(ESRS E2-1, E2-2, E2-5)
AIR QUALITY
As Akçansa, we consider improving air quality by minimizing the environmental impacts of our activities among our key priorities.
As Akçansa, we consider minimizing the impacts of our activities and improving air quality among our key priorities. To reduce combustion gases and dust emissions generated during our production processes, we adopt a continuous improvement approach supported by digital monitoring and reporting infrastructures.
We carry out all our activities in accordance with the ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System standard and ensure full compliance with applicable environmental legislation and regulations.
All our plants hold valid environmental permits, and our air quality performance metrics are regularly monitored and reported in full compliance with national legislation. We implement our air quality protection practices in line with the Akçansa Environmental and Energy Policy, aiming to maintain our emission levels significantly below regulatory limit values. We focus on achieving the highest environmental performance across all processes. We regularly assess potential environmental, financial, and reputational risks related to air emissions. Based on our current practices, risks related to air quality are not expected to have a significant impact on our financial performance in the short, medium, or long term.
In our cement production activities, combustion processes taking place in six rotary kilns generate gas emissions such as NOx, SOx, CO, TOC, HF, and HCl. To reduce these emissions, we utilize technologies and optimization practices that ensure the highest level of combustion efficiency in our kiln operations.
Across all our areas of activity, environmental impacts have been assessed within the scope of the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System. Comprehensive environmental analyses have been conducted by considering the location of our facilities, process scope, physical conditions, and applicable regulations. In addition, we ensure full compliance with all national and international regulations, particularly the Regulation on the Control of Industrial Air Pollution.
To understand the needs and expectations of our stakeholders and maintain communication as part of our risk management approach, we hold Neighbor Council meetings. Feedback received from local communities is integrated into our operational improvement processes, and necessary updates are implemented accordingly.
At all our kiln stacks, emission values are monitored 24/7 through Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS), and the data are transmitted in real time to the Continuous Monitoring Center (SIM) of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change of the Republic of Türkiye. In addition, our devices, which already hold Quality Assurance Level 1 certification, undergo Quality Assurance Level 2 tests or annual validity tests each year.
In addition, at all our kiln and process stacks,
quarterly periodic dust and gas emission measurements;
Semiannual special pollutant measurements (Heavy Metals, PAH, Dioxin/Furan); and
Biennial measurements of PM10, NO2, SO2, and settling dust
are carried out and reported by accredited organizations. In addition, the reported data are verified by independent verifiers.
To prevent pollution, we utilize technologies defined in the Best Available Techniques (BAT) guidelines. Within the scope of capital expenditure (CapEx) plans prepared regularly each year, the following initiatives are reviewed and implemented in line with our master plans:
Dust control and impact mitigation projects
Water efficiency projects and applications
Energy efficiency initiatives
Decarbonization technologies.
are reviewed and implemented in line with our master plans.
Through these efforts, we aim to progress in alignment with the “Do No Significant Harm (DNSH)” criteria of the EU Taxonomy.
To improve air quality and prevent air pollution that may arise from our operations, we implement various practices within our production processes:
Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction (SNCR)
We reduce NOx emissions generated from combustion processes and present in flue gas by using SNCR systems in our rotary kilns.
Bag Filter Systems
We use modern bag filter systems at all our dust collection stacks in line with Best Available Techniques (BAT), and carry out regular maintenance, monitoring, and upgrade activities through our filter monitoring systems.
Dust Control Master Plan
In line with the Dust Control Master Plan we established in previous years, we continue our implementations and carry out the investments identified within this framework.
Fugitive Dust Management
We implement regular dust suppression and watering systems in our open and semi-open storage areas to support efforts aimed at improving air quality.
We regularly monitor compliance with all legal obligations related to dust and gas emissions from our process stacks through quarterly periodic measurements conducted by accredited organizations.
Air Quality Performance Indicators
We monitor our emission data in real time through Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS), tracking performance through minute-by-minute, hourly, and daily averages, and report our results regularly. In line with our 2030 targets, we aim to achieve a consistent reduction across all major pollutant parameters.
Our 2030 targets for improving air quality are as follows:
Maintaining NOx emissions below 400 mg/Nm3;
Maintaining SOx emissions below 50 mg/Nm3;
Maintaining particulate matter (PM) emissions below 10 mg/Nm3.
In 2025, mass emissions of NOx decreased by 19% through the use of SNCR systems and process optimization efforts.
SOx emissions remained stable due to the use of fuels and raw materials with low sulfur content.
TOC emissions also remained stable as a result of process optimization activities. In line with our established targets, we will continue our improvement efforts to prevent pollution and further reduce emission levels in accordance with international standards.
