Our Responsibility to Our Environment
Borusan Group companies conduct their activities in
accordance with legal requirements and utilize safe methods
to avoid causing harm to the environment and/or the health
of individuals. Companies act in a responsible manner not
only to maintain the environment around them clean but
also to do everything needed to protect it. While making its
investment plans the Borusan Group always adheres to the
principle of respect for the environment and human beings.
Accordingly, the following measures have been implemented
by the Group to protect the environment:
- We utilize the latest and most appropriate methods
to minimize the environmental effects of our waste and
products, as well as to reduce our dependency on natural
resources.
- Health, security and environmental regulations are closely
followed in the manufacturing processes of our products,
their transportation and marketing. In fact, we have set
higher standards than the above-mentioned regulations
require.
- Operations at our manufacturing plants are executed in
secure and environmentally friendly surroundings
completely suitable to the social conditions of the region
and the needs of our workers.
- We constantly go to great lengths to inform all the groups
we are in contact with about environmental and health
issues.
Group sensitivity to environmental issues was determined
light of strategies developed by Borusan management.
Group companies with ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems Certifi cates
Borçelik
Borusan Mannesman Boru
Borusan Lojistik
Supsan
Kerim Çelik
Borçelik and the Environment
Since its establishment Borçelik has always aimed to
improve its environmental performance with relation to its
activities, services and the technologies it utilizes. In 1998,
Borçelik became the fi rst company in its sector to receive
the ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems
Certifi cation and has successfully passed all subsequent
audits over the past eight years. As per the requirements
of the ISO 14001:2004 Quality Management Systems
Certifi cation, Borçelik has made a commitment to adhere
to all legal regulations and the monitoring and auditing of
all environmental regulations is handled within scope of the
quality control system.
According to Borçelik’s environmental policy and its
philosophy of continuous improvement, an Environmental
Management Program is prepared at the beginning of
each year. With the support of the 6 Sigma methodology,
which is being implemented at all Borusan companies,
work is ongoing to fi nd ways to comply with environmental
regulations. This includes the means of reducing the
amount of harmful chemicals used and curtailing natural
resource consumption, as well as minimizing the output
of toxic and all other forms of wastes. Borçelik is also
implementing various environmental projects designed to
reduce electricity, water and nitrogen consumption.
At Borçelik’s treatment plant all chemicals are collected
via piping and pumping systems which are monitored
periodically by Borçelik’s supervisors. Borçelik has invested
in an acid regeneration system that enables the reuse
of the acid as well as in Galvanizing technology in order
to reduce the negative effect of the fl ux chemical to the
environment. In order to eliminate chemical and resin
usage a Reverse Osmosis system has been implemented
for demineralization. Beyond this, Borçelik is also making
continuing to make investments in energy savings and
supports the environment by planting trees in the regions of
Çanakkale, Gelibolu (Gallipoli) and Mudanya.
After an evaluation by the ISO Environmental Expertise
Commission, Borçelik was awarded the 2006 Environment
Incentive Award by the Istanbul Chamber of Industry.
Even though the domestic target for the ratio between
treatment and reuse investments over the total sum of the
investment stands at the percentage rate of 0.8, this fi gure
at Borçelik is close to 3 %. Considering potential effects
on the environment Borçelik has invested approximately
$ 10 million in environment related projects. In particular,
Borçelik displayed its sensitivity to the environment during
2008 by contributing to social activities designed to promote
environmental friendliness. For example, on Earth Day
an informative play and Earth Day photo exhibition was
organized for the students of the Gemlik Elementary School.
Borusan Mannesman Boru and the Environment
Borusan Mannesmann Boru (BMB) regularly monitors
natural resource consumption and waste amounts and sets
annual targets to minimize them. Moreover, all employees
are systematically trained to create awareness concerning
these issues.
Waste Management
In order to protect nature and the environment BMB
classifi es the waste it produces during manufacturing.
The legal criteria pertaining to the classifi cation of the
waste, the content of the waste (its degree of toxicity and
hazardousness), its state (whether solid, liquid or gas) and
its recycling characteristics are carefully considered during
the categorization process. The primary target is to minimize
waste production and recycle the necessary output. The
waste which is not recyclable is appropriately disposed in
a manner that protects the environment in accordance with
legal requirements.
In order to recycle the waste it produces BMB carries out the
following activities:
- The metal waste that is amassed during production is
sold to certifi ed companies to be used in cast iron molding
production.
- The zinc byproduct from production is currently sold at
a very similar price as raw material to companies that
manufacture zinc bullion and powder.
- The crystal iron sulfate that emerges from production
is sold through licensed companies to manufacturers of
agricultural fertilizer.
- Approximately 80 % of the PP waste to come out of our PP
pipe production is processed into granules and reused as
raw material.
- The PP, PEX and PE waste that is not recyclable is also
sold to licensed companies to be used as raw material or
fi lling material for production of common plastic goods.
- First category oils are sold to cement factories which use a
high degree of heat for production, where they are recycled
and used as fuel.
