Why Become a Member?
As a member, you will:
Actively participate in national and international sustainability networks.
Accelerate your transformation by accessing inspiring best practices.
Have a voice in policy-making and standard-setting processes.
Strengthen your sustainability capacity through training, guidance publications, and exclusive events.
Contribute to joint initiatives that shape the sustainable transformation of the business community.
Join a business network that places sustainability at its core — where learning, innovation, and collaboration drive impact.
Membership Application
To begin your BCSD Türkiye membership process, simply complete the application form.
Before applying, we recommend reviewing:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BCSD Türkiye?
BCSD Türkiye (Business Council for Sustainable Development Türkiye) is a business association established in 2005 through the initiative of 13 pioneering companies. The association accepts both individual and corporate memberships.
As the regional network and partner of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) in Türkiye, BCSD Türkiye encourages companies to integrate sustainability into their business strategies. By bringing together leading companies from various sectors under one roof, it facilitates knowledge sharing through working groups and joint projects, disseminates best practices, and aims to increase the business community’s awareness of sustainable development.
BCSD Türkiye is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that guides the business community on its green transformation journey.
How to Become a Member of BCSD Türkiye?
BCSD Türkiye accepts both individual and corporate memberships. Membership applications can be made by individuals or on behalf of a company’s legal entity, and each company may be represented in the association by up to five delegates.
For individuals wishing to become members:
a. Be at least 18 years old and have full legal capacity.
b. For foreign individuals, have the legal right to reside in Türkiye.
c. Not have been permanently expelled from any association (except for failure to pay membership fees) or banned from association membership.
d. Where applicable, obtain necessary permissions from relevant institutions in accordance with the provisions of the Associations Law and other special laws.
e. Have no criminal convictions for offenses involving moral turpitude.
f. Meet the criteria specified in the Membership Commitment Form for individual members.
For legal entities wishing to become members:
a. Be established in accordance with Turkish laws and operate in Türkiye.
b. Not be deprived of the right to become a member of associations under the provisions of Law No. 5253 on Associations.
c. Meet the criteria specified in the Membership Commitment Form for corporate members.
As per current practice, BCSD Türkiye membership applications are received digitally.
You can easily start your membership process by completing the application form available in the “Become a Member” section of our website.
What Are the Benefits of BCSD Türkiye Membership?
Becoming a member of BCSD Türkiye offers numerous advantages for your organization’s sustainability journey. Corporate members benefit from a wide range of opportunities provided by the association, enhancing their own capacities while contributing to the sustainable development transformation in Türkiye. The key benefits of BCSD Türkiye membership include:
• Networking and Collaboration Opportunities:
BCSD Türkiye offers an extensive business network bringing together leading companies from various sectors. Members meet regularly through meetings, workshops, and events to learn from one another and develop joint projects. This enables your company to establish strong collaborations in the field of sustainability.
• Knowledge Sharing and Training:
Through working groups within the association (e.g., on focus areas such as circular products and materials, agriculture, and food), best practices are shared among members. Member companies stay up to date on the latest sustainability trends, regulatory changes, and strategies. BCSD Türkiye supports corporate capacity building through seminars, training programs, and publications (such as reports and newsletters).
• Prestige and Credibility:
Being a member of BCSD Türkiye demonstrates your company’s commitment and responsibility towards sustainability. Members may use the BCSD Türkiye logo and name in their communications (e.g., in annual reports, on websites) within defined guidelines, thereby enhancing credibility and brand value with stakeholders.
• Policy Dialogue and Representation:
BCSD Türkiye aims to be the united voice of the business community in sustainability. As a member, your company is indirectly represented in BCSD Türkiye’s policy dialogues with public authorities and international platforms. The association conveys members’ joint positions and recommendations to relevant stakeholders, contributing to the development of a more sustainable business environment.
• Access to a Global Network:
BCSD Türkiye is the Turkish partner of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), which has over 200 members worldwide. This offers access to global best practices and networks. Through BCSD Türkiye, you can stay informed about international sustainability initiatives, project partnerships, and resources, and participate in global activities if you wish.
• Joint Project and Funding Opportunities:
The association develops projects within its own structure and in collaboration with partner platforms. Members can participate in these projects to advance their sustainability performance and gain awareness of both national and international funding and grant opportunities.
• Visibility and Communication Support:
BCSD Türkiye is committed to sharing the successful sustainability practices of its members. Member companies’ success stories and innovative projects can be featured in the association’s publications, on the “Member News” section of its website, or through its social media channels—helping to showcase sustainability leadership to a broader audience.
In summary, BCSD Türkiye membership can accelerate your sustainability efforts, create new business opportunities, and enable you to contribute to Türkiye’s sustainable development goals.
