Türkiye's Energy Bill Could Fall with Insulation

Category: ENERGY AGENDA , ENERGY EFFICIENCY - Date: September 10, 2025

Rising temperatures, coupled with the effects of global climate change, are raising the need for cooling in buildings and the resulting energy consumption. This demonstrates the critical importance of insulation not only for heating in the winter but also for cooling in the summer. İzotim CEO Salim Ünal noted that a large portion of existing buildings in Türkiye have inadequate or inadequate insulation, adding, "If all buildings were brought up to standards, approximately $8 billion in annual energy savings could be achieved nationwide."

As we combat the impacts of global climate change, ensuring energy efficiency in buildings is becoming a necessity not just in winter but throughout all seasons. One of the most critical factors in this new era is building exterior systems.

Data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) shows that cooling systems account for 10 percent of global electricity demand, and this figure is rising rapidly, particularly in developing countries. According to reports from the United States Department of Energy (DOE), residential air conditioners in the US alone consume 185 billion kWh of electricity annually, resulting in 140 million tons of carbon emissions.

In this context, the “TS 825 - Thermal Insulation Rules in Buildings Standard” revised by the Turkish Standards Institute (TSE) requires that new buildings be designed according to both heating and cooling needs.

At this point, building façade systems no longer play a vital role solely in aesthetic concerns but also in meeting energy efficiency and climate change mitigation goals. A properly designed and insulated façade protects a building from overheating in the summer, reducing air conditioning use. In the winter, it minimizes heat loss, lowering both energy bills and minimizing carbon footprints.

Insulation Isn't Just for Winter

İzotim CEO Salim Ünal emphasized that insulation in buildings is not just a regulatory requirement but also a strategic investment that significantly contributes to the national economy and individual well-being. He said, “Insulation is a versatile solution that provides energy efficiency throughout all four seasons. A large portion of existing buildings in Turkey have insufficient or no insulation. If all buildings were brought up to insulation standards, various studies predict that approximately $8 billion in annual energy savings could be achieved nationwide. 40 percent of energy consumption occurs in residences.”

The Secret to Energy-Friendly Buildings is in Facade Systems

Ünal emphasized that properly installed exterior insulation makes a significant difference in a building's energy savings, continuing: "With properly installed exterior insulation, a building's energy savings can range from 40% to 60%. This ratio can vary depending on the building's current condition, façade orientation, climate zone, and the characteristics of the system used. However, in general, a significant reduction in both heating and cooling costs is achieved."

One of the most recent and concrete examples of this approach is the Ayşe Sultan Evleri project we implemented in Pendik, Istanbul. In this two-block housing project, consisting of 34 apartments, we implemented a comprehensive insulation and façade strategy, focusing on energy efficiency and sustainability. As part of the project, insulation thicknesses were increased, special thermally insulated glass systems were selected, and solar energy systems were integrated into the roofs. As a result of all these improvements, the buildings achieved an additional 36 percent savings in annual energy consumption.

Published by: Alperen ERTAŞ- [email protected]