In the corporate world,
sustainability has become a crucial aspect of business strategy, and Philip
Morris International (PMI) has emerged as a leader in this arena. Recently
topping Forbes’ Net Zero Leaders list, PMI’s journey to sustainability is a
testament to its commitment to environmental responsibility and strategic
foresight.
Sustainability as Strategic Imperative
PMI’s rise to the top of
the Net Zero Leaders list is not just a reflection of its environmental efforts
but also its understanding of sustainability as a strategic imperative. The
company’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Jennifer Motles, emphasizes that
sustainability is integral to PMI’s risk mitigation, resource optimization, and
value creation. It’s clear that for PMI, sustainability is not an optional
extra but a core component of its competitive advantage.
Transitioning to Smoke-Free Products
A significant part of PMI’s
success story is its transition to smoke-free products, which include heated
tobacco, chewing tobacco, oral nicotine items, and vapes. This shift not only
represents a move towards healthier alternatives for consumers but also aligns
with PMI’s goal to have more than two-thirds of its revenue from these
alternative products by 2030. This strategic pivot is a clear indicator of
PMI’s dedication to innovation and adaptability in a changing market landscape.
Achieving Carbon Neutrality
PMI is on track to achieve
carbon neutrality for its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by the upcoming year. This
ambitious goal demonstrates the company’s proactive approach to reducing its
direct environmental impact. For Scope 3 emissions, which encompass the entire
value chain, PMI aims to reach net zero by 2040, showcasing a comprehensive
commitment to sustainability that extends beyond its immediate operations.
Beyond Emissions: Forest Positive
Initiatives
PMI’s sustainability
efforts go beyond merely reducing emissions; the company is actively working
towards becoming “forest positive.” This involves eliminating deforestation
from its paper supply chain and investing in reforestation projects. These
initiatives not only contribute to carbon credits but also preserve natural
ecosystems and biodiversity, highlighting PMI’s holistic approach to
environmental stewardship.
The Business Case for Sustainability
PMI’s sustainability
achievements underscore the business case for environmental responsibility. As
consumer awareness and regulatory pressures increase, companies that prioritize
sustainability are likely to see enhanced brand perception and long-term
business benefits. PMI’s leadership in this area sets a benchmark for other
corporations to follow, proving that sustainability and business success can go
hand in hand.
Conclusion: Leading by Example
Philip Morris
International’s move to the top of the Net Zero Leaders list is a clear
indication of its leadership in sustainability. The company’s comprehensive
approach to environmental responsibility serves as an exemplar for others to
follow. As the business landscape evolves, PMI’s success story offers valuable
insights into the integration of sustainability into core business strategies,
ensuring resilience and competitiveness in an ever-changing world.
For someone like me, who is not that much curious about
exploring new places and cultures, Lausanne held a special allure. It was a
destination I had longed to visit, especially after hearing countless stories
from colleagues who had been there. Finally, an opportunity arose in December 2023
when I was invited to attend a X-Functional Sustainability Team Workshop in Lausanne, where my company Philip Morris International's headquarter is located. The
anticipation and excitement were palpable as I embarked on this journey.
Arrival and Exploration
Upon arriving in Lausanne, I was greeted by a pleasant
surprise – the weather was milder than expected, and the city was bathed in the
early morning light. Opting for a leisurely walk to my hotel, I marveled at the
tranquility of the surroundings. Lausanne's charm revealed itself as I strolled
past picturesque houses and gardens, with the only sound being the gentle hum
of my suitcase wheels. Despite a minor hiccup with my train ticket, the journey
was smooth, and I soon found myself at my hotel, ready to begin my adventure.
Work and Pleasure
The following days were a blend of work and leisure, as I
delved into the workshop activities while also exploring the city's offerings.
From experiencing the vibrant local cuisine to navigating through the bustling
streets, every moment was filled with discovery. The warmth and hospitality of
the colleagues made me feel right at home, easing any initial apprehensions I may
have had.
