. Furthermore, AI-supported production planning applications have accelerated digital transformation in energy management.
Waste Heat Recovery (WHR) systems, used to capture heat generated during production processes, also play a critical role in improving energy efficiency. As of 2024, 33% of the total electricity consumed at the Bartın plant and 9% at the Narlı plant was supplied through WHR systems.
Human-Centric Business Model and Societal Impact
Through its R&D structure, Çimko develops both rapid solutions that can be integrated into production processes and long-term strategic transformation projects. At its R&D Branch in METU Teknokent, academic knowledge is transformed into advanced technology and applied to projects that contribute to employment, exports, and value creation.
The company allocated 71 million TL to social responsibility projects and societal investments in education, health, environment, and local development. In collaboration with the SosyalBen Foundation, Çimko supported the Skills and Talent Centers (BEYEM) established in Hatay and Adıyaman, providing 1,920 hours of training through the Inventive Workshops to 2,750 children in STEM fields. University-level Biodiversity Competitions supported innovative ideas for mine site rehabilitation. Moreover, under the “İyilik Gönülde Başlar” volunteer initiative, Çimko Volunteers continue to implement projects benefiting society in the fields of environment, education, and recycling, aligned with the company’s sustainability goals.
