Environmental and Social Management in TURKEY
Environmental, safety, and social management in Turkey includes a set of practices and regulations ensuring companies and organizations comply with local and international standards regarding environmental protection, workplace safety, and social responsibilities. These audits are crucial for promoting sustainability, protection worker welfare, and the well-being of communities affected by industrial and commercial activities.
Here’s an overview of how these aspects are addressed in Turkey:
Environmental Auditing
Turkey has been aligning its environmental regulations with European Union standards, especially since it started its accession talks with the EU. Environmental auditing in Turkey involves assessing compliance with regulations on air and water pollution, waste management, and the conservation of biodiversity. The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change is the primary government body responsible for enforcing environmental laws and regulations.
Companies are required to obtain environmental permits and conduct Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for projects likely to have significant impacts on the environment since 1993. These assessments and audits are crucial for preventing environmental damage and ensuring sustainable development.
Please do not hesitate to call +902128816300 or send mail bilgi @ gozlemcevreisg com tr if you have any questions.
Safety Auditing
Occupational safety is a critical concern in Turkey, especially in industries such as construction, mining, and manufacturing, where the risk of accidents is high. Safety audits in these sectors focus on ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, assessing the effectiveness of safety management systems, and identifying areas for improvement to prevent workplace accidents and illnesses.
The Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Services is the main regulatory body overseeing workplace health and safety standards. Turkey has made significant strides in improving workplace safety, partly driven by the need to comply with international standards and EU directives.
Social Auditing
Social auditing in Turkey covers aspects such as labor rights, community engagement, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). This includes ensuring compliance with labor laws, such as those governing working hours, minimum wage, and workers’ rights to unionize, as well as evaluating the impact of business activities on local communities.
Companies are increasingly adopting CSR practices, driven by both regulatory requirements and a growing awareness of the importance of sustainable and socially responsible business practices. Social audits help ensure that companies not only comply with legal requirements but also contribute positively to society and the communities in which they operate.
Challenges and Developments
While Turkey has made progress in environmental, safety, and social auditing, challenges remain, including enforcement issues, limited public awareness, and the need for greater transparency and accountability. However, there is a growing trend towards sustainability and corporate social responsibility in the Turkish business community, supported by initiatives at both the governmental and corporate levels.
In conclusion, environmental, safety, and social auditing in Turkey is evolving, driven by both regulatory changes and a growing commitment to sustainability among Turkish companies. These audits are vital for ensuring that businesses operate in a manner that is safe, environmentally sustainable, and socially responsible.
Environmental and Social Manament Consultancy in Turkey and istanbul | +902128816300 or bilgi @ gozlemcevreisg com tr