Reflecting on the Experience
As my time in Lausanne drew to a close, I couldn't help but
reflect on the profound impact of this journey. Professionally, the insights
gained from interacting with stakeholders from the company were invaluable, setting the
stage for future collaborations and initiatives. On a personal level, the experience
left an indelible mark, igniting a desire to return with my family and immerse
ourselves in the beauty of this enchanting city.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my journey to Lausanne was not just about
reaching a destination; it was about embracing new experiences, forging
meaningful connections, and cherishing moments of joy and discovery. As I
boarded the plane back home, I carried with me memories that would last a
lifetime, fueling my passion for exploration and adventure. And who knows,
perhaps one day, my family and I will embark on this journey together, ready to
create new memories and write new chapters in our lives. After all, I am thankful to my company and colleagues who contributed to reach my long-awaited journey.
Gezip görmeye, yeni yerler keşfetmeye çok meraklı biri hiç bir zaman ol(a)madım. Hatta bir yerleri sahiplenip oranın yerlisi olmak bana hep daha güzel geldi. Buna rağmen bir yer vardı ki görmeyi, belki de o ortamda bulunmayı çok istiyordum: Lozan! On yıl önce işe başladığım Philip Morris’in merkezi İsviçre Lozan’da olduğu için oraya giden arkadaşlarımdan hakkında pek çok şey duyduğum Lozan’ı görmeyi hep istemiştim. (PMI’da 10 yıl nasıl geçti merak ediyorsanız: https://volkanyorulmaz.blogspot.com/2023/08/pmida-10-yl-bitti-ya-simdi.html) Ne yaptığım iş ne de bulunduğum pozisyon oraya gidecek fırsatı 2023 yılı Aralık ayına kadar bana getirmemişti. Ancak 2023 yılını bitirmemize günler kala aldığım bir maille Sürdürülebilirlik konusunda bir workshop’a katılmak için davet edildiğimi öğrendiğimde çocuklar gibi mutlu olmuş hatta toplantıya fiziksel olarak katılacağımızı daveti atan yöneticimizle teyit etme ihtiyacı duymuştum. (Neden sürdürülebilirlik konusunda bir workshop’a Türkiye’den kalkıp gelecek biri seçildi diye merak ederseniz: https://volkanyorulmaz.blogspot.com/2023/05/surdurulebilirlige-adanms-4-hafta-pmi.html)
Evet, gerçektende 2024 yılının Ocak sonunda Lozan’a gidecektim! Vakit kaybetmeden Schengen vizesi ve red carpet başvuru süreçlerini başlattım. Ocak’ın ilk haftası bu işlemler tamamdı. Ardından bilet ve otel rezervasyonu, sömestre tatili için İzmir, dönüşte Bursa ve İstanbul’da bavulu toparlama derken 29 Ocak sabahı 6’da Lozan’a gitmek üzere İstanbul Havalimanı’na ulaştım. Bu tarz yurtdışı ziyaretlerde mümkün olan en erken uçağı seçmeyi tercih ediyorum. Belki biraz yorucu oluyor ama toplu programlar başlamadan önce şehri kendim keşfedebileceğim özel zamanım oluyor. (Benzer yöntemi yakın zamanda gittiğim Belgrad seyahatinde de uygulamıştım. Belgrad hatıralarım için: https://volkanyorulmaz.blogspot.com/2023/11/belgrada-gittim-ama-ne-gidis.html)
Oradaydım!
Yaklaşık üç saatlik uçuşum sonrası aradaki saat farkı sebebiyle bindiğim saatten yerel saat ile bir saat sonra Cenevre’deydim. Tren ile Lozan’a geçeceğimi biliyordum, hatta gitmeden arkadaşlarımdan tren için ne tarafa yürümem, nereden bilet almam gerektiği gibi ipuçlarını öğrenmiştim. Memleket düzenli olunca her şey de planlandığı gibi aktı, biletimi aldım, gelen ilk trene bindim. Evlere, bahçelerine, göl manzarasına bakarken elli dakikalık yolculuk adeta aktı. Bu arada tren bileti alırken arkamda bekleyen bir başka yolcu olduğu için seçimleri dikkatli okumadan yapıp bileti almıştım, yolculuğun ortasında bilet kontrolü esnasında oturduğum bölümün birinci sınıf biletimin ise ikinci sınıf olduğunu söyleyen görevliden hemen özür dileyip yerime geçtim.
