Sustainability Policy

Sustainability Policy

SUSTAINABILITY POLICY

1. Introduction

Burgan Bank A.Ş., Burgan Yatırım Menkul Değerler A.Ş., and Burgan Finansal Kiralama A.Ş. (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Bank”, including its existing subsidiaries and any future subsidiaries it may own), are committed to responsibly fulfilling their environmental, social, and governance obligations in order to understand global sustainability challenges and contribute to a more sustainable future. The Bank defines sustainable growth as long-term development that balances these elements and believes that the banking and financial sector plays a significant role in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

In line with its long-term value creation strategy, the Bank focuses on generating benefits for its customers, shareholders, subsidiaries, employees, and all other stakeholders, and sets its future targets in alignment with its sustainable growth vision. In accordance with the principles of responsible banking, the Bank aims to reduce environmental impacts arising both from its own operations and from project financing activities, and follows national and international sustainability standards for its planned initiatives. In this regard, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out in the 2030 Agenda, the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency’s Sustainable Banking Strategic Plan, global trends, and international sustainability frameworks are taken as guidance.

All sustainability-related activities are carried out under the supervision of the Sustainability Committee, which also monitors related risks and opportunities.

2. Purpose and Scope

This document summarizes the Bank’s commitment and approach to integrating the sustainability dimensions of Burgan Bank A.Ş., Burgan Yatırım Menkul Değerler A.Ş., and Burgan Finansal Kiralama A.Ş., as well as any future subsidiaries that the Bank may acquire, into its core activities and decision-making processes.

3. Commitments

The Bank is committed to minimizing the social impacts arising from its operations, guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out in the 2030 Agenda, global trends, and international sustainability frameworks.

3.1. Combating Climate Change

Through the Sustainability Policy established within Burgan Bank, the Bank aims to minimize the environmental, social, and economic impacts of climate change and to ensure continuous stakeholder satisfaction across the value chain in the transition to a low-carbon economy. The Bank is committed to minimizing environmental impacts arising from its operations, guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out in the 2030 Agenda, the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency’s Sustainable Banking Strategic Plan, global trends, and international sustainability frameworks.

3.2. Reduction of Direct Environmental Impacts from the Bank’s Own Operations

The Bank regularly measures the environmental impacts arising from its own operations in order to minimize operational effects. In this context, it sets targets and develops improvement projects to reduce the negative impacts of its activities. The Bank is committed to monitoring and optimizing energy consumption from its operations, tracking greenho

  • 3.2.1. Reduction of Indirect Environmental Impacts Arising from Lending Activities
In line with the Environmental and Social Risk Management Policy in Lending Processes, Burgan Bank A.Ş. aims to support the transition to a low-carbon economy by prioritizing climate change mitigation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, recycling, and waste reduction in its lending activities, while complying with national and international standards to reduce environmental impacts generated through its financing activities.

3.3. Employee Rights and Satisfaction

Burgan Bank is committed to providing all employees with an inclusive working environment and equal and fair access to opportunities, ensuring that individuals have equal representation rights and career development opportunities regardless of gender.

3.4. Corporate Governance

Burgan Bank defines corporate governance as an integral part of sustainable growth. For this reason, long-term objectives are set in alignment with sustainable growth criteria. The Bank monitors its sustainability performance and targets through the Sustainability Committee and shares them with its stakeholders.

  • 3.4.1. Accountability and Transparency
The Bank operates in a responsible, ethical, and commercially prudent manner towards its stakeholders. As an important part of this commitment, the Bank integrates governance principles and practices based on the four pillars of accountability, transparency, fairness, and integrity into its operations.

  • 3.4.2 Responsible Supply Chain
Burgan Bank considers sustainability principles throughout its entire value chain and places importance on awareness-raising efforts to build a shared understanding. The Bank ensures fairness, honesty, and impartiality when selecting suppliers. Where necessary, it supports suppliers in improving their sustainability performance and follows responsible procurement practices, focusing on reducing adverse environmental and social impacts throughout the supply chain.

  • 3.4.3 Social Responsibility
The Bank is committed to making positive contributions to society. It adopts the following principles to strengthen communities:

  • Supporting segments of society in education, environment, culture, and arts,
  • Encouraging initiatives that involve employees in social responsibility activities,
  • Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through support for disadvantaged children’s needs and education, equal opportunities in education, and the empowerment of women,
  • Conducting activities to improve financial literacy,
  • Participating in corporate social responsibility projects.

4. Sustainability Governance

In 2023, within Burgan Bank, the structure operating under the name Sustainability Committee (SÜRKOM) was established to manage the Bank’s environmental and social activities within the sustainability framework. This committee develops the Bank’s overall sustainability strategies and monitors sustainability performance. In summary, all sustainability-related activities are carried out under the supervision of the Sustainability Committee, while environmental and social risks and opportunities are continuously monitored.

5. Prioritization, Reporting, and Transparency

5.1 Prioritization Analysis

The Bank aims to maintain open communication with stakeholders in order to understand their expectations and align its sustainability strategy accordingly. The Bank conducts a comprehensive Prioritization Analysis at least once every three years. In addition, it reviews the activities of the previous year to ensure consistency with current practices.

5.2 Reporting and Transparency

The Bank will publish an annual Sustainability Report. The report will include topics such as developing products, services, and projects that address the needs of vulnerable individuals, contributing to public goals, and managing increasing environmental and social risks. This reporting will ensure transparency regarding the Bank’s sustainability practices and will address its robust risk management and sustainability governance system.

The Annual Sustainability Report to be published by the Bank will be reviewed and approved by the Sustainability Committee, then disclosed to the public and published on the corporate website. The report will be aligned with the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) global S1 and S2 criteria and the Türkiye Sustainability Reporting Standards.