What is the Green Logistics Certificate? How is it Obtained?

What is the Green Logistics Certificate?

The Green Logistics Certificate is a certificate issued by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure to promote combined transportation and widespread environmentally friendly logistics practices. Companies holding this certificate adopt sustainable logistics activities, meeting criteria such as energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and eco-friendly transportation. Firms that meet the criteria outlined in the regulations can obtain this certificate to demonstrate their environmental responsibility in the industry.

Purpose of the Green Logistics Certificate

The Green Logistics Certificate aims to minimize environmental impacts in the logistics sector by promoting combined transportation. Its main objectives are as follows:

Increase energy and water efficiency in transportation activities,
Reduce carbon emissions and environmental pollution,
Encourage the use of alternative fuels and environmentally friendly technologies,
Promote digitalization and sustainable logistics practices.

How to Obtain the Green Logistics Certificate?

Companies wishing to obtain the Green Logistics Certificate must meet specific environmental and operational criteria. The process involves the following steps:

Application Process: Businesses with a Transport Operations Organizer Authorization Certificate (TİOYB) must apply through Registered Electronic Mail (KEP).
Inspection and Evaluation: Companies' energy efficiency, water conservation, digital process management, and green logistics practices are audited.
Certification: Companies that meet the criteria will be awarded the Green Logistics Certificate, granting them access to incentives.

Mandatory Practices for Companies Holding the Green Logistics Certificate

Companies holding the Green Logistics Certificate must implement the following sustainability practices fully:

Use of Transport Electronic Tracking and Monitoring System (U-ETDS): Businesses must enter at least 150 combined transportation trips per year into the U-ETDS system accurately and on time. The use of this system is mandatory for monitoring logistics processes.
Energy and Water Efficiency: Companies must optimize energy and water usage and achieve at least a 5% annual saving. This includes energy-efficient lighting, water recycling systems, and the use of sustainable energy sources in logistics facilities.
Use of Renewable Energy: Businesses must utilize renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, or others, for climate control and operational processes. These applications help reduce carbon emissions and support sustainable transportation.
Use of Recyclable Packaging: Packaging and materials used in logistics activities must be recyclable. The use of plastic should be minimized, and eco-friendly packaging processes should be adopted.
Afforestation and Environmental Responsibility Projects: Businesses are required to plant at least 500 saplings each year and actively participate in environmental projects. This helps protect natural habitats and contributes to carbon balancing.
Digitalization and Process Optimization: Logistics processes should be optimized using artificial intelligence, big data, and digital monitoring systems. Digitalization not only saves energy and time but also improves operational efficiency.
Employee Training: Regular environmental awareness and sustainable transportation training should be provided to employees to adopt green logistics practices.
Environmental Certifications: It is encouraged for businesses to hold international environmental certifications such as ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System) and ISO 50001 (Energy Management System). These certifications help companies achieve their sustainability goals.

Advantages of the Green Logistics Certificate

The benefits that businesses gain by having a Green Logistics Certificate are as follows:

Environmental Responsibility: It requires the reduction of carbon footprint and the use of environmentally friendly transportation systems.
Cost Advantage: Energy savings and alternative fuels lead to a decrease in operational costs.
Government Incentives: Discounts of up to 50% are offered in transport authorization certificates and other logistics operations by the Ministry.
Competitive Advantage: Sustainable logistics processes provide advantages in international supply chains.

Climeteo Green Logistics Certificate Services

At Climeteo, we offer comprehensive consultancy services to support the sustainability transformation in the logistics sector. The services we provide to businesses seeking to obtain the Green Logistics Certificate include:

Use of Renewable Energy: With I-REC certification, we help businesses reduce their carbon footprint by using renewable energy sources.
Carbon Footprint Management: We provide comprehensive calculation, reporting, and improvement processes to help businesses reduce emissions.
Water and Energy Efficiency Solutions: We develop analyses and efficiency strategies to increase water and energy savings.
Waste Management and Recycling: We offer recycling strategies in line with zero waste and circular economy principles in logistics processes.
Sustainable Supply Chain Management: We optimize supply chain practices in line with green logistics processes.
Environmental Education and Awareness Programs: We contribute to sustainable logistics processes by providing environmental awareness training to company employees.

