VKF_FRAE_2018_uyg11

74 Section I: Introduction Sustainability Working Group VakıfBank is committed to creating a more viable world for future generations with its sustainable banking efforts. Reporting to the Corporate Governance Committee, the VakıfBank Sustainability Working Group conducts its activities with success under the International Banking and Investor Relations Department. Continuity in International Sustainability Indices Being listed in the BIST Sustainability Index since its foundation in 2014, VakıfBank continues to improve its performance and succeed to be included again in the Index in 2018. VakıfBank responded to question sets sent by EIRIS (Ethical Investment Research Services Limited), which audits the companies included in the BIST Sustainability Index, in order to evaluate the position of the Bank in the index. As a result of the evaluation conducted by FTSE Russell, VakıfBank maintained its position on the FTSE4Good Emerging Markets Index, which is watched by responsible investors, and demonstrated its ongoing success in the international arena. Sustainability reporting The third edition of VakıfBank’s Sustainability Report, which is published annually since 2016 in line with Global Reporting Initiative standards and covers the areas of environmental, social and corporate governance, was issued during the year. Study has been started towards drafting the fourth Sustainability Report to be published in 2019 for the activities of fiscal year 2018. Further, in 2018, the Bank maintained its performance score of ‘B’ (Administrative) obtained in 2017 in the CDP climate change program, which includes disclosures such as climate change strategy, governance, risk management and carbon emissions. ISO 9001 and 14001 Quality and Environmental Management System Certificates As part of VakıfBank’s customer- and environment-centered growth strategy, ISO 9001 and 14001 Quality and Environmental Management Systems were established. First, the banking processes of the Head Office Departments and all branches were aligned with the ISO 9001 Quality Management System and were certified with ‘‘ISO 9001 Quality Management System’’. Embracing the slogan “Sustainable development is only possible in a sustainable environment,” VakıfBank has obtained ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certification. Thus, the Bank documented that it minimizes the direct impact of its banking activities on the environment, in line with international standards. As of year-end 2018, 250 more branch locations were included in the scope of certification. In the medium-term, the Bank aims to ensure that all VakıfBank employees work in ISO 14001-certified buildings. VakıfBank has also received an OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System certification for its human resources activities. Thus, the Bank has built a comprehensive system for ensuring health and safety in the workplace, demonstrating the immense value it attaches to its employees. ISO 9001 Quality Management, ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems and OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System certifications have contributed to VakıfBank’s success on the BIST Sustainability Index and FTSE4Good Emerging Markets Index. Sustainability VakıfBank continues to improve its performance on the BIST Sustainability Index and FTSE4Good Emerging Markets Index. VakıfBank is on your side with its sustainable banking approach... REVIEW OF OPERATIONS IN 2018