What Are the Membership Requirements for BCSD Türkiye?
To become a member of BCSD Türkiye, applicants must meet certain criteria and agree to the terms set by the association. The main membership requirements are as follows:
• Individual and Corporate Membership:
BCSD Türkiye accepts both individual and corporate members; individuals, companies, and institutions may apply for membership.
• Membership Categories by Company Size:
Member companies are classified into categories based on their size, which determines the membership fees. For example, large-scale companies (above certain thresholds for employee numbers and annual turnover) and smaller-scale companies are subject to different entrance and annual membership fees. The entrance fee is a one-time payment upon joining; the annual membership fee is paid each year throughout the membership. (You can contact BCSD Türkiye to determine your company’s category and applicable fees before applying.)
a. Holding companies are classified as Large-Scale Companies regardless of total number of employees or consolidated annual turnover.
b. Group companies whose parent holding is already a member are exempt from the entrance fee.
c. Group companies whose parent holding is already a member are classified under the “Other Companies” category regardless of their size.
• Representatives and Quotas:
Each member company may appoint up to five representatives within BCSD Türkiye. One of these must be designated as the primary representative, who is expected to be the company’s General Manager, a board member, or a senior executive authorized to represent the company. Other representatives may be employees engaged in or interested in sustainability. All appointed representatives may actively participate in working groups without restrictions.
• Application and Acceptance Criteria:
Membership applications are evaluated by the BCSD Türkiye Board of Directors in line with the Association Regulations and Articles of Association. Companies should demonstrate the capacity to contribute to sustainable development—either through existing sustainability initiatives or by showing strong commitment and potential in this area. Additionally, applications must be supported by a reference from an existing member, as required by the Articles of Association.
• Commitments and Obligations:
By becoming a member, companies commit to acting in line with the association’s mission and vision. Members are expected to initiate or participate in sustainability projects. For example, companies without an existing sustainability project are encouraged to launch one within 3–5 years of membership. Likewise, members who have not yet published a Sustainability Report or Integrated Report are encouraged to do so within three years of joining. These reports are shared with BCSD Türkiye, which may analyze them and conduct benchmarking among members, in line with confidentiality principles.
• Ethical and Disciplinary Rules:
Members must be companies that adhere to business ethics and moral values. Applications from organizations with publicized severe ethical violations may be rejected. During membership, members must comply with the Articles of Association, protect the association’s reputation, and act respectfully towards other members. A Disciplinary Committee operates within the association; in the event of a serious breach, disciplinary action may lead to termination of membership.
• Participation in Meetings and Events:
Members are required to attend the association’s General Assembly meetings and other member meetings throughout the year. According to the Articles of Association, a member who fails to attend two consecutive Ordinary General Assembly meetings without valid excuse may have their membership terminated. Participation in member-only workshops, seminars, and similar events is also encouraged.
• Membership Fee Obligation:
Members must pay their annual membership fees regularly and on time, as this is essential for the effective operation of the association’s activities. In the event of resignation, the annual fee for the year in which the resignation letter is submitted must still be paid until the end of that year—see the “Membership Termination” section for details.
For information on individual membership details, please contact info@skdturkiye.org.
The above points summarize the main requirements for BCSD Türkiye membership. Full details, including fee structures by category, are provided in the official membership documentation.
Does BCSD Türkiye Have Enforcement Power?
BCSD Türkiye does not possess any legal enforcement authority. It is not a public authority or a regulatory body; therefore, it has no mandate to impose legally binding sanctions on companies. The association operates as a voluntary platform that encourages sustainability transformation within the business community. Accordingly, any decisions made or targets set within BCSD Türkiye are commitments and recommendations for member companies, rather than legal obligations.
The role of BCSD Türkiye is to provide guidance and support, rather than enforcement. The association offers its members information, tools, and networking opportunities to advance sustainability, and works to promote the adoption of best practices. For example, BCSD Türkiye may expect its members to publish a sustainability report within a certain period or to participate in projects; however, it cannot impose administrative fines or similar sanctions for non-compliance.
That said, there are internal disciplinary measures applicable in cases of non-fulfillment of membership obligations. For instance, if a member company repeatedly fails to pay membership fees or acts against the association’s core principles, it may receive a warning and, if necessary, be expelled from membership in line with the Articles of Association. Such matters are evaluated by the BCSD Türkiye Board of Directors and, if required, the Disciplinary Committee. These measures are limited to the internal membership relationship and do not constitute sanctions affecting the company’s external operations.
In summary, as a BCSD Türkiye member, you are expected to fulfill your commitments on a voluntary basis and as part of your organization’s reputation.
