Works on IS0 14001 Environmental Management System that was initiated in Büyükçekmece and Çanakkale Plants in May 2002 were certified following the audits conducted by the British Standards Institute (BSI) in January 2003. This achievement is a consequence of extensive environmental improvements being implemented since many years, meticulous preparatory efforts and the overall dedication of the Company to conservation of energy and protection of the environment.

WHAT IS ISO 14001?

The first standard on Environmental Management System was issued by the British Standards Institute (BSI) in 1992 as BS 7750. The ISO 14001 standard was prepared within this framework, which was finalized in 1996. ISO 14001 is a common language used worldwide on environmental issues.

Once environmental pollution was accepted as a serious threat for future generations and as various environmental problems surfaced, enterprises started setting up environmental management systems by taking into account the environmental aspects of their activities as well. As audits of these systems took start, environmental standards were improved. ISO 14001, being one of these is an international standard.

Works on the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System in Akçansa’s plants were set off by analyzing the environmental impacts of all phases of each process carried out Büyükçekmece and Çanakkale plants, and the environmental impacts of the associated locations. An “Environmental Impacts” list was prepared after an evaluation made on the analysis carried out on all inputs, products, emissions and wastes. The designated impacts were ranked according to their significance and various objectives and aims were established accordingly. Through action plans made for each objective, it was made possible to overcome the shortages of the system and to achieve improvements.

During the summer months of 2002, an “Environmental Policy” that summarized the environmental consciousness and responsibility of Akçansa and which embraced the requirements of the “Environmental Policy”, simultaneously with the Company’s environmental objectives and aims was resolved. All improvement and correction works carried out in both Plants adhered to this “Environmental Policy”. All employees and contractors were given numerous trainings on the procedures and instructions issued and the measures taken.

The 1st and 2nd inspection phases conducted at Büyükçekmece and Çanakkale Plants upon Akçansa’s application for receiving ISO 14001 Environmental Management System Certificate from the international certifying institute BSI, were concluded successfully on 14-16 October 2002.

Once the Certification Inspections involving the audits of at-site implementations of the established system were concluded successfully during 20-24 January 2003, Akçansa Plants were awarded the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System Certificate by BSI.

Both plants of Akçansa were awarded ISO 14001 Environmental Management System Certificates in February, in consequence of the environmental consciousness exhibited and the production philosophy compliant with the global standards pursued by the Company. Akçansa shared this rightful pride with its friends, with a ceremony organized at Büyükçekmece Plant.

Many guests were present in the ceremony held on 20 March 2003, including Büyükçekmece District Governor Hayrettin Altinok, Çatalca Mayor İsmail İp, Tepecik Mayor Zeki Bora, Mimarsinan Mayor Nail Öztürk, Muratbey Mayor Bayram Ali Üner, Büyükçekmece Deputy Major Resit Oral, administrators of the public establishments and authorities nearby Büyükçekmece Plant, administrators of neighboring associations, quarter heads, schoolmasters and members of the local press.