Green Transformation: A Major Cost for Late Adopters, a Significant Opportunity for Early Movers
- Sakarya Economy News
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
The Green Transformation & Green Economy Panel was held through the collaboration of the Sakarya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SATSO) and Ekonomi Newspaper (NBE), bringing together leading representatives from industry, academia, and public institutions to discuss the opportunities and challenges of the green transition.
The panel was moderated by Hakan Güldağ, Chairman of the Board of Ekonomi Newspaper, and Vahap Munyar, the newspaper's General Coordinator.
The speakers included:
A. Akgün Altuğ, Chairman of the Board, SATSO
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Çöpoğlu, Secretary General of the East Marmara Development Agency (MARKA)
Prof. Dr. Ömer Hulusi Dede, Director of the Climate Change and Sustainability Research and Application Center at Sakarya University of Applied Sciences (SUBÜ)
Gönül Mumlu, Environment and Sustainability Leader at Otokar
A. Akgün Altuğ, SATSO President
Greenshift Project to Support Companies Through the Green Transition
Speaking at the panel, SATSO Chairman A. Akgün Altuğ emphasized that the Chamber has been actively working on green transformation for many years.
Noting that Sakarya is one of Türkiye's leading industrial and agricultural production centers, Altuğ said:
"We organize numerous events to raise awareness among our companies and help them adapt to the green transformation process. Beyond awareness, we are now implementing practical projects. SATSO was among the first chambers in Türkiye to establish a Green Deal Commission and respond proactively to this transformation. Our goal is to prepare Sakarya's industry for the European Green Deal, carbon footprint measurement, and sustainable manufacturing. We have activated various support mechanisms to guide our members through this transition. Through our new Greenshift Project, we will establish a dedicated Green Transformation Center that will provide comprehensive support and consultancy services to companies throughout every stage of the process."
Continuous Improvement Beyond Compliance
Gönül Mumlu, Otokar’s Environment and Sustainability Leader, stated that Otokar prioritizes environmental sustainability and compliance with all national regulations.
She noted that the green transformation and sustainable production model are significant not only for companies but also for the local community and the world at large. Emphasizing the importance placed on sustainability, she highlighted that—regarding green transformation and sustainability—it is crucial for employees, not just the companies themselves, to adapt to this shift and receive the necessary training.
Gönül Mumlu explained that they engage in continuous improvement efforts that go beyond standard requirements, adding:
“Naturally, the participation of the entire factory is vital in these endeavors. Keeping employees informed and trained is invaluable. Beyond mere information sharing, we also reinforce this process through competitions. Furthermore, our suppliers play a crucial role; we are working to prepare our supply chain to join us on this robust journey. We have established our sustainability management model and made it accessible to the public and everyone else via our website.”
Green Transformation Is Also a Race for Technology
Speaking on behalf of academia, Prof. Dr. Ömer Hulusi Dede highlighted the irreversible effects of climate change and stressed that green transformation represents far more than environmental responsibility.
"Green transformation is the pathway toward activities that prioritize nature, human health, and environmental sustainability. Today, the environmental impacts of climate change are undeniable. At the same time, green transformation is a technological race—one that we cannot afford to lose if we want to remain competitive in the future."
Dede noted that SATSO was among the earliest institutions in Türkiye to take concrete action on the issue and praised the Chamber's dedicated team working in the field.
He also pointed out that SUBÜ hosts the only Climate Change and Sustainability Research Center within the East Marmara Development Agency's region.
"Because we work directly in the field, we have the opportunity to observe existing shortcomings closely. Green transformation will become a significant cost for those who delay, while it will create major opportunities for those who act early. Missing this transformation is no longer an option."
Green Transformation Is No Longer Optional
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Çöpoğlu, Secretary General of the East Marmara Development Agency (MARKA), discussed the agency's support programs and incentive mechanisms designed to accelerate green transformation across the region.
He stressed that sustainable production and employment remain the agency's key priorities.
"We encourage our industrialists to continue producing while protecting our air, water, and soil. At the same time, we emphasize the efficient use of natural resources. Sustainable production is achievable." Çöpoğlu noted that the provinces within MARKA's service region generate approximately TRY 52 billion in exports, with 61 percent destined for European Union markets.
"Green transformation is no longer a matter of choice—it is a necessity. Industries such as steel, fertilizers, cement, and other energy-intensive sectors must prioritize this transition if they are to remain competitive in international markets."
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