The "Green Collar" Era Begins

Mayor Eşki: "Sustainability Is Not Only an Environmental Issue but Also an Institutional Responsibility"

Bornova Municipality has taken a historic step toward building a sustainable future. As part of its vision to integrate environmentally friendly initiatives into every aspect of municipal governance, the municipality has launched a comprehensive training program aimed at improving service quality and embedding a culture of sustainability across all departments. Implemented in collaboration with the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Sustainability Academy, the "Green Collar Executive Personnel Training Program" marks a new milestone in Bornova's approach to local governance.

The opening ceremony, held at the Nevzat Kavalar Cultural Center Council Hall, featured a keynote address by Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki. Emphasizing the critical role of local governments in addressing the global climate crisis and the rapid depletion of natural resources, Mayor Eşki stated that the municipality is committed to leaving future generations a cleaner, more resilient, and more livable city.

Mayor Eşki said:

"We do not view sustainability solely through a narrow environmental lens such as planting trees or collecting waste. At Bornova Municipality, we approach sustainability as an integrated concept that encompasses environmental, economic, social, and institutional dimensions. Our vision of a 'Sustainable Bornova' will serve as the guiding principle behind every decision, every project, and every service we deliver. The Green Collar team established through this training program will lead this transformation."

Strategic Training by Leading Experts

Following the opening remarks, the program continued with comprehensive presentations by experts focusing on transformation processes in local governments and international sustainability standards.

The Roadmap for Sustainable Local Governance

The first presentation was delivered by Emre Uysal, Head of Sustainability and Urban Strategies at İzmir Metropolitan Municipality. Uysal introduced the latest global sustainability approaches, explained how local governments can adapt to these changes, and highlighted the growing importance of smart city applications.

Bringing Global Goals into Local Government

Sibel Yüksel Şenel, Coordinator of the İzmir Sustainability Academy, presented the conceptual framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through practical examples, she demonstrated how these global objectives can be integrated into municipalities' strategic planning, budgeting, public service delivery, and governance processes.

A "Sustainable Office" Model to Reduce Waste

The final session was led by Nihat Uçukoğlu, Coordinator of the İzmir Sustainability Network, who introduced the Sustainable Office Action Plan. The initiative aims to reduce the carbon footprint and environmental impact of public institutions while increasing the efficient use of resources such as energy and paper. Participants were also introduced to practical methods for incorporating sustainable workplace practices into their daily routines.

"A Sustainable Bornova" Vision Continues to Grow

With the launch of the Green Collar Executive Personnel Team, Bornova Municipality is transforming sustainability from a temporary initiative into a permanent element of its institutional culture.

From now on, environmental, social, and economic sustainability principles will be more closely monitored and integrated into every stage of municipal services. As part of the "Sustainable Bornova" vision, the municipality will continue implementing internal training programs, public awareness campaigns, and practical field projects that directly contribute to a more sustainable future.