As Turkey has the potential to save almost 13% of the energy it consumes, the amount of energy lost is major. The amount of energy wasted reaches 4 billion dollars compared to current oil prices. Turkey loses approximately 4 billion dollars every year due to the fact that energy conservation is not taken into account in the construction of old buildings used for housing.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Efe Biresselioğlu, Head of IUE Department of Sustainable Energy, pointed that energy conservation measures are taken only in 3-5% of the existing buildings in Turkey. He said, “Majority of the energy consumed in housing is used for heating purposes. We cannot save on energy due to insufficient insulation. Cutting 20% back on the amount of energy is one of Turkey’s goals for 2023. Therefore, we need to increase insulation work and exterior thermal sheathing in the buildings. Exterior thermal sheathing is designed to not only dispel summer heat but also to reduce winter moisture and cold. Thermostatic radiator valve or room thermostat temperature switch helps you take control of energy savings. Heat cost allocators in central systems also allows you to monitor your use.
‘Solution: Green Buildings’
Selin Öğütçü, Lecturer at Department of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design, Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, Izmir University of Economics, indicated that 72% of electric energy consumption took place in the buildings. Öğütçü stated the following:
“Green buildings make you save 25 – 50% on energy, 40% on water, and 70% on solid waste. Buildings can be transformed into green buildings via design, construction, operation, and reuse processes. Solar and heat lighting control system needs to be integrated as much as possible during construction planning phase. This marks the first step. It is possible to save considerably via front designs, solar control high performance glasses, sunshades, blinds, and solar friendly materials. It is highly important to make use of these resources and increase their performance in our country offering vast opportunities in terms of renewable energy such as geothermal, wind, etc.”