What Kind of Process Is Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction and Why Is It Mandatory for Some Companies?

If we approach the subject from a non-technical perspective, greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to the greenhouse effect are responsible for what is commonly referred to as “global warming.” The issue is generally brought to public attention through news reports concerning the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers as a result of rising temperatures. Greenhouse gas emissions are largely associated with carbon dioxide (CO₂), which is predominantly released as a result of heavy industrial activities.

International and national legislation has introduced various regulations and obligations requiring these emissions to first be inventoried—that is, their quantity to be determined—and subsequently reduced. In the latest international agreement to which our country is a party, Türkiye has expressed its intention to reduce the increase in greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere.

In order to determine the amount of greenhouse gas emissions originating from industrial activities in Türkiye, the relevant Regulation was published in 2014. With its implementation commencing in 2016–2017, many companies operating in heavy industry became required to prepare their greenhouse gas emissions reports and have these reports independently verified. In other words, their reported emissions must be reviewed and determined to be in compliance with the applicable requirements by verification bodies such as AVRASYA, acting within the framework established by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change.

The greenhouse gas emissions verification activities we conduct are carried out in accordance with the requirements of the TS EN ISO 14065 standard. All factors used or relied upon in the calculation or measurement of emissions reported by operators—including primary data such as raw measurement and weighing results, processed and consolidated datasets, emission factors, measuring instruments, calculation methods and matrices, and the operator’s management systems—are examined through detailed verification procedures.

Verification activities are conducted in two main stages: on-site and off-site/office-based verification. The overall verification process takes approximately six months. In general, the process begins in December of the reporting year and may continue until the end of April of the following year.

The principles of international acceptability, consistency, and transparency are of primary importance throughout greenhouse gas verification activities. Since these processes are subject to international agreements and regulatory frameworks, the annual greenhouse gas emissions reports of industrial organizations must be prepared and verified according to the same standards and, consequently, with a consistent level of accuracy and reliability at the international level. It is important to recognize that these verification activities are carried out with due consideration for the public interest.

In accordance with the relevant Regulation, greenhouse gas emissions verification is required to be conducted periodically on an annual basis. Operators are required to enter into agreements with verification bodies such as AVRASYA by 15 November each year in order to have their annual greenhouse gas emissions reports verified.

Our company provides comprehensive information on all aspects of the subject through the “Public Information” section of its website for those seeking further information about greenhouse gas emissions reporting and verification processes.

Although the subject may initially appear complex, its fundamental objective is to protect people and the environment—and, ultimately, the planet and all forms of life within it. Climate change driven by global warming is a global challenge that affects virtually every aspect of life on Earth, from the melting of glaciers and rising sea levels to impacts on agricultural activities, declines in plant species, and increases in the frequency and severity of natural disasters.

Indeed, we are now increasingly exposed to news about floods, storms, extreme temperatures, and other climate-related events.

When all these elements are considered within a broader framework, being environmental engineers naturally gives us a strong commitment to protecting the environment and human health. Perhaps, like the pieces of a puzzle, this is precisely where we are meant to be.

GÖKÇE PARER | CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF AVRASYA