Lozan garına geldiğimde havanın beklediğim kadar soğuk olmadığını ve hala sabahın erken saatlerinde olduğumuzu gördüğüm için kalacağım Mövenpick otele yürüyerek gitmeye karar verdim. Google Haritalar bana 18 dakikalık bir yürüyüş mesafesi veriyordu. Lozan bahsedildiği kadar sakindi, yolda tek gürültü bavulumun tekerleklerinden geliyordu. Hayran bir şekilde evlere, balkonlarına bakıp fotoğraflar çekip Migros’tan bana enerji verecek çikolatalarımı alıp otele geçtim. Erken gelmeme rağmen beni üzmediler, odamı hazırladılar, konaklamam süresince kullanabileceğim metro ve otobüs geçiş kartımı verdiler. İlk kez ülkeye ve şehre geldiğimi anlatıp gezmek ve alışveriş yapmak için nereye gidebileceğimi sordum, harita üzerinde işaretleyip otele yüz metre ötedeki metro istasyonu ile gidebileceğimi söylediler. Yabancılık çekilemeyecek kadar kolay gözüküyordu ve gerçekten de anlattıkları kadar kolay oldu. Eşyalarımı odaya bırakıp biraz dinlenip mailleri cevapladıktan sonra tavsiye edilen Lausanne Flon’a gittim. Gezdiğim mağazalardaki fiyatları sürekli 35 ile çarparak TL’nin CHF karşısındaki durumuna üzülüp fırsat alışverişinden ziyade sadece hatıra alışverişi yapılabileceğini, İsviçre’nin dedikleri kadar pahallı olduğunu anladım. Ama yine de güzeldi. Sadeliği sevenler, sakinlikte mutlu olanlar için uzun ve kaliteli hayatın kapısını açacak bir yerdi.
Pazartesi (mesai) günü, saat sabah 10 civarı
Otele dönüp ilk akşamki toplu yemeğe gitmek için hazırlandım. Rezervasyonu yapan arkadaşım, İsviçrelilerin rezervasyon saati konusunda çok hassas olduğunu, mutlaka belirtilen saatte mekanda olmamız gerektiğini anlattı. Ekipte daha önce Lozan’da yaşamış olan arkadaşlarımız olduğundan konaklamamız süresince iş yemeklerinin yendiği restoranlar yerine lokallerin tercih ettiği mekanları seçmişler. Bence de böylesi daha kültürü gözlemlemek açısından daha iyiydi. Zaten Google Translate ile kameraları açıp Fransızca menüleri Türkçe’ye çevirip takıldığımız yerde “bu nasıl bir yemek adı ya?” Diye sorabileceğimiz Türk dostlarımızın masada olması büyük bir konfor sağlıyordu. On bir gibi yemekten kalktığımızda rahatlıkla otobüsümüzü bir kaç dakika içinde bulup otelimize geçtik.Ertesi gün HQ ofisteki ilk günümüzdü. Hep websitesinde ve yıllık raporlarda gördüğüm Philip Morris International yazılı cam duvarın yanından geçip ofise giriş yaptığımda şampiyonalar ligi atmosferini hissettim. Toplantı odamızı ararken birbirinden farklı dizayn edilmiş çalışma alanlarını görünce aslında çok beğendiğim İstanbul ofisimizin zamanın gerisinde kaldığını düşünmeye başladım. Planlandığı saatte başlayan toplantımız öğle yemeğinin bile masamıza kadar geldiği yoğun bir içeriğe sahipti. Toplantıdan çıkarken önümüzde hedeflerimiz ve planımız mevcuttu.
Ekiple Keyifli Bir Yemek
Akşam yine restorana mahçup olmayacak şekilde rezervasyon saatimizden hemen önce mekana gittik. Bu kez neredeyse tüm workshop ekibiyle yemekteydik. Keyifli sohbetle beraber arkadaşlarımın çoğunluğunun Risotto tercihine karşı Ravioli seçimimle doğru kararı vermiştim. Tadı damağımda kaldı desem abartı olur ama kokusu baya bir etkileyiciydi. Workshop için son akşamdı ancak benim Lozan’da iki günüm daha vardı. Bu sebeple arkadaşlarımla vedalaşıp geceyi bitirdim.
