Thanks to the FOSTER Project’s Employment Committed SME Support Programme, Kilis-based Ikbal Group employed four people, including two Turkish citizens and two foreigners under temporary protection. The company is also distinguished by its environmentally friendly business practices, fulfilling its social responsibilities while developing sustainable business strategies. Taking a proactive approach to global issues such as climate change and resource scarcity, Ikbal Group demonstrates its commitment to environmental and social responsibility. The FOSTER team conducted an interview to learn more about how Ikbal Group manages these processes.
FOSTER Team (F): Mr. İbrahim Güvenç, your company has environmental and occupational safety systems. What are these systems, how do you implement them, and what are the benefits in your opinion?
Mr. İbrahim Güvenç (İ.G): Occupational safety is one of the most crucial issues for employees worldwide and across different sectors. Through trainings provided to employees and safety measures implemented within the factory, we have created a less risky working environment. Our environmentally friendly system aims to control all types of waste and emissions in our factory, thereby protecting nature while strengthening the sustainable economy.
F: You’ve applied for the environmental permit and gone through processes such as emission measurements. What kind of improvements did you make in your facility during these processes?
İ.G: With the environmental permit we obtained on April 25, 2024, we have made significant progress towards the implementation of Environmental Law No. 2872., especially in areas like emission control, waste management, and water pollution prevention. Alongside sustainability, we aim to minimize environmental risks.
F: We see that your systems are automated. Did the transition to automation provide benefits in terms of energy, raw materials, intermediates, occupational safety, and environmental aspects? Can you explain this?
İ.G: Having automated systems means that machines do not run when there is no production. Through the automated systems, water, electricity and energy waste has been prevented.
F: Do you have a system for monitoring energy efficiency at your facility? What measures are you taking?
İ.G: We monitor the values of electricity, natural gas, and water consumption every month under a tracking document, and we take necessary actions each month.
F: You operate with a performance-based system in your facility. How do you implement this, and what benefits does it provide you?
İ.G: We value personal and corporate development. By rewarding employees, we want to become a productive institution where original ideas are generated, aiming for less energy consumption and higher efficiency through strategic methods.
F: Are there any other practices you would like to add, or any advice for other SMEs?
İ.G: The most important recommendation we have for SMEs is to prioritize the occupational health and safety of all employees, minimize environmental risks, and avoid energy waste. Our mission is to move our organizations and our country to better positions through entrepreneurial employees.
F: Thank you for your excellent efforts.
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