En Büyük Mağaza Zinciri A101'in Sürdürülebilirlik Performansı

A101 is Turkey's retail market brand with the highest number of stores. With over 13,000 stores across every province of Turkey, nearly 60 regional offices, and more than 1,200 suppliers, we can say it is one of the largest brands in the industry. After establishing a sustainability department in 2021, A101 published its first sustainability report in 2022.

Although there is a section related to sustainability on the website, we see that almost no content has been published. Past reports have not been included in this section, and only the 2023 sustainability report was published, making it more difficult to track the process.

Through our research, we also accessed the 2022 sustainability report.

We thoroughly examined both years' reports. Here are the details that stood out to us:

Firstly, neither of the reports provided any data regarding the carbon footprint, water consumption, energy consumption, or waste generation resulting from A101’s activities. As one of the supermarket chains with the most operational centers, not sharing the impacts on our future weakens A101’s claim to transparency.

Some of the topics mentioned in the 2022 report regarding energy efficiency include:

Additionally, in 2022, only a few data points were shared regarding the results of energy-saving improvement efforts within A101.

In the 2023 report, although various energy efficiency initiatives were mentioned, no statistical data was shared. The report highlights that A101, with over 13,000 stores and more than 60 regional offices, successfully completed a 4% reduction in annual consumption per capita, surpassing the 1% target, through various applications in its headquarters building. Although it claims that corrective measures have been taken to reduce energy consumption across all stores and warehouse areas, the report does not provide details on these measures.

No consumption data regarding water use has been shared in either of the reports. Most of the initiatives were limited to the headquarters building, with only one project mentioned aimed at reducing water consumption in warehouses and stores. However, no data was shared regarding the progress of this project. The report indicates that the headquarters successfully completed a 10% reduction in water consumption per capita, surpassing the 1% target. No data was shared regarding the progress of reducing the water footprint outside the headquarters building. For the upcoming year, the 1% reduction target for water consumption per capita has been renewed, but it will only apply to the headquarters building.

The 2022 report shares various numerical data regarding waste management.

In the 2023 report, although various projects and initiatives were mentioned, no numerical data was shared regarding their progress or efficiency.

Overall, while it is noteworthy that A101 established a sustainability department in 2021, has a section on sustainability on its website, and demonstrates an environmentally conscious approach by publishing sustainability reports, the lack of data on waste, energy consumption, water usage, and carbon footprint resulting from A101's activities, the absence of concrete and measurable targets, the lack of follow-up goals, insufficient social responsibility projects, and the absence of external audits weaken the credibility of A101’s sustainability commitments, unless supported by more comprehensive and detailed data sharing.

While it is an important step for the company to mention projects aimed at reducing its environmental impact, the lack of transparency regarding the implementation processes and results of these projects leads to a lack of trust. Additionally, it appears that sustainability standards in the supply chain are not sufficiently monitored, and there is no information on which certifications are prioritized. Social responsibility projects should evolve into approaches that target a broader audience and produce long-term, tangible results. Considering all these shortcomings, we believe that A101, one of Turkey's largest brands in its field, needs to establish a stronger foundation for its sustainability journey and offer more tangible contributions to society.