Environment
Social responsiblity is an established component of Soyak's corporate culture. Accordingly, the principle of continued social responsiblity, and the pursuit of projects capable of benefitting the future holds great importance in the planning of all activities.
This approach is at the heart of Soyak's activities, and it remains dedicted to a sustainable environment in all of its community projects.
Save a Drop for the Future / Project Scope and Objectives
In 2008, Soyak brought its "Save a Drop for the Future" project, which had begun life in Izmir in 2007, to Istanbul. It distrbuted related literature at a total of 33 schools, bringing to fruition its work on the project.
The efficient use of water, essential to the very existence of life on earth, and the taking of precautions to ensure that a responsible and aware generation today prevents tomorrow's generations from facing the dangers of drought forms the basis of the project. And primarily by educating the young, especilly in the educational arena, we help to broaden public awareness of the issue.
This project encourages precautions against the threat, both to our country and the world, posed by extreme water consumption as a result of global warming, and Soyak invites one and all to become aware of the issue and act appropriately.
Save a Drop for the Future / 2007 Project Implementation:
As part of the "Save a Drop for the Future" project, Soyak, in association with the Çığlı Rotary Club in 2007, renewed the waterpipes of 15 state schools to ensure savings in water consumption.
Those schools selected as part of this project participated in awareness-raising meetings with Soyak and the Çığlı Rotary Club. Water conservation measurement projects are currently underway. Accordingly, for comparison purposes water consumption at schools is measured prior to, and after new materials have been used. In this manner the extent of possible savings becomes apparent.
All schools participating in the project held a "Save a Drop for the Future" painting, poetry and composition competition geared at raising awareness among the younger generation of the true meaning of conservation.
Soyak has instilled the values of the project within its own institutions. Accordingly, by renewing the plumbing at all of its buildings, it has managed to conserve communally consumed water with use of sensorized taps. As part of the process of informing Soyak employees about water conservation, their children participated in the "Save a Drop for the Future" painting competition, with the best entries appearing in the annual callendar. The corporation's monthly e-bulletin also continues to deliver the conservation message.
Save a Drop for the Future / 2008 Project Implementation:
In continuation of the İzmir water consumption measurement activities of 2008, the project moved to Istanbul. There, in association with the Bostancı and Karaköy Rotary Clubs, a total of 18 state schools underwent the same process. Responsible water consumption awareness was raised and the project gained momentum.
In 2009 plans exist to organize painting, poety and composition writing competitions among participating schools in Istanbul. Work is ongoing to spread the conservation message, also through the periodic corporate magazine, at sales offices and through sponsorship activities with media exposure.
The initial application of the "1st Soyak Virtual Dam", geared at instilling the idea that even a small change in the way we use water is important, and of attracting diverse sections of society through a virtual medium, commenced on Facebook in 2008. The project goal was to create awareness through a virtual environment of the need to conserve 2 million tons of water.
Save a Drop for the Future / Project Results:
Following two years of activity, the Save a Drop for the Future project has been realised in 33 schools in İzmir and İstanbul. And going forward, having determined the amount of water saved at the schools, the general public, as well as school administrators, students and parents will be kept informed of developments.
Measurements made in İzmir indicated that in around 1 year 850,000 tons of water were being conserved, and that the amount was rising daily. Within the scope of the project aimed at increasing total water conservation by 30%, initial measurements taken in 2008 indicted that the level had risen by 15% to 45%. The project saw a total of 225 participants contributing 30,000 man hours, in addition to 7,500 material replacements.
Reaching a total of 100,000 people, the project made a real difference in understanding the realities of drought. It also took a firm step towards instilling a lasting awareness of the need to protect the rights of future generations.
In about 1 month, 4,500 members of the Facebook "1st Soyak Virtual Dam" application, accessible from www.soyak.com.tr, managed to conserve a total of 182,000 tons of water. Accordingly, the Facebook "1st Soyak Virtual Dam" reached 5.4% capacity.
Save a Drop for the Future / Schools in Izmir Involved in the Project
- Atakent Anadolu High School
- Behçet Uz Anadolu High School
- Çiğli Rotary Commerce and Vocational High School
- Gazeteci Çetin Altan Anadolu Technical High School
- Gazi High School
- Gümüşpala Anadolu High School
- Karşıyaka Anadolu High School
- Karşıyaka Anadoul. Girls Vocational High School
- Karşıyaka High School
- Mehmet Ali Lahur Commerce and Vocational High School
- Naime Tömek Commerce and Vocational High School
- Necip Demir Commerce and Vocational High School
- Süleyman Demirel High School
- Şehit Ali Karaoğlan High School
- Vali Erol Çakır High School
Save a Drop for the Future / İstanbul Schools Featured in the Project:
- Yenişehir Erkut Soyak High School
- Yenişehir Bilge Soyak Primary School
- Göztepe Yılmaz Soyak Primary School
- Kartal Yakacık High School (Kartal)
- Hacı Hafize Bayraktar High School (Kartal)
- DISK Anadolu Textiles Vocational Schools (Kartal)
- Burak Bora Anadolu High School (Kartal)
- Süleyman Demirel High School (Kartal)
- Zehra Mustafa Dalgıç Commerce and Vocational High School (K.Çekmece)
- Kadriye Moroğlu High School (K.Çekmece)
- İsmet Aktar Industrial Vocational High School (K.Çekmece)
- The ISE Halkalı Vocational High School (K.Çekmece)
- Gazi Anadolu High School (K.Çekmece)
- Fahrettin Kerim Gökay Anadolu High School (K.Çekmece)
- Şehit Binbaşı Bedir Karabıyık High School (K.Çekmece)
- Halkalı Commerce and Vocational High School (K.Çekmece)
- The ISE Atakent Industrial Vocational High School (K.Çekmece)
- Sabahattin Zaim High School (K.Çekmece)