Lozan’daki üçüncü günümde ofise tek gittim. Giriş yapıp asansörü çağırdığımda bir süprize karşılaştım: CEO Jacek Olcak. Şaşkınlıkla sadece “Good morning” deyip karşılık aldıktan sonra kafamı öne eğdim. Hazırda bir “elevator pitch”im olsaydı acaba ne olurdu? O gün çalışacağım Duty Free ofisini tea lady’lere, temizlikçi abilere sorsam da kimse yardımcı olamadı. En sonunda bir tea lady cebindeki telefonu çıkarıp MS Teams’i açıp görüşeceğim kişilerden birinin profiline girip odasını nasıl bulabileceğimi tarif edince hazine bulmuş gibi sevindim. Öğle yemeğinde daha önceden yaptığımız plana sadık kalıp iş yaptığımız arkadaşlarımızla olduk. Ofiste balıktan fast-food’a, kahvaltıdan tatlıya kadar servis yapan bir restoranın olması ve bunların hazır ya da dondurulmuş ürünler olmaması dikkatimi çeken önemli bir konfor alanıydı. Bir süredir beraber çalıştığım mentörüm de öğle yemeğinde bize katıldı ancak çok fazla paylaşımda bulunamayınca akşam da beni yemeğe çıkardı. Mesai sonrası beraber bir Lübnan restoranına gittik, gelecek için planlar yapıp yine tavsiyelerini aldım. Çıkışta da ofisin önünde bir hatıra fotoğrafı çektirmesek olmazdı.
Mentör=Akıl Hocası
Lozan’daki son günüm dönüş günü olması sebebiyle sabah erken uyanıp bavulumu hazırlayıp son kez manzarasını çok beğendiğim huzurlu gölün çevresinde dolaşıp yelkenlilerin fotoğrafını çektim. Saat sekiz olduğunda Migros açıldı ve yaptığım pazar araştırmaları ve Türk arkadaşlarımdan aldığım tavsiyeler sonucunda İsviçre’deki fiyat performans ürünü Victorinox mutfak bıçaklarından kendimize ve ailelerimize satın aldım. Türkiye’de bulmamızın zor olacağı çikolatalardan da sepete ekleyip otelden çıkış aldım ve ofise geçtim. Bu kez çalıştığımız ofisi kendim bulabilecek kadar HQ’yu tanıyordum. Lozan’a kadar gelmişken görüşmek istediğim Türk arkadaşlarımla da ofiste sohbet ettikten sonra önce otobüse binip tren garına, oradan da Cenevre Havalimanı’na ulaştım. Aynı uçakta Nevzat Aydın’ı görünce bir kez daha İsviçre’nin sosyo-ekonomik koşulları hakkındaki düşüncem doğrulanmıştı.
Nevzat Aydın da olsa, business class ta olsa o sıraya girilecek
Özetleyecek olursam, hep görmek istediğim İsviçre ve özellikle Lozan’ı görmek beni çok mutlu etti. Bunun için gerçekten şükrediyorum. Profesyonel açıdan bakacak olursam, orada işim açısından karar verici ya da yönlendirici pozisyonda pek çok kritik roldeki paydaş var. Buralarda onlarla olmak, fikir alışverişinde bulunmak kesinlikle çok değerli. Tatil için ailemle gelmeyi, MS Teams bildirimlerinden, Outlook’taki acil maillerden uzak doğanın ve dinginliğin tadını çıkarmayı çok isterim. Kim bilir belki bir sonraki sefer ailece bu gemiye bineriz. Neden olmasın?
Sustainability sits at the core of our transformation, we see it as a fundamental opportunity for innovation, growth, and purpose-led, impact-driven, long term value creation. We work hard to integrate sustainability into every aspect of our business and activities. In this post, you will find some of the recent initiatives towards sustainability in Philip Morris International (PMI) and PMI Istanbul HQ Office.
