INTERVIEWS
At this point, insulation systems, which are often overlooked despite their critical role, become particularly important. Thermal insulation, waterproofing, acoustic insulation, and fire insulation not only contribute to energy savings but also help extend the service life of buildings and improve their resilience against various risks and hazards. Proper insulation is also an essential component of healthy and comfortable living spaces.
In earthquake-focused urban transformation projects, the goal should not be limited to ensuring that buildings remain standing. They should also provide their occupants with a safe and high-quality living environment. For this reason, insulation should be treated as a strategic priority from the initial design stage and evaluated together with overall building safety.
Many older buildings have shown serious deficiencies not only in their structural systems but also in complementary building components. Insulation applications were either neglected or implemented inadequately. Over time, this weakened both the building envelope and internal safety conditions, contributing to greater levels of damage during disasters. Today, in order to prevent similar outcomes, laws and regulations require measures to be taken in many areas, including insulation.
From a regulatory perspective, requirements such as the Regulation on Energy Performance in Buildings (BEP-TR), the TS 825 Thermal Insulation Standard, fire safety regulations, and regulations concerning environmental noise require buildings to meet defined performance criteria. The Waterproofing Regulation, which entered into force in 2018, also represented an important milestone, particularly in terms of protecting structural systems against corrosion.
Despite this regulatory framework, implementation does not always reach the desired level in practice. In some projects, insulation may be treated as a secondary consideration due to cost concerns, pressure to accelerate construction schedules, or insufficient inspection. In certain cases, even minimum requirements may not be fully met. However, insulation should not be regarded merely as an additional cost. It is a long-term investment that can extend the service life of a building, reduce energy consumption, and improve occupant safety.
One of the most fundamental shortcomings is that insulation is not always given sufficient priority during the design and planning stages. It is often treated as a decision to be made during construction rather than as an integrated part of the building system. This approach can compromise the overall performance and continuity of the insulation system.
In addition, a shortage of qualified personnel and the preference of some contractors for short-term cost advantages can significantly affect the quality of application. Insufficient technical expertise among building inspection organizations in evaluating insulation systems may also result in non-compliant materials or workmanship being overlooked.
On the other hand, successful urban transformation projects carried out through cooperation between municipalities and the private sector in high-seismic-risk areas such as Istanbul present an encouraging example of how safer and more sustainable cities can be developed. In these projects, buildings with high Energy Performance Certificate ratings and properly implemented insulation systems not only achieve significant energy savings but also contribute to greater building durability and longer service life.
Safe Buildings, Sustainable Cities: The Role of Insulation in Urban Transformation
The primary purpose of urban transformation is not simply to demolish and replace old buildings, but to create safe, disaster-resilient, comfortable, and sustainable living environments. In countries such as Türkiye, which is located on active fault lines, this process is of vital importance for the future of cities. Alongside structural safety, energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and quality of life should also be considered integral components of urban transformation.At this point, insulation systems, which are often overlooked despite their critical role, become particularly important. Thermal insulation, waterproofing, acoustic insulation, and fire insulation not only contribute to energy savings but also help extend the service life of buildings and improve their resilience against various risks and hazards. Proper insulation is also an essential component of healthy and comfortable living spaces.
In earthquake-focused urban transformation projects, the goal should not be limited to ensuring that buildings remain standing. They should also provide their occupants with a safe and high-quality living environment. For this reason, insulation should be treated as a strategic priority from the initial design stage and evaluated together with overall building safety.
Many older buildings have shown serious deficiencies not only in their structural systems but also in complementary building components. Insulation applications were either neglected or implemented inadequately. Over time, this weakened both the building envelope and internal safety conditions, contributing to greater levels of damage during disasters. Today, in order to prevent similar outcomes, laws and regulations require measures to be taken in many areas, including insulation.
From a regulatory perspective, requirements such as the Regulation on Energy Performance in Buildings (BEP-TR), the TS 825 Thermal Insulation Standard, fire safety regulations, and regulations concerning environmental noise require buildings to meet defined performance criteria. The Waterproofing Regulation, which entered into force in 2018, also represented an important milestone, particularly in terms of protecting structural systems against corrosion.
Despite this regulatory framework, implementation does not always reach the desired level in practice. In some projects, insulation may be treated as a secondary consideration due to cost concerns, pressure to accelerate construction schedules, or insufficient inspection. In certain cases, even minimum requirements may not be fully met. However, insulation should not be regarded merely as an additional cost. It is a long-term investment that can extend the service life of a building, reduce energy consumption, and improve occupant safety.
One of the most fundamental shortcomings is that insulation is not always given sufficient priority during the design and planning stages. It is often treated as a decision to be made during construction rather than as an integrated part of the building system. This approach can compromise the overall performance and continuity of the insulation system.
In addition, a shortage of qualified personnel and the preference of some contractors for short-term cost advantages can significantly affect the quality of application. Insufficient technical expertise among building inspection organizations in evaluating insulation systems may also result in non-compliant materials or workmanship being overlooked.
On the other hand, successful urban transformation projects carried out through cooperation between municipalities and the private sector in high-seismic-risk areas such as Istanbul present an encouraging example of how safer and more sustainable cities can be developed. In these projects, buildings with high Energy Performance Certificate ratings and properly implemented insulation systems not only achieve significant energy savings but also contribute to greater building durability and longer service life.