You can contact us to help your business reduce its environmental impact and take steps toward a sustainable future!

Companies That Should Obtain the Green Logistics Certificate

Companies involved in supply chains, transportation, and logistics operations, aiming to reduce their environmental impacts, can obtain the Green Logistics Certificate. The types of companies that can benefit from this certificate include:

1. Logistics and Transportation Companies:

Shipping and cargo services
Road transportation and courier services
Maritime transportation companies
Air cargo operators
Railway freight transportation companies

2. Storage and Distribution Centers:

Third-party logistics (3PL) providers
E-commerce order fulfillment centers
Cold chain logistics companies

3. Manufacturers and Retailers with Supply Chains:

Automotive manufacturers
Consumer goods and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies
Electronics and technology firms
Pharmaceutical and healthcare sector companies

4. Energy and Industrial Companies:

Oil, gas, and chemical transportation firms
Heavy industry and construction materials suppliers

5. Sustainable and Renewable Energy Companies:

Solar and wind energy component distributors
Battery and energy storage supply chain companies

Why Should You Obtain the Green Logistics Certificate?

Obtaining the Green Logistics Certificate offers many advantages for businesses. Firstly, it helps comply with environmental regulations and industry standards, meeting legal requirements. Additionally, it provides cost savings by reducing fuel consumption, waste, and inefficiencies, leading to both environmental and economic benefits. Furthermore, it strengthens brand image by attracting environmentally conscious customers through eco-friendly practices, creating a competitive edge.

Finally, it helps reduce the carbon footprint, contributing to corporate sustainability goals and supporting ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives. Therefore, the Green Logistics Certificate stands out as a strategic investment in today’s business world

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

What is Turkey's Status in Terms of Climate Change?
Turkey has made significant strides in the fight against climate change in recent years. By ratifying the Paris Agreement in 2021, it announced a target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2053. The Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) has been updated, renewable energy investments have increased, and the Green Deal Action Plan has been implemented. However, challenges such as dependence on fossil fuels, industrial emissions, and deforestation persist. With steps like carbon pricing mechanisms and incentives for sustainable production, Turkey aims to accelerate its transition to a low-carbon economy.
What is the European Green Deal (EU Green Deal)?
Climate change is a global threat, and countries are starting to implement their action plans by setting climate goals. In this regard, Europe has published the European Green Deal (EU Green Deal),which outlines its climate targets. In the deal released in 2019, Europe stated that it aims to become the first carbon-neutral continent by 2050. The deal emphasizes that Europe will develop a growth strategy to transform its industries and economy to achieve this goal. It also highlights that key sectors such as energy, transportation, agriculture, construction, and finance will be reshaped within the framework of climate goals.
What is the Importance of the European Green Deal for Turkey?
The European Green Deal is of critical importance for Turkey. As Turkey is a Customs Union partner with the EU, its commercial activities are highly dynamic. According to the Ministry of Trade's 2021 data, the European Union holds a 41% share of Turkey's $93 billion export, making it the largest partner in Turkey's total exports. Therefore, due to both the intensity of trade relations and the sustainable development goals, Turkey will also be part of the European Green Deal.
What is the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)?
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is a new carbon tax system by the European Union that will come into full effect in 2026. CBAM imposes additional costs on products with high carbon emissions, such as cement, steel, aluminum, fertilizers, hydrogen, and electricity, that are exported to the EU. The aim is to prevent carbon leakage and promote low-carbon production on a global scale. For countries like Turkey, which engage in intensive trade with the EU, the process of aligning with carbon emission reduction is of great significance.