How Can We Use the BCSD Türkiye Logo?
As a member company of BCSD Türkiye, you are entitled to use the BCSD Türkiye logo in your corporate communications; however, this must be done in accordance with specific rules. Logo usage should comply with the association’s corporate identity and brand management policies. Please keep the following points in mind to ensure the logo is used correctly and in a manner approved by the BCSD Türkiye Communications Team:
• Membership Context:
The BCSD Türkiye logo is typically used by member companies alongside a statement such as “Member of BCSD Türkiye” on their corporate websites, sustainability reports, or relevant promotional materials. This usage is intended to indicate your company’s membership in BCSD Türkiye. The logo should not be used in isolation, in a way that implies you are speaking on behalf of BCSD Türkiye, or in the promotion of a project/product without the association’s approval. It should only be used to reflect the membership connection and for its intended purpose.
• Design and Format:
The logo’s original colors, proportions, and format must be preserved. BCSD Türkiye generally provides members with logo files in formats suitable for different backgrounds (e.g., full-color, black-and-white, or transparent versions). These files should be used without distortion. It is against the rules to recreate the logo, modify it (such as changing its colors, adding text), or alter its proportions by stretching or compressing.
• Usage Areas:
Typical usage areas include:
Your company’s official website, on the membership/partnerships page
Relevant sections of your sustainability reports
Presentations where you wish to indicate your membership in BCSD Türkiye
In all cases, the logo should be clearly visible, with adequate spacing from other logos to avoid visual clutter.
• Permission and Consultation:
In most cases, BCSD Türkiye allows its member companies to use the logo in the ways described above. If you are uncertain about a specific usage scenario—particularly if it may fall outside standard practices—you should consult the BCSD Türkiye Communications Team. Corporate identity materials and logos can be accessed in the “About Us” section of our website.
By using the BCSD Türkiye logo correctly, you can highlight your company’s membership in this valuable platform to your target audiences. Remember, the primary purpose of logo usage is to emphasize your membership while respecting the association’s corporate identity. For detailed rules and visual examples, please refer to the BCSD Türkiye Logo Usage Guidelines.
How Can I Resign from BCSD Türkiye Membership?
If your organization wishes to terminate its membership, the resignation process is carried out in accordance with the procedures outlined in the association’s Articles of Association. To resign from BCSD Türkiye, please follow these steps:
• Written Notification:
Submit your resignation request to BCSD Türkiye in writing. This should generally be in the form of an official letter, signed by an authorized company representative (e.g., senior executive or the primary representative within the association). The letter should clearly state your company’s decision to resign from membership and the effective date of resignation. You may send the original letter by post to the association’s address or email a scanned, signed copy to the BCSD Türkiye Secretariat. To ensure accuracy, please confirm with BCSD Türkiye whom the resignation letter should be addressed to and where it should be sent.
• Confirmation and Processing:
Once the association receives your resignation letter, the Board of Directors will be notified in accordance with the Articles of Association, and your membership record will be terminated. In practice, BCSD Türkiye will send you a written confirmation acknowledging that your resignation has been processed.
• Financial Obligations:
Companies resigning from membership may still be responsible for financial obligations for the current period, as stipulated in the Articles of Association. If annual membership fees are collected in advance or on a periodic basis, you are required to pay the fee up to the end of the period in which you submitted your resignation letter. In other words, if you resign mid-year, you must still pay the full fee for that year. For example, if you have already paid the annual fee in January and resign mid-year, no additional payment is required; however, if you resign without having paid the current year’s fee, you must settle the full amount for that year. This ensures that the association’s planned activities can be carried out with the allocated budget. The BCSD Türkiye finance team will inform you of your financial status upon receipt of your resignation notice.
• Termination of Membership Rights:
Upon resignation, all rights and privileges associated with BCSD Türkiye membership (e.g., participation in working groups, invitations to events, use of the BCSD Türkiye name) will cease. Your company may no longer use the BCSD Türkiye name or logo from the effective date of resignation. Any references to BCSD Türkiye membership on your website or promotional materials should be removed or updated.
• Rejoining Membership:
If circumstances change and you wish to rejoin in the future, you may submit a new application. This will be evaluated according to the membership procedures in place at that time. Having resigned previously does not prevent rejoining, provided your organization meets the current membership requirements.
In summary, to resign from BCSD Türkiye, you simply need to notify the association with an official letter. For any questions or special cases (such as your fee payment status), you may contact BCSD Türkiye for clarification. The association will process your resignation respectfully and complete all necessary procedures. While resignation is entirely your decision, BCSD Türkiye remains open to future collaboration in advancing sustainability within the business community.
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