Ravago Bina Çözümleri Highlights the Importance of Thermal Insulation
In recent years, as energy costs have risen rapidly and resources have dwindled, thermal insulation in buildings has become far more important, both economically and environmentally. Turkey's dependence on energy imports is also increasing due to the intensive energy consumed to heat indoor air in winter and cool it in summer in buildings that lack thermal insulation. Özge Müçek, Sales and Marketing Director for Mineral Wool at Ravago Building Solutions, points out that energy consumption in buildings can be significantly reduced with quality insulation solutions suited to the climate and region.
As energy costs rise rapidly and resources dwindle in recent years, thermal insulation in buildings has become increasingly important from both economic and environmental perspectives. The intense energy consumption required to heat indoor air during winter months and cool buildings in summer in buildings lacking thermal insulation is further increasing Turkey's energy import dependency. Özge Müçek, Sales and Marketing Director of Ravago Building Solutions Mineral Wools, points out that energy consumption in buildings can be significantly reduced through quality insulation solutions adapted to climate and regional conditions.
Regional insulation solutions tailored to specific areas play a critical role in helping Turkey achieve its energy efficiency targets. In our country, which is 99% dependent on natural gas imports, Hakkari and Erzurum record the highest natural gas consumption per household, while the lowest consumption is recorded in Adana and Osmaniye.
Özge Müçek, Sales and Marketing Director of Ravago Building Solutions Mineral Wools, states that these differences clearly demonstrate the region-specific needs of thermal insulation, saying "According to the updated TS 825 standard, Turkey is divided into six climate zones. External facade insulation thicknesses range from 12 centimetres to 20 centimetres in regions with the harshest climate conditions. Terrace and roof insulation thicknesses vary from 17 centimetres to 26 centimetres." Müçek also noted that by promoting climate-appropriate insulation applications, the building and services sector, which accounted for 44% of Turkey's energy savings in 2024, could achieve a much higher rate.
Up to 50% energy consumption savings possible with climate-appropriate insulation solutions
Reminding that energy efficiency has become one of the most important steps for a sustainable future today, Özge Müçek said: "In line with energy efficiency and sustainable development targets, various regulations and standards are being implemented to achieve energy savings in buildings. Under the Second National Energy Efficiency Action Plan set by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, the achievement rate of the energy savings target in 2024 was realised at 129%. Thanks to this major success, over 4 million 775 thousand tonnes of carbon emissions were prevented. 44% of the savings achieved was realised in the building and services sector.
This once again demonstrates the critical role that energy efficiency applications in buildings play. Because Turkey, as a country 99% dependent on natural gas imports, spends a large portion of its approximately USD 70 billion annual energy import bill on this source. However, with climate-appropriate thermal insulation, approximately 50% energy consumption savings can be achieved in buildings. Furthermore, when considering heating needs in winter through natural gas use and cooling needs in summer through electricity consumption, approximately 30% reductions in annual energy bills can be achieved through thermal insulation carried out with quality products. At this point, implementing appropriate thermal insulation solutions according to Turkey's different climate zones stands out as one of the important steps that will contribute to freeing our country from energy import dependency."
Thermal insulation applications in Turkey are divided into 6 regional zones
Emphasizing that each region must have insulation solutions appropriate to its characteristics in achieving Turkey's energy efficiency targets, Özge Müçek said: "Recent data shows that the provinces with the highest natural gas consumption in Turkey are Hakkari with 1,401 cubic metres, and Erzurum and Ardahan with 1,348 cubic metres. The lowest consumption is observed in provinces with milder climates such as Adana, Osmaniye and Mersin. Average household natural gas consumption in Istanbul is 869 cubic metres, while this figure stands at 1,067 cubic metres in Ankara and 736 cubic metres in Izmir. These differences show that Turkey's thermal insulation needs vary according to regional conditions.
According to updates in the TS 825 Building Thermal Insulation Rules Standard, Turkey is now divided into 6 different climate zones and specific insulation thicknesses are recommended for each zone. In the first three climate zones, external facade insulation thickness is set at 12 centimetres for newly constructed buildings, while this increases to 15 centimetres in the fourth zone. In the fifth and sixth climate zones, external facade insulation thickness is made mandatory at 20 centimetres. Terrace and roof insulation thicknesses similarly show regional variation. This value, which is 17 centimetres in the first, second and third climate zones, increases to 21 centimetres in the fourth zone, 25 centimetres in the fifth climate zone, and 26 centimetres in the sixth climate zone."
"Stone wool should be preferred for energy savings and fire resistance in harsh climates"
Pointing to the importance of quality material selection for effective thermal insulation in Turkey's different climate zones, Özge Müçek said: "In the temperate regions of the Mediterranean, Aegean and Marmara, cooling is generally required, while in regions with harsh winter conditions such as Central Anatolia, Eastern Anatolia and Northeast, A1-class insulation materials with low thermal conductivity coefficients, such as stone wool, providing insulation performance should be used for heating.
Working with the mission of being the solution partner at the heart of construction, we at Ravago Building Solutions, particularly in residential buildings with stone wool and high-performance thermal insulation for industrial buildings, lead the way in increasing energy efficiency in buildings with our high-quality thermal insulation products, primarily ceramic wool. Additionally, from the logistics operations of our products through to production and storage processes, we take many steps to minimize environmental impacts at all stages and to build a sustainable future. Because we believe that it is everyone's responsibility to take ownership of this world, which is entrusted to us for future generations."
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