Energy Performance Certificate Enables Greater Energy Savings

The Energy Performance Certificate requirement came into force on 1 January, and new buildings must have an Energy Performance Certificate class of at least C. With this decision, new buildings that are not constructed according to thermal insulation standards and have an Energy Performance Certificate lower than C will not be able to obtain a construction permit. İzocam emphasized the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) application that came into force as of 1 January 2020. İzocam General Director Murat Savcı, stating that the EPC must be presented during the purchase, sale and rental of buildings, said: "We believe that the Energy Performance Certificate will make an important contribution to energy savings in buildings in the medium term. For existing buildings, the certificate is issued according to the current situation, but for new buildings under construction or to be constructed, the EPC class must be at least C. This can only be achieved if the buildings are designed in accordance with thermal insulation standards during construction. In the coming period, those responsible for buildings currently under construction that will apply for permits and those starting new constructions must definitely take this issue into account. The correct materials and correct applications in building insulation are very important. When thermal insulation is applied, appropriate insulation materials should be used taking into account the fire risk and combustible load of buildings," he said.

Savcı continued his remarks as follows: "Over the last 10 years, the cost of our energy imports to the country's economy has been over 450 billion dollars.

More than three-quarters of the energy we consume is imported from abroad. While Turkey's energy imports of 41.2 billion dollars constituted 20.3 percent of the total imports of 202.7 billion dollars as of 2019, it also has a significant impact on our trade deficit of 55.1 billion dollars. To reduce our trade deficit to lower levels and reduce our energy dependence, the energy savings we will make in our residential buildings, industry and systems is of great importance both for our budget and for our country. Buildings and systems that are insulated with the correct materials and appropriate thickness will be the biggest step toward energy savings. Through insulation, it is possible to reduce energy expenses in living spaces and workplaces and make them more comfortable. With correct thickness insulation applications from the roof to the flooring, energy savings increase and comfort conditions also improve," he said.

Building Insulation is Also Very Important

Savcı, referring to the importance of building insulation, said: "The insulation of heating and cooling systems in buildings makes it possible to climate the spaces more easily and quickly, reach the desired temperature and comfort conditions quickly, and maintain the temperature for long periods, providing savings of at least 60 percent in energy," he said.

Piping insulation can also be done during renovations

İzocam General Director Murat Savcı noted that piping insulation has become more common in recently renovated buildings within the scope of urban transformation in Turkey, adding "piping insulation in buildings can also be done later as part of maintenance, repairs and renovations. We know that following rising energy prices, many people have started renovation applications for insulation and that we have received feedback from our dealers in this respect," he said. It is very important that piping insulation applications be carried out by skilled and expert professionals. This is because technical details such as ensuring that no gaps are left in the piping and equipment, and that all pipes, equipment and valves are fully insulated should only be applied by those experienced in this field. It is of great importance that the installation masters be informed about the subject so that the pipes can be insulated with appropriate thicknesses. Furthermore, the pipes should not be installed very close to each other, to walls or to ceilings.