Arcelik on sustainability commitments including net-zero emissions
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CNBC interviewed the CEO of a white goods firm to explain that companies need to establish sustainability goals even when they have no idea how they will achieve them.
“We need to make clear commitments, even if we don’t know what they’ll do, to invest in technology, innovation and to set the bar so high it will scare us. But we must be courageous and attack it with a force that makes a difference,” Hakan Bulgurlu said, Arcelik’s CEO, which is a Turkish multinational producer of household appliances.
Bulgurlu appeared on CNBC’s latest “” episode.Sustainable FutureThe company views its sustainability initiatives and efforts as an opportunity for business.
Archelik was asked how feasible it would be for him to achieve his goal. net-zero emissions targetBulgurlu was a clear leader in the 2050 value chain.
“It is not. It isn’t, I think. Physics laws dictate it isn’t. He said that we could reduce our impact and emissions dramatically.
The ‘Purpose & Profit’ principle
Bulgurlu stated that long-term survival of a business is only possible if it does the right thing for the environment.
His statement was, “Doing the right things for the environment, that is, trying to minimize the effect of a changingclimate, including controlling emissions, decarbonizing and trying to preserve the ecosystem where you operate, became a priority because we just saw it as an opportunity, to also distinguish ourselves from our competitors.”
In the past you could separate the profits and the purpose. But today you can’t lose profit if your purpose isn’t met. “I believe this is what companies need to be able to last the long-term,” he said.
Arcelik has been listed on Dow Jones Sustainability Indices over the last five years. It was founded in Turkey in 2005 and made the first refrigerator and washing machine in Turkey.
Appliances are viewed by customers in Illinois’ department stores in August 2021. Bulgurlu stated that household appliances, such as washing machines and their energy use cause a large number of carbon emissions. However, he feels they can be sustained.
Getty Images| Getty Images
Bulgurlu stated to CNBC that while the energy and production of household appliances can cause a lot of pollution, he thinks they are sustainable.
Arcelik was asked about his approach to the problem. declining lifespans of washing machines, he said: “This is an area which is not only confusing, but quite controversial … First of all, I would want to replace every washing machine out there, not because I want to sell new washing machines, but because newer washing machines consume far less energy and therefore emit far less carbon and consume far less water,” he said.
“So I think we might need to have a shorter life expectancy in order to decrease the emissions from washing machines used by people. But then, the more recent models we put on the market must be durable and easily recyclable.
Bulgurlu claimed that Bulgurlu’s company built its own recycling facility to reuse large amounts of metal, plastic and copper from antique appliances. The facilities recover more than 90% to be used in new products, or sold to downstream businesses.
Point of personal turning
Bulgurlu was born in Norway and raised there until the age of five. Bulgurlu’s concern for the environment increased as he saw visible changes. The most significant moment in his life was when he met his children.
“One particular moment I will never forget, I took my children to experience this beautiful beach … Maya Bay, and there, you know, what I remember as being completely pristine, clear water, coral, sea life everywhere, white sand beach … I took my kids and we were knee deep in plastic, knee-deep. “Deadly corpses” of birds, he stated.
My daughter was just four years old at that time. She looked up at me and asked, “Why?”You know what? “Why?” But I didn’t know the answer. That was an important moment in my life.
Bulgurlu, in 2019 to increase awareness for the climate crisis, climbed Mount Everest.
“It was very important for me to (a) spread awareness, and to devote my entire life to making the world more sustainable. Some of these reasons may be selfish. I have young kids. I want my children to have the same quality life and childhood as I had.
It may be food security for our children, but it could also be shelter. This may not be the same world. I would like to be able look in their eyes 10 to 15 years from now and be able say that I did everything possible.
Bulgurlu forms part of the World Economic Forum’s Alliance of CEO Climate LeadersA network of chief executives established to help companies combat climate change.
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