A STUDY ON THE INVESTIGATION OF THE SUSTAINABILITY ACTIVITIES OF BANKS OPERATING IN TURKEY

Abstract

In this study, the sustainability activities of banks that have a large share in the service sector were examined. Sustainability-related sections in the sustainability reports and integrated reports published by the banks were examined. Sustainability studies carried out by banks were evaluated in three dimensions: economic, environmental and social, and the premises and outcomes of sustainability studies were determined. The sustainability studies of banks will also affect many of their stakeholders. In this respect, the results of this study are important and as the sustainability studies of banks will create a driving force for other institutions to carry out successful studies on sustainability. The annual activity reports of 8 banks in the BIST Sustainability index were evaluated with the document analysis technique, which is one of the qualitative research methods. As a result of the research, it was seen that banks operate in all three dimensions of sustainability. It was observed that the activities carried out went beyond nationality and turned into international studies and were carried out with a collaborative approach. It has been also observed that banks carry out studies on reducing carbon footprint, energy efficiency and waste management, and also carry out joint projects with other enterprises.