- The oil waste produced at our Gemlik Plant is processed
at our treatment facility at the Borçelik plant to be reused in
production.
- Our paper waste is sold to licensed companies to
manufacture second rate quality paper.
Glass waste is collected and sold to license companies to be
processed and reused.
- Vegetable oils used in the company cafeteria are sold to
licensed companies for the production of biodiesel.
The waste related production and services of BMB that
cannot be recycled is disposed of in the following ways:
- Phosphate mud and contaminated waste is stored
separately and then sold to licensed companies to be
disposed of by burning.
- Waste batteries are also collected and sent to companies
authorized to conduct disposal.
- The medical waste from our clinic at the factory is stored
separately and never mixed with domestic waste. Later it is
turned over to authorized companies for proper disposal.
- The following initiatives designed to reduce and control
waste production were conceived as Green Belt projects and
implemented:
- At the Gemlik plant: zinc waste reduction project and
operational waste material consumption reduction project
- At the Halkalı plant: boron oil leakage prevention project,
treatment capacity improvement project, the setup of the oil
container project for the reel and stand washing
- At the Izmit plant: hydraulic oil leakage reduction project
In order to prevent inappropriate disposal of packaging
that is considered a hazardous waste (oil and chemical
barrels and boxes, etc.), the materials are either sent back
to the manufacturer or turned over to license companies to
be disposed of in the category of hazardous waste. They
are never mixed with domestic waste. In order to prevent
environmental pollution by our factories and to provide for
the sustainability of the systems we have set up to protect
the environment, systematic controls are put in place.
Moreover, under the guidance of offi cials from the ISGÇK
a “factory, fi eld and hygiene inspection” is implemented
at least once every two weeks. At the end of the audit
the areas that are determined to be open to improvement
are immediately transformed into projects and activities
designed to remedy the problem.
Plans for the incoming year: (2009)
Projects have been planned at our Gemlik plant to reduce
the solid waste resulting from galvanized production and
to replace the chromic acid used in passivation baths with
chemicals which don’t have a negative effect on human
health and environment. Meanwhile, at our Halkalı plant, the
third UN environmental cleanup and boron oil consumption
reduction project will be implemented.
Natural Resource Management
Various projects have been carried out at our plants to
reduce the consumption of natural resources:
- At the Gemlik plant: reduction of water consumption project
and paper waste project
- At the Halkalı plant: reduction of steam and water
consumption project
- At the Halkalı plant: reduction of electricity consumption by using the energy of the chimney exhaust gases and the heat
of the piping system for the heating of the phosphate bath;
and the reduction of fossil combustion by dismantling the
diesel powered furnaces and converting them into natural
gas powered furnaces
- At the Izmit plant: a reduction in natural gas consumption
by converting the steam boilers to hot water boilers,
improvements in power consumption effi ciency by increasing
the capacity of the power compensation units and reduction
of power consumption by using photocell bulbs for external
lighting.
Plans for the incoming year: (2009)
Plans for the incoming year: (2009)
Borusan Lojistik and the Environment
By obtaining the ISO 14001 Environmental Management
Systems Certifi cate Borusan Logistic has made a
commitment to fully comply with laws designed to control
adverse environmental effects. In line with this initiative,
the Borusan Lojistik Gemlik Port Waste Receiving Facilities
opened for operation on March 2, 2006. In accordance
with the new regulations, all solid, liquid and hazardous
waste from ships entering the port are accepted for proper
disposal. Borusan Lojistik Gemlik Port became one of the
fi rst ports in Turkey to be licensed for a Waste Receiving
and Disposal Facility. Thus, the Gemlik Port not only helps
to protect our seas but also enables Turkey to fulfi ll its
international responsibilities. The solid and liquid waste that
is currently dumped by ships causes serious damage to our
seas and shores. At the Gemlik Port, Borusan Lojistik offers
ships the opportunity to get rid of their waste (including solid
waste, bilge water and hazardous waste) and dispose of
them in a way that causes no harm to the environment nor
to human health. A further investment at the port involved
converting the port cranes to work by electricity in order to
reduce air and noise pollution.
The waste produced by Borusan Lojistik is separated and
recycled, and hazardous waste is disposed in accordance
with all the relevant regulations. The temporary waste
storage area that was set up at the Gebze warehouse also
prevents any possible form of air, soil and water pollution
that could potentially be caused by the toxic chemicals in used batteries. The new management building is equipped
with an air conditioning system which does not produce
harmful gases which could damage the environment and
destroy the ozone layer.
Vehicles that transport fl at sheet steel and automobiles are
a special consideration. Since they are not designed to
carry any other goods such vehicles generally have to return
empty from their delivery destination. Under the guidance of
Tübitak, Borusan Lojistik is currently working on the design
of a trailer that will be able to carry both fl at sheet steel and
automobiles. When successfully completed, the patent will
be held by Borusan. This project will enable improvements
in other areas such as air pollution, traffi c and energy
consumption.