This is the green view of our balcony in Istanbul HQ Office. This balcony is the place where I have my coffee breaks, catch up with my colleagues and even brainstorm with my project team. This time I am alone in this green balcony and I have things to read: PMI’s sustainability achievements and objectives. Through sustainability reporting, companies communicate their performance and impacts on a wide range of sustainability topics, spanning environmental, social and governance parameters. PMI is very transparent in terms of sustainability reporting and acts responsibly towards a sustainable world.
In Philip Morris Turkey offices, employees can easily find
so many recycling bins. Recycling is crucial to lessen the carbon footprint and
contribute toward a healthy environment and sustainability. We have an eco-friendly waste management system that
protects the environment and secures the community’s wellbeing. Materials such
as plastics, paper, glass, and aluminum can be recycled and reused over and
over again.
Animal welfare is our passion. We believe that all animals,
from the domestic to the exotic, deserve the right to be protected and to live
happy and healthy lives. Even our offices are places
where animals live in a safe habitat and we live in harmony together.
All the world is a stage for sustainability. In this
photo, you see the “Stage”. It is a meeting room in our green garden of
Istanbul HQ Office. It is just like an office room in the middle of a forest.
The stage is one of the continuous improvements towards reducing the
environmental impacts of the office work. It facilitates activities that
promote sustainable lifestyles. The atmosphere in Stage inspires employees to
get involved and adopt environmentally-friendly habits. Come in, Stage is
yours, just act towards sustainability!
Sustainable development relates to all humans and involves
all aspects of our lives; learning must therefore be part of a lifelong
process. In PMI, we have lifelong learning opportunities that proactively
respond to our expressed needs and objectives, such as learning, development or
capacity building programmes for soft and hard skills. We have tools like Fuse,
Udemy and Rosetta Stone. This picture shows a scene from my live tutoring
session on English. I have a dream to work in a foreign country and I invest to
excel my communication skills. Having such an opportunity in PMI not only
contributes to my development but also opens the way for a sustainable future
for lifelong and self-motivated learning.
Creating a sustainable office environment strengthens
our core smoke-free vision with an ever-developing approach to sustainability. Our
office in Istanbul is a living, breathing ecosystem set within an urban
environment. Our workplace has plenty of space with trees and plants. They make
our environment healthier and more productive. Placing plants around the office
helps us to clean the air and promote natural climate control. Our trees in the
garden where we get afternoon sun significantly reduce our air conditioning
costs. Also, trees help to block cold winter winds, so planting coniferous keep
our winter heating costs down. Simply, we implement go-green ideas in a
full-green environment.
We have an inclusive and equal working environment with
opportunities for everyone. As an employee of PMI, I see my company focuses on
eliminating gender disparities in work environment and ensuring equal access to
all levels of development for the vulnerable, including persons with
disabilities. That is one of the drivers how we achieve full and productive
employment and decent work for all women and men, including for persons with
disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
In PM Turkey Istanbul office, we are aware that cleaning
wastewater of any kind first requires understanding
its composition and particle-size distribution. From there,
wastewater treatment can identify the right mix of mechanical processes,
chemical water treatment and biological solutions. For sure, removing
contaminants is not enough. For a truly sustainable approach, there are many
ways to future-proof water treatment processes, and we are happy to share our
experience in Turkey.
Sport has the power to change the world; it is a fundamental
right and a powerful tool to strengthen social ties and promote sustainable
development and peace, as well as solidarity and respect for all. In PM Turkiye
offices we have gym where we can exercise for a healthy and sustainable life.
It is open not only office days but also weekends. So we enjoy everyday as a
new game day!
One of the most sustainable things people can do is to
increase the physical activity for a more active life. The battle to tackle
physical inactivity starts by keeping yourself fit for the action. And we have
a great gym for those who want a healthier and ultimately happier planet.
In PMI, we have wide variety of learning opportunities for
Sustainability. These learning plans provide a comprehensive knowledge
highlighting the wide range of skills and processes that are needed to support
the constructive collaboration and action required for addressing complex
issues. Udemy Business is one of these tools provided to PMI employees to deep
dive into Sustainability issues.
In PM Turkiye offices, we literally walk the talk: our
garden is totally green and sustainable because we walk the green talk!
