Assessment of sustainability reports and practices in the banking sector

In recent years, the importance of the concept of sustainability has begun to be understood better day by day for both people, living things and the environment. Although banks do not come to mind first when sustainability is mentioned, businesses need banks for their growth and development. Banks directly contribute to businesses with the funds they provide. Banks' attitudes towards sustainability will directly affect the future sustainable plans of businesses. In order for banks to support sustainable development, they must first have a strong financial system and then support sustainable investments. While supporting sustainable investments, banks' internal environmental and sustainable policies must be implemented correctly. In this thesis study, by analyzing the numerical data in the Environmental Performance Tables / Environmental Performance Indicators / Main Performance Indicators included in the Integrated Activity Reports published on the official website of seven banks, four of which are private banks and three of which are public banks, between 2019 and 2023, it was determined at what stage the banks are in terms of sustainability. It has also been examined how they have developed in five years and what they need to do towards sustainability. Upon examining energy consumption, it was observed that per capita energy consumption generally decreased across all banks (except KB3). The banks with the most significant reductions in energy consumption were ÖB1, KB1, and ÖB3, with decreases of approximately 17%, 15%, and 14%, respectively. Correspondingly, reductions in carbon emissions were also observed due to decreased energy consumption. The average reduction in carbon emissions among private banks was determined to be 72%, while this value was calculated as 36.5% for public banks. In conclusion, it can be inferred that private banks have demonstrated a more conscious approach in reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions