"In addition to finance, technology is also required"

Akbank General Manager Kaan Gür evaluated the financing need for the green transformation of the industry and the bank's efforts in this field within the scope of COP31 held in Antalya. Stating that the transformation cannot be achieved by providing financing alone, Gür said that technology, technical skills and project feasibility should also be considered together.

Gür stated that there is a serious need for financing in the automotive, cement, aluminum, iron-steel and machinery sectors to reduce the carbon footprint and increase energy efficiency, and noted that Akbank supports industrial organizations as a solution partner in this process.

Gür stated that the technical adequacy, feasibility and repayment of the projects to be financed are taken into consideration and said, "The financial solution alone is not sufficient and effective in terms of the value we will create. Then we need to put this technology into the picture. We also need to put technical skills."

Stating that Akbank focuses on four main topics in its sustainable financing strategy, Gür said that the green transformation of the industry, sustainability of supply chains, electrification and sustainable climate finance are priority areas.

Emphasizing that capacity increase alone is not sufficient in renewable energy investments, Gür stated that network investments and energy storage systems are also important parts of the transformation.

Gür also stated that 50 percent of the bank's 2.5 trillion TL sustainable financing target will be used for the green transformation of the industry.

Referring to the studies in the field of sustainable air conditioning, Gür stated that 48 percent of the energy consumption in Türkiye comes from buildings, and approximately one third of the consumption in buildings is related to air conditioning systems.

Pointing out the energy efficiency and emission reduction potential in this field, Gür announced that they are collaborating with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Daikin in the field of sustainable air conditioning.

Stating that joint signatures were signed with Daikin, Gür said that business partnerships that bring together financing, technology and technical capacity are important for transformation.

Stating that COP31 constitutes an important opportunity for Türkiye, Gür stated that it is important for Türkiye not only to host the summit but also to take the leadership of the green transformation.

Emphasizing that international capital must be involved in the process in order for the transformation to scale, Gür said that Türkiye has the opportunity to become an important player in global competition and supply chains.

Gür noted that Akbank will continue to support Türkiye's transformation journey with its financial strength and wide customer portfolio.