In 2007 a total of 46.9 tons of the paper waste produced by
the business activities of Borusan Lojistik was recycled. This
paper recycling process has resulted in several important
environmental benefi ts, such as saving 798 fully mature pine
trees from being cut down, 192,425 kWh of electricity from
being consumed and preventing the waste of 1,821 tons of
water.
Employees and their families at Borusan Lojistik are
encouraged to participate in environmental activities. An
environmental brochure was given to employees and their
families entitled “Recycling for a better quality of life”, which
also included coloring pages for children.
Supsan and the Environment
Our Supsan company, which specializes in motor valves,
has fully committed itself to respond to the environmentrelated
requirements of its customers, comply with legal and
other environmental regulations and to raise awareness
about environmental issues with its suppliers and ensure
their full-support of its environmental policy. Furthermore,
it also seeks to control, reduce and abolish the negative
environmental impact of its products, services and activities,
as well as to improve and enhance the positive effects.
In addition to this, Supsan has taken measures to save
and protect our natural resources and to recycle and reuse
them to the fullest extent possible. Finally, Supsan is
dedicated as a company to taking on the responsibility of
preventing ecological pollution around the world, improving
the environmental-awareness of its staff and continuously
improving its system in line with its quality policy.
Kerim Çelik and the Environment
Since its establishment Kerim Çelik has always tried
to improve its environmental performance, especially
through the services and upgrade of the technological
innovations that it utilizes. In 2007 the Company received the ISO 14001 certifi cation by successfully completing all
necessary inspections. As per conditions set forth in the ISO
14001:2004 Quality Management Systems Certifi cation,
Kerim Çelik has made a commitment to fully comply with
all legal regulations. All of the monitoring and assessment
of environmental regulations are handled under its quality
system. In line with its environmental policies and continual
improvement philosophy, an Environmental Management
Program is prepared annually at Kerim Çelik. With the
support of the 6 Sigma methodology implemented in all
Borusan companies work is ongoing to fi nd ways to comply
with environmental regulations. This includes the means of
reducing the amount of harmful chemicals used and limiting
the consumption of natural resources, as well as minimizing
the output of toxic and all other forms of waste. Kerim Çelik
is also currently implementing projects involving possible
means of minimizing electricity and water consumption
while limiting the output of contaminated waste. In 2008
Kerim Çelik planted 1,000 trees in the region of Çanakkale,
something it anticipates as an annual tradition.
Borusan Makina and the Environment
Borusan Makina demonstrates its sensitivity towards the
environment by initiating projects involving pollution control
and waste management. The company continues to improve
its environmental performance by persistently developing its
business processes.

Pollution control pertains to all of the applications and
regulations which limit pollution and bring it within
manageable levels at every level of production. This
process at Borusan Makina is continually implemented at
every level of the design, manufacturing, maintenance,
repair and operation stages of all Caterpillar machines and
components. Pollution control initiatives, including better
fi ltration, enable the company to increase the cleaning
standards of engine oils during the recycling process. As
a consequence, signifi cant reduction can be obtained in
the accumulation of used engine oil and harmful exhaust
emissions, while job loss can be prevented through
higher engine performance and effi ciency. In addition,
implementations during the revision stages involve
measures to prevent environmental pollution. For example,
procedures have been set in place to prevent the release
of washing water to the soil and all of our workshops are
equipped with a fi ltration pool to separate oil and grime from
the water.
All workshops involving CAT representatives at Borusan
Makina have obtained the highest fi ve-star evaluation
certifi cation from Caterpillar. Those which currently have a
fi ve-star certifi cation are located in Istanbul, Adana, Izmir, Ankara, Bursa, Diyarbakır and Trabzon.
The waste management initiatives at Borusan Makina
are coordinated within the framework of the regulations
determined by the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of
Turkey.
Used Oil
Although Borusan Makina is not required by law to do so, it
has obtained a special permit from the Ministry of Environment
to collect the used oil from customers with its speciallyequipped
Borusan Makina Customer Support Department
(CSD) vehicles. The Ministry offi cials felt obliged to issue this
special permission based on our company’s concern for the
environment. CSD vehicles have a 350-liter tank capacity for
used oil. Meanwhile, the oil from the workshops is collected in
the used oil tanks. Between January and May of 2008 a total
of 34,611 liters of oil was collected. The accumulated oil is then
handed over to PETDER for proper recycling.
Used Filters
Used fi lters are collected by our service vehicles and stored
in collection barrels at our workshops. The used fi lters are
then handed over to EKASAN and the appropriate payment is
made based on quantity. A total of 2,643 fi lters were collected
between November of 2007 and June of 2008.
Used Battery
Borusan Makina closely monitors its battery liability limits, which
have been deemed by the Ministry of Environment to fulfi ll
collection requirements. All used batteries collected are given to
TÜMAKÜDER. The amount of used batteries collected during
the first fi ve months of 2008 amounted to 1,920 kilograms.