Climate change is becoming increasingly impactful due to a growing population and industrialization. At TAB Gıda, we prioritize working tirelessly for the future of our planet, fully aware of our responsibility in addressing climate change. As part of our sustainability strategy, we have placed "Climate Action" at the forefront of our priorities.
To minimize our impact on climate change, we began calculating our corporate carbon footprint in 2022. In 2023, we elevated our efforts by calculating and reporting our Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions in compliance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and had these verified by an independent third-party organization. As part of our emissions reduction focus, we procured renewable energy certificates in 2023, converting the electricity purchased for 215 street-facing restaurants into renewable energy, effectively neutralizing the greenhouse gas emissions from these locations. Additionally, we initiated energy monitoring and conservation efforts in our restaurants, achieving a 9.62% reduction in electricity consumption per restaurant in 2023 compared to the previous year. We are collaborating with energy audit firms certified by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources to further enhance our energy efficiency For more detailed information about our efforts, you can refer to the TFI TAB Gıda Investments Inc. 2023 Sustainability Report.
Environmental pollution, as highlighted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), poses significant threats to efforts aimed at ensuring a healthy and sustainable environment for current and future generations. The rapid loss of biodiversity and escalating climate change present increasing challenges to our surroundings, society, global economy, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals' (SDGs) core commitment to “leave no one behind.” At TAB Gıda, we recognize the critical role of waste management and circularity in achieving our sustainability goals and minimizing our environmental footprint. As a leading player in the quick-service restaurant industry, we analyze the risks and opportunities associated with our operations and implement actions aimed at driving change toward a more sustainable future.
Understanding the importance of effectively managing solid and liquid waste generated during restaurant operations, we established the Zero Waste Management System as of 2023. We ensured that our street-facing restaurants (In-Line) were certified in compliance with the Zero Waste Regulation. By the end of 2024, our goal is to include all In-Line restaurants in the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change’s Zero Waste System. We are also committed to increasing the recycling rates of single-use plastic and paper waste produced in our restaurants. This initiative reflects our dedication to sustainability-focused business models and practices that support a circular economy.
Consumer awareness regarding animal welfare is steadily increasing and customers expect businesses to adopt practices aligned with their values. At TAB Gıda, ensuring "Animal Welfare" is not just a priority but an ethical responsibility. We integrate this focus across every stage of our supply chain, continuously enhancing and evolving our practices. We believe that good animal welfare practices form an integral part of environmental and social sustainability efforts, as well as public health, creating a unified and equitable food system.
All the red meat requirements for our quick-service restaurants are met by our group company Ekur Et Entegre / Amasya Et Ürünleri, which prioritizes animal welfare in its operations. Since 2018, Ekur Et has adhered to the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare established by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) and the International Principles of Animal Welfare. The company has implemented an Animal Welfare Policy that governs all operational processes, ensuring adherence to these principles.
Ekur Et is the first company in Türkiye to receive the ISO 34700 Animal Welfare Management System Certificationin 2022, showcasing its commitment to sustainability and ethical responsibility toward animals and the environment. Under this certification, Ekur Et continuously develops initiatives to improve the welfare of cattle at its livestock farms and expects the same animal-centric management approach from its supply chain partners. Similarly, we encourage other animal-based food suppliers to establish ISO 34700-compliant Animal Welfare Management Systems. By 2025, our goal is to increase the number of suppliers meeting the animal welfare standard requirements, further aligning our operations with our ethical and sustainability commitments.
MEDYA