The Global Climate Community İzmir, which aims to carry out the work of İzmir's Climate Neutral and Smart Cities Mission to combat the global climate crisis, was introduced. Studies, İZENERJİ A.Ş. will be carried out in line with the zero carbon target.
Making a difference with its local government vision and action plans against the climate crisis, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality accelerated its work after being selected for the European Union's Climate Neutral and Smart Cities Mission among 377 cities. The Global Climate Community (KİT), which was established to carry out the work of Izmir's Climate Neutral and Smart Cities Mission, started its activities in Izmir. KİT İzmir was introduced to the public at the İzmir Architecture Center. İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Mayor Mustafa Özuslu, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Secretary General Şükran Nurlu, İZENERJİ A.Ş Chairman of the Board Ercan Türkoğlu, İzmir City Council President Nilay Kökkılınç and representatives of institutions and organizations attended the promotional event.
The climate crisis threatens our future
Speaking in the program, Mustafa Özuslu said that living spaces and their future in İzmir are facing serious threats due to the global climate crisis. Emphasizing that the current understanding and policies should be changed, Özuslu said, "While climate change poses a serious threat globally, it is of great importance to increase the capacity of cities to cope with this problem and to develop sustainable solutions."
“Aims to make city life more livable”
Reminding that Izmir has been the cradle of civilizations and a rich city where art, science and culture have developed throughout history, Mustafa Özuslu said, “It is our priority to build a sustainable, green and livable city for the future with the awareness of this ancient responsibility. Acting with the understanding of smart cities, KİT İzmir aims to make city life more livable with innovative and sustainable solutions. In this context, it will contribute to the sustainable development of İzmir by working on smart transportation systems, energy efficiency and waste management.”
“67 percent of the population lives in the city center”
İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Secretary General Şükran Nurlu pointed out that more than half of the world's population lives in cities. Nurlu said, “Izmir is Turkey's third largest city. It has a population of 4 million people. 67 percent of this population lives in the city center. Although there is no legal regulation on climate in our country on a national scale, we, as Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, signed the Agreement of Presidents on climate at the international level, with the vision of a pioneering municipality.
“The number of buildings with GES will increase to 16”
Stating that they are carrying out a series of studies to provide the energy of the buildings belonging to the municipality from rooftop solar power plants (SPP), Şükran Nurlu said, “This year, the number of buildings with SPP will increase to 16. With this practice, we not only prevent carbon emissions, but also provide economic savings. Because İzmir is a sunny city. In addition, 4 thousand 500 tons of domestic waste is generated daily in İzmir. In the integrated solid waste management facilities we established in Ödemiş and Bergama in order to bring wastes into the economy as raw materials, wastes are separated and converted into organic fertilizer and electrical energy.
“Our door is open to everyone”
İZENERJİ A.Ş. Ercan Türkoğlu, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said, “We will produce projects together that will reduce carbon emissions in every sector and increase us mathematically in carbon calculation. Voluntary participation of Izmir is important. Pilot cities will be determined in the studies to be carried out here. İzmir is always striving to be assertive and pioneering with your experience. We want our experts to contribute to the projects with the thoughts and knowledge of climate-sensitive İzmir lovers. Our door is open to everyone. We will carry out projects that will reduce carbon emissions. Europe provides financing to projects that go through these processes. We will also work for the decarbonisation of our city and country. I am sure we will succeed. We will continue our claim to be one of the cities that do this job most successfully in Europe.”
Izmir became a pioneer
Berkay Yılmaz, European Union (EU) Projects Manager of İZENERJİ A.Ş. said, “After the long evaluation process of the European Union, İzmir was entitled to take part in the mission to which 24 cities from Turkey and 377 cities from Europe applied. In addition to Izmir, Istanbul was chosen from Turkey for the mission, which will include 112 cities.”
What to do?
Within the scope of the works to be carried out, the Climate City Convention will be prepared. Action plans and investment studies of institutions will be determined. The Mission Label will be received after the Climate City Convention. The acquisition of the Mission Label will provide more financing to the projects in İzmir. Studies, İZENERJİ A.Ş. will be maintained within.