Gardening in a sustainable way is more economical as it
involves using recycled materials, reducing the use of natural resources, and
requires less maintenance. Creating a sustainable garden is what we have done
in Turkey as we realized the importance of having backyards that are not only
beautifully planted and well designed, but also work in partnership with green life
in the city center and help to mitigate climate change.
We are not alone in the world, we share it with others, just
like the turtle on the right side of the photo shares the pool with the turtle
in the left side of the pool.
Life continues in a sustainable way – in the pool of our PMI
office.
In order to decrease the number of hardcopy ledgers and
printouts in the way of working, we benefit from digitalization through our
transformation journey. Digitalization enables us to keep data in cloud instead
of on paper, so that we decrease our carbon footprint as well.
Inside our office, we protect the nature by acting responsibly
so that we save the green forests. Outside our office, we live in our green
garden, enjoy our coffee and lunch breaks in a natural environment which feeds
our mental well-being.
As we transform for good, we see it as a fundamental
opportunity for innovation, growth, and purpose-led, impact-driven, long-term
value creation. Accordingly, we work hard to integrate sustainability into
every aspect of our business and activities. And we periodically report on
sustainability and inform our investors and stakeholders.
As one of the winners of PMI’s World Clean Up Challenge
2022, our company gifted me 2 special gifts; one for individual success and one
for team success. My gift was two trees for the planet. Every tree is
geolocated and photographed – I can follow its story online, that’s great to
follow up its growing.
I was working for PhilSA in 2014, the year that I became a
father, and that summer all employees were given one olive tree seedling. One
of my friends had not had the opportunity to plant, so he handed over his
seedling to me as well. I went home with two seedlings in the service bus and
looked after them on the balcony until the end of the week, and at the weekend
I planted them in the garden of our summer house in Seferihisar, district of
Izmir. The seedlings that I gave the life water to, dreaming of
getting olives in the future, hugged the soil and life tightly, loved their
place, started to rise, and get stronger.
Due to the semester break, we came to my hometown, Izmir, as a family, on Sunday. Thus, while I was relieving my mother's longing for grandchildren and children, whom I had not seen since the end of summer, I also made a change for myself by working remotely.
Coming to Izmir is also a good opportunity to reminisce and meet friends. For this reason, I made a program on Tuesday evening with my ex-manager and my graduate friend in Karşıyaka, where I lived while I was in İzmir, and I took my son Okan after work and set off. My wife had already gone to Karşıyaka in the afternoon and met with her friend, and when I finished my work, father and son got into the car and got involved in the evening traffic.
There was a lot of traffic on the Yeşildere road, and our radio was on. In the radio program we listened to, it was mentioned that we may encounter the problem of thirst and drought in the summer since there is almost no rain in the winter months and the probability of sufficient rain and snowfall in the coming days is low. Thereupon, I told Okan that we do not take diligent care of the world, and that in case of thirst, we will have difficulties in the summer. We talked about how the decrease in the availability of water, the source of life, will affect my life. Then the traffic started to flow, I concentrated on the road, there was silence for a while. Then, when one of Okan's favorite songs was played on the radio, I hung up on Okan, saying "you don't accompany me". He broke his silence by saying "I cried dad".
Okan cried silently in the back seat, thinking that we are responsible for this situation with what happened to our world, what we did and did not do, and that we will all be punished for this responsibility in the coming period. Okan asked “What can we do now?” as he wiped his eyes with a napkin. I said,“we can take responsibility, protect nature, protect natural resources, set an example for our environment, and raise awareness.” After saying these things at first, I could not speak any more. The fact that a 9-year-old boy was upset and worried about these “big” issues was almost likedirectly hitting the wall for me.
Then we parked the car in the parking lot of the shopping mall where we were going to meet with my wife and friends and got out of the car. While Okan was entering the mall with a used napkin in his hand, he saw the trash cans. One read "recyclable waste" and the other read "all other waste". “Can I dispose of the napkin in recyclable waste?” He said, “Of course,” I said, and after he threw, we moved on.
As I was writing these lines the next day, I thought that even though it was late for yesterday, we still have things to do for today and tomorrow, and if we all do our part, we can leave a sustainable world for our children and grandchildren to live in. I amkicking off this day with this awareness, what about you?
