TÜRKÇİMENTO Calls for Triple Transformation on World Environment Day

On the occasion of World Environment Day on June 5, TÜRKÇİMENTO, the umbrella organization of Türkiye’s cement industry, shared the progress achieved in the sector’s sustainability journey and its vision for the future. Continuing its efforts in line with the “triple transformation” approach encompassing green transformation, digitalization, and human-centered development, the sector is contributing to climate goals while maintaining investments that will strengthen its global competitiveness.

TÜRKÇİMENTO CEO Volkan Bozay stated:

“As the cement industry, we regard green transformation not only as an environmental responsibility but also as a fundamental component of sustainable growth and competitiveness. By addressing digitalization, sustainability, and human-centered development together, we are building the future. Through the use of alternative fuels and raw materials, as well as renewable energy investments, we are reducing our environmental impact while making our production capacity more efficient and competitive.”

Through circular economy practices, the Turkish cement industry reduces the use of natural resources in its production processes while recovering waste generated by various industries and reintegrating it into the economy. According to 2025 data, alternative fuel consumption reached 2.3 million tonnes, enabling the sector to meet approximately 13.2% of its thermal energy demand from alternative fuels. During the same period, the use of 7.7 million tonnes of alternative raw materials contributed to the conservation of natural resources while enhancing resource efficiency in production processes.

Despite its energy-intensive production structure, the cement industry continues to reduce its carbon footprint by accelerating renewable energy investments. Thanks to solar power plants, wind energy projects, and waste heat recovery facilities, approximately 10% of the sector’s electricity consumption is supplied from renewable and recovered energy sources.

Within the scope of waste heat recovery technologies alone, the sector operates 27 lines across 17 plants with a total installed capacity of 164.5 MW. This generates energy equivalent to the daily electricity consumption of approximately 658,000 households and 2.6 million people. The electricity produced meets around 30% of the power requirements of the respective plants.

Energy efficiency measures and alternative energy sources remain among the key factors supporting both the environmental performance and international competitiveness of the sector.

Green Transformation and Competitiveness Advancing Together

As the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) enters its financial obligation phase, low-carbon production is becoming not merely an environmental preference but an indispensable requirement of global trade. The Turkish cement industry continues its preparations for this transition through low-carbon production technologies, alternative fuel utilization, energy efficiency projects, and digital monitoring systems.

Determined Steps Towards the 2053 Net-Zero Target

The Turkish cement industry continues its efforts toward the 2053 net-zero emissions target in line with the Türkiye Cement Sector Low-Carbon Roadmap prepared under the coordination of the Ministry of Industry and Technology.

According to the roadmap, approximately USD 30 billion in investments will be required by 2053 in areas such as carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies, alternative energy sources, energy efficiency applications, and innovative production technologies to enable the sector to achieve its decarbonization objectives.

Commenting on the subject, TÜRKÇİMENTO CEO Volkan Bozay stated:

“Today, sustainability and competitiveness have become inseparable. The European Green Deal, CBAM, and emerging carbon regulations are accelerating industrial transformation. As the Turkish cement industry, we see this process not as a risk but as a strategic opportunity to further strengthen our country’s production capacity and export potential.

In line with the 2053 net-zero emissions target, our industry continues to invest in low-carbon production technologies. Through a broad range of initiatives—from carbon capture technologies and renewable energy investments to energy efficiency and digital transformation—we are fulfilling our environmental responsibilities while contributing to Türkiye’s sustainable development goals.”

TÜRKÇİMENTO will continue its efforts in environmentally friendly production, digital transformation, resource efficiency, and human-centered development, thereby contributing to Türkiye’s sustainable development objectives.