Türkiye expands green certified industrial zones to 27 nationwide

Türkiye has significantly expanded its network of certified sustainable industrial zones, with the total number of "Green Organized Industrial Zones" (Green OSB) now reaching 27 across the country. The latest to receive the official certification from the Turkish Standards Institution (TSE) and the Ministry of Industry and Technology is the OSTIM Organized Industrial Zone in the capital city of Ankara. This national certification program, which sets standards for energy efficiency, renewable energy use, and sustainable infrastructure, is positioning Turkish manufacturing for the demands of the global green economy.

OSTIM zone leads with mandatory solar power

As a major industrial hub founded in 1967, OSTIM now hosts over 6,200 companies and employs 60,000 people. Its Chairman, Orhan Aydin, stated that achieving the Green OSB certificate marks a crucial move toward eco-friendly production. A key initiative is the mandatory installation of solar panels on the roofs of all new buildings within the zone's zoning plan. "Every building in the zone now has a solar energy system," Aydin noted, adding that two solar power plants are already operational, with a third slated for construction with ministry support.

Driven by EU regulations and export demands

This nationwide green push is largely driven by external market forces, particularly the European Union's Green Deal and its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). These regulations are creating powerful incentives for Turkish exporters to adopt low-carbon production processes to maintain access to their largest market. The Green OSB Certificate is designed to help companies within these zones meet stringent environmental compliance standards, thereby strengthening Türkiye's international trade competitiveness and attracting foreign investment focused on sustainable supply chains.

A pioneering model beyond Europe

Türkiye's structured, nationally certified approach to greening its industrial zones represents a proactive and systematic strategy. Notably, the European Union itself does not yet have a centralized, equivalent certification scheme for "Green Organized Industrial Zones," with sustainable industrial area projects there remaining mostly voluntary and initiated at the national level. This positions Türkiye's program as a pioneering model in the region, showcasing its commitment to a formalized industrial green transition that aligns with both environmental goals and economic ambitions.