The Responsible® Programme: A Strategic Guide to the Green Transformation of the Business World

The Key to Green Transformation

In the contemporary business landscape, sustainability and digitalisation have emerged as two fundamental pillars. The Green Deal, which is redefining the trajectory of global trade and emphasises that companies must demonstrate environmental responsibility and  embrace a model based on  resource efficiency and social accountability. In this context, the Responsible® Programme, developed specifically for the Turkish business ecosystem, assumes a pivotal role.

What is the Responsible® Programme?

The Responsible® Programme is a sustainability and digital transformation initiative developed by the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Turkey and implemented under the coordination of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM). The program was enacted through Presidential Decree No. 5973, published on August 17, 2022, and was designed to support companies in aligning with the European Green Deal.

Its primary objective is to promote the development of manufacturing and exporting companies in line with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, while enhancing their sustainability capacity in the field of sustainability. The Responsible® Programme is structured around three key phases:

1. Phase 1: Current State Analysis and Sustainability Roadmap
   A comprehensive assessment of the company’s current status is conducted in this initial phase, leading to the development of a tailored sustainability roadmap. The analysis covers strategic vision, as well as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. Areas for improvement are identified, and companies are supported through targeted projects.
2. Phase 2: Implementation Advisory Services
   This phase provides the technical and financial consultancy needed to implement the projects identified in the current state analysis. Companies receive expert guidance as they work towards achieving their sustainability objectives.
3. Phase 3: Monitoring and Verification
   The outcomes of the implemented projects are systematically monitored, verified, and reported. This phase is critical for companies seeking to earn the right to use the Responsible® brand designation.

Responsible® Portal: The Hub of Digital Transformation

The Responsible® Programme delivers its services to companies via a dedicated digital platform the Responsible® Portal. This portal enables companies to assess their own status while facilitating the efficient delivery of consultancy services. It also provides access to up-to-date information and official announcements related to the programme.

Responsible® Label: A New Symbol of Trust and Prestige

One of the programme’s most distinctive features is the Responsible® label, which is awarded to companies that successfully meet sustainability criteria. Officially registered by the Ministry of Trade, the label enables businesses to stand out in both national and international markets. The Responsible® Label serves as a concrete indicator of a company’s achievements in sustainability and alignment with the European Green Deal.

Who Can Participate in the Responsible® Program?

The Responsible® Programme is designed for manufacturing and exporting companies that have achieved a total export volume of at least USD 300,000 over the past three calendar years, excluding the current year. To be eligible for the program, companies must apply through the Responsible® Portal and meet specific evaluation criteria.

Which Firms Are Eligible to Collaborate Under the Responsible® Program?

Within the scope of the Responsible® Program, companies are required to collaborate with consultancy firms that meet specific criteria at various stages of the programme:

• Phase 1 (Current State Analysis and Sustainability Roadmap): Companies must work with consultancy firms authorized by the Ministry to conduct the current state analysis and to develop their sustainability roadmap.
• Phase 2 (Implementation Advisory Services): During the project implementation phase, companies are required to cooperate with implementation consultancy firms also authorized by the Ministry.
• Phase 3 (Monitoring and Verification Advisory Services): Consultancy firms authorized during either Phase 1 or Phase 2 are responsible for overseeing the monitoring, verification, and reporting of the implemented projects.

Additionally, prior authorization from the Ministry is not required  for consulting services in the fields of information technology and sustainability.

Key Advantages of the Responsible® Programme

The Responsible® Programme offers several key benefits to participating companies, including:

• Gaining a competitive edge in the fields of sustainability and digitalization at the international level
• Ensuring compliance with the regulations of the European Green Deal
• Achieving cost savings through energy and resource efficiency
• Enhancing investor interest by aligning with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria
• Strengthening brand recognition and credibility through the Responsible® label

Join the Business World's Sustainability Transformation

he Responsible® Programme offers a clear roadmap for companies embracing sustainability and digitalization goals. Playing a key role in advancing Turkey’s sustainable development objectives, the program equips the business community to meet the demands of the future.

If your company aims to improve its economic performance while reducing its environmental and social impact, we  encourage you to apply for the Responsible® Programme.

As an authorized consultancy firm, our team of experts is  ready to guide companies through every stage of the Responsible® Programme.