IZODER Statement on the ‘Urban Transformation Action Plan’

The Insulation Sector Confederation İZODER issued a statement regarding the "New Roadmap in Urban Transformation" shared with the public by Environment and Urbanization Minister Murat Kurum. İZODER Board Chairman Levent Pelesen stated, "The new action plan should be used as an important opportunity to align thermal insulation regulations applied in our country with those of EU countries. As mentioned in the plan, if 300,000 residences are insulated annually in accordance with existing regulations, we could achieve savings exceeding TRY 6 billion over a 5-year period," he said. Noting that the Urban Transformation Action Plan stipulates that grants or credits will be provided at certain rates based on energy efficiency levels in structures built in transformation areas, thereby increasing the number of projects based on energy efficiency and bringing significant contributions to the economy, İZODER (Association of Thermal, Water, Acoustic and Fire Insulation Specialists) Chairman Levent Pelesen stated as follows:

"The promotion of thermal insulation, one of the most important factors ensuring energy efficiency in buildings within the Urban Transformation Action Plan, is a significant development for both our society and our insulation sector.

This is because the amount of energy we use in buildings in Turkey has reached approximately 32% of our total energy consumption. Therefore, insulation has a serious dimension that concerns all of us. Through the thermal insulation measures we will take, it is possible to prevent this waste. Within the scope of the action plan, it was announced that 1.5 million residences that currently require urgent transformation will be transformed within 5 years, with 300,000 residences undergoing urban transformation annually. According to this, if 300,000 residences are insulated annually in accordance with existing regulations, the annual energy savings achieved would correspond to approximately 97.5 million cubic meters of natural gas for heating and approximately 314 million kWh of electrical energy for cooling. When heating and cooling are considered together, the savings achieved would amount to approximately 220,000 tons of oil equivalent (TOE). When evaluated based on 20-year average oil prices, considering the annual economic value provided by the efficiency achieved, savings exceeding TRY 6 billion could be realized over a 5-year period. Legal regulations concerning insulation in our country are not yet at the level of EU countries. Within the framework of the action plan, improving regulations and increasing thermal insulation thicknesses to EU levels will also be a crucial step for energy efficiency. We have shortcomings in the effective implementation and oversight of existing regulations; however, with the contribution of the Urban Transformation Action Plan, if we implement thermal, water, acoustic and fire insulation with quality materials and expert applications, we can achieve durable, healthy and comfortable buildings.

The cost of thermal insulation, which affects the national economy, is not high

Thermal insulation is of great importance for Turkey's economy and end users, and its cost is not high. Thermal insulation, which ensures balanced heat distribution in the buildings we live in and contributes significantly to our health, is among the most effective measures that can be taken not only during winter months but also against heat in summer months. In a newly constructed building, the cost of thermal insulation is 2 to 5% of the total cost. The investment we make in thermal insulation provides approximately 50% savings on heating and cooling bills and pays for itself within a maximum of 5 years. Thanks to thermal insulation, which can be applied at reasonable cost, we have a healthy, safe and comfortable living space in every season.

Buildings not complying with waterproofing regulations will not receive occupancy permits

At the same time, in our country located in an earthquake zone, constructing long-lasting and earthquake-resistant buildings is among the most basic measures that must be taken to ensure the safety of life and property. Addressing a major gap in Turkey's construction sector, the "Buildings Waterproofing Regulation" that will bring durability, quality and comfort to buildings entered into force as of 1 June 2018. With the new regulation prepared by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization with our support and initiatives to address deficiencies in the legislation, the application of waterproofing has been made mandatory in new buildings. If it is determined that newly constructed buildings do not comply with the principles provided for in this regulation, an occupancy permit will not be issued for the building until these deficiencies are remedied.

We should protect ourselves from the negative effects of noise through acoustic insulation

The Urban Transformation Action Plan offers an important opportunity for living in comfortable and healthy buildings. One of the most important problems in buildings today is noise. Acoustic insulation is a very important matter that concerns the residences we live in and directly affects society. Today, in every area of our lives, we are exposed to noise without realizing it and we are increasingly feeling its negative effects. Developed countries have high sensitivity on this matter because acoustic insulation contributes to the creation of modern living standards.

Fire insulation ensures the safety of life and property

When a fire occurs, measures must be taken to ensure that the fire area is evacuated in the fastest and safest manner. Fire insulation is a structural measure that ensures the safety of life and property by limiting the harmful effects of heat and smoke generated in fires.

The action plan will accelerate our achievement of safe and healthy buildings

As a result, the Urban Transformation Action Plan, which affects all insulation applications, will accelerate our achievement of safe, healthy and comfortable buildings by increasing the implementation of thermal, water, acoustic and fire insulation."