Insulation Deficiency is Costing Turkey Dearly
We are in a challenging period where global energy resources are depleting, and the climate crisis is intensifying, threatening the ecosystem. Considering that the global population is expected to increase by another two billion by 2050, we must focus on energy conservation to leave a livable world for future generations. Efficient thermal insulation in buildings is one of the decisive steps that must be taken in this direction.In our country, approximately 80% of buildings still lack insulation, and about one-third of the annual energy imports, which can reach up to $100 billion, are consumed by buildings. Uninsulated buildings lead to significant energy losses and higher greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, poorly insulated buildings add a financial burden of $12 to $15 billion to the economy.
The lack of proper insulation in buildings also exacerbates heating issues. According to research by TÜİK (Turkish Statistical Institute), one out of three people cannot adequately heat their homes due to insufficient or substandard insulation, and one in five cannot afford heating costs. Additionally, in our country, alongside uninsulated buildings, insulation applications that do not meet regulations and standards further increase heating expenses. In countries with similar climates, insulation materials are 15-20 cm thick, whereas in Turkey, materials between 3-5 cm are commonly used. Using thicker insulation boards does not significantly increase construction material costs but greatly enhances energy savings for heating and cooling buildings.
One of the best examples of this is our Bonus Stone Wool product, produced at our state-of-the-art facility in Hendek, Sakarya. By applying proper insulation using Bonus Stone Wool in accordance with standards, energy savings in buildings can reach up to 60%.
Moreover, insulation investments, when applied correctly, pay for themselves in 2-5 years through the savings achieved. This figure applies not only to newly constructed buildings but also to those retrofitted with thermal insulation. Retrofitting buildings with thermal insulation on roofs and facades can permanently eliminate heating issues by addressing moisture and water insulation.
It is evident that investing in thermal insulation is now a necessity in the fight against global warming and environmental disasters. In many developed countries, particularly in the EU, annual energy limits are being reduced to 30-50 kW per square meter, and buildings are designed with high energy efficiency through proper thermal insulation. We believe that the "Nearly Zero Energy Buildings" (nZEB) concept, introduced by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change in 2022, is crucial for reducing energy imports and carbon emissions. This concept, which defines the highest energy-efficient buildings supported by renewable energy along with proper thermal insulation, will make a significant contribution to Turkey’s fight against climate change.
The financial and environmental burden of uninsulated or poorly insulated buildings on our economy continues to grow. When we consider the environmental impacts of these buildings, it becomes clear that we all have a vital role to play in protecting our planet, which has hosted life for millions of years, and leaving a livable home for future generations.
As Bonus Insulation, we view raising awareness of the negative effects of global warming on our planet and the importance of thermal insulation as one of the most effective measures we can take individually, not just as a commercial benefit but as our societal responsibility. With the responsibility of being a brand that leads the industry, we continue to contribute to raising awareness of how rising energy costs, increasing heating and cooling expenses, and their negative impact on family budgets can be minimized through external thermal insulation applications. Through the products we develop and our awareness-raising efforts, we will continue to work tirelessly to leave a livable world for future generations.
Eryap Grup
Tolga Ceylan │ Sales and Marketing Manager