How does ICT-use improve the environment? The case of Turkey

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present the effects of ICT-use on environmental problems in Turkey. Design/methodology/approach - The study focuses on the effects of ICTs on finding the solutions to environmental problems. Inspired by specific classification, these categories that the authors used are as follows: the consumption of material sources; the transportation of people and goods; office spaces and smart building; using data communication and monitoring; ICT equipment (the last category involves the negative effects of ICT equipment itself; since we focus on by ICT issues, the authors will not examine this category in detail). Findings - First of all, as a developing country, Turkey has an ability to monitor and control data on environment and the country is working to improve on it successfully in cooperation with international-related institutions. At the same time, using ICTs, smart buildings are increasingly becoming popular in Turkey with the help of some regulations. Transportation is another area that uses ICT. Originality/value - To make a connection between ICT and environmental problems, it is a very new issue in developing countries. It is also new for Turkey. Therefore, as the authors know, this is the first general review on this subject.