A 'carbon action plan' should be prepared

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Görkem Üçtuğ, Vice Dean of Faculty of Engineering, Izmir University of Economics (IUE), made a call to companies regarding the “Carbon Border Tax" to be implemented as of 2026 within the scope of the "Green Consensus". Reminding that European countries will set a 'carbon footprint' limit for every product to be imported in many sectors including food, technology, electronics, and automotive, and that extra tax will be charged on any product exceeding this limit, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Üçtuğ said, “Companies should take strategic steps to reduce the carbon footprint of the product they produce as soon as possible. Now is the time to get rid of familiar habits and follow the suppliers. We should pay attention to this issue in order not to lose our competitiveness in the European market. We need to raise national awareness.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Görkem Üçtuğ, Vice Dean of IUE Faculty of Engineering, stated that the "Green Consensus", in which Turkey is also involved, is one of the most important steps taken in the last period regarding the environment. Emphasizing that a completely different period will begin for companies exporting in our country as of 2026, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Üçtuğ said, “The 'Carbon Border Tax', created by the European Union (EU) within the scope of the 'Green Consensus', with an understanding based on environmentally friendly and sustainable production against the climate crisis, will begin as of 2026. There is a significant climate change around the world. Therefore, needs and demands are changing, energy demand is increasing. It is of utmost importance that countries act jointly and produce solutions together. The Green Consensus is one of the best examples of this.”

COMPETITIVENESS SHOULD NOT REDUCE

Giving information about the 'Carbon Border Tax' application that will start on January 1, 2026, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Üçtuğ said, “Carbon footprint is a process that includes all phases including the energy spent for the production of the product and the fuel consumption. When calculating the carbon footprint of a product, many criteria are taken into account, such as which energy methods and how much energy is used, how many kilometers away the supply of raw materials is provided.

There will be a carbon footprint limit set for each product starting in 2026. If the carbon footprint of the product you export exceeds the specified limit, an extra tax will be charged. This will naturally reduce the competitiveness of the product in the European market. Turkey makes most of its exports to European countries. 2026 is not far away. Considering this, all companies need to take action on the 'carbon limit' and create a comprehensive action plan.”

COMPANIES MUST MEASURE

Sharing his suggestions with companies, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Üçtuğ said, “All exporting companies must calculate the carbon footprint of each product they produce by developing a measurement system. Companies that produce more than one product should be extra careful. Every company knows the raw materials it uses and the energy it consumes. However, these should be calculated on a product basis, not on a factory basis. After the measurement processes are completed, steps should be determined to reduce the carbon footprint. Companies should follow their supply chains in detail. For example, if your product has a high carbon footprint, you can lower it by installing a solar panel on your roof. Because solar energy is very environmentally friendly. Also, you can focus on obtaining the raw material you supply from a closer place instead of bringing it from 500 kilometers away. Even if it does not come from a place nearby, you can use electric vehicles for transportation. It is possible to diversify such examples. For all these, companies need to determine the roadmap on carbon footprint without wasting time."