5th Zerobuild International Zero Energy Buildings Summit

The 5th ZeroBuild International Zero Energy Buildings Summit was held, hosted by Istanbul Technical University (ITU) with the support of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ROLE OF BUILDINGS

In her opening remarks, ITU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Lütfiye Durak Ata stated that climate change is one of the most significant causes of global environmental problems, saying, "This problem is not something any institution can tackle alone. Cooperation at the national and international levels is essential."

Ata stated that the built environment accounts for 40 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions, with 27 percent of these emissions stemming from building operations and 13 percent from construction activities. He emphasized that concrete, steel, and aluminum alone account for 23 percent of global emissions.

CONTRIBUTION OF ZERO-ENERGY BUILDINGS

Emphasizing the rapid increase in urbanization in Türkiye, Ata said that zero-energy buildings are of great importance for lower operating costs, more resilient cities, and a more livable future.

GREEN CERTIFIED BUILDINGS

Banu Aslan, General Manager of Professional Services at the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, stated that buildings constructed under the National Green Certificate Regulation (YeS-TR) provide energy savings of up to 30 percent.

Aslan reminded that, in line with the regulations made in the Planned Areas Zoning Regulation, it will be mandatory for buildings of 10,000 square meters and above to be constructed according to higher criteria starting from 2026.

Source: Headline News