Climate change is one of the most important challenges facing our planet. Global statistics on this subject indicate that clean water resources are dwindling rapidly.
As a responsible corporate citizen, Ziraat Bank develops and implements conscious and careful consumption projects in the field of water.
Responsible and efficient use of water.
Climate change is one of the most important challenges facing our planet. Global statistics on this subject indicate that clean water resources are dwindling rapidly.
Scientific findings reveal that Turkey is also a water-stressed country. This situation requires all citizens to act responsibly when it comes to water consumption.
As a responsible corporate citizen, Ziraat Bank places emphasis on water conservation through the efficient use of water resources and effective wastewater management, in line with national and international standards.
In 2023, the Bank achieved water savings of approximately 40% in wet areas across 103 renovated branches through the design features of sanitary ware and taps.
Wastewater Management
Ziraat Bank meticulously revises projects and implementations in line with local government directives on wastewater management for new or renovated branches in their respective locations. Water and wastewater management was carefully observed during the construction of the Ziraat Towers located in the Istanbul Financial Center. Efficient irrigation systems were selected to reduce water consumption. Diversity of plant species was ensured in landscaping, with a preference for local and adapted plants, while avoiding the use of turf grass.
In Ziraat Towers, condensate water from cooling systems is planned to be used for garden irrigation. A recycling facility was established for the reuse of greywater, significantly reducing reliance on tap water.
In the Göztepe Guesthouse Project and the Altunizade and Erenköy Residential Projects, the aim is to achieve water efficiency without compromising user comfort by using efficient water fixtures compliant with EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency) standards. Greywater is planned to be utilized in reservoirs and garden irrigation. The use of cultivated turf grass was avoided in landscaping green areas, with water-efficient plant species and irrigation systems instead integrated into the project.
Water footprint inventory study
The scope of Ziraat Bank’s 2023 water footprint inventory includes the Headquarters buildings, money group centers, regional offices, a total of 1,744 domestic branches and 25 international branches.
The calculation was prepared in accordance with the requirements of “ISO 14046 Water Footprint”
The volume of water consumption resulting from Ziraat Bank’s activities in 2023 is given in the table below.
TOTAL WATER CONSUMPTION IN 2023
Source |
Parameter |
Unit |
Total |
Mains Water |
volume |
m3 |
348,697.25 |
Drinking water |
volume |
m3 |
6,946.38 |
Total Water Withdrawals |
volume |
m3 |
355,643.63 |
Detailed information about Ziraat Bank’s water footprint inventory results is presented in the table below.
POLLUTION LOAD, TOTAL AMOUNT OF WATER CONSUMED AND POLLUTED
Source |
Parameter |
Unit |
Total |
Water Withdrawals |
volume |
m3 |
355,643.63 |
Water Consumed |
volume |
m3 |
6,946.38 |
Discharged |
volume |
m3 |
348,697.25 |
Pollution |
|||
BOİ |
Amount |
kg |
17,434.86 |
KOİ |
Amount |
kg |
55,791.56 |
AKM |
Amount |
kg |
20,921.84 |
The uncertainty values of Ziraat Bank’s 2023 ISO 14046 Water Footprint calculations, carried out with theoretical assumptions, are given in the table below.
WATER FOOTPRINT UNCERTAINTY TABLE
Source |
% Uncertainty |
Input Uncertainty (Mains Water + Drinking water) |
9.81 |
Output Uncertainty (Sewage) |
10 |
Output Uncertainty (Pollution load) |
3.3 |