Renewable Energy Mandatory in Buildings Begins January 1

With the change in the regulation prepared by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, the transition to the concept of "Nearly Zero Energy Buildings", which has more energy efficiency than normal buildings and provides a certain part of the energy used from renewable energy sources, is made mandatory on January 1, gradually.

The regulation was prepared with the amendment of the Regulation on Energy Performance in Buildings within the scope of Turkey's declared target of “2053 net zero emission buildings”.

Accordingly, as of January 1, 2023, all buildings with a total construction area of ​​more than 5 thousand square meters in a parcel will be constructed with at least “B” energy performance class. In addition, these buildings will have to meet at least 5 percent of the energy they use from renewable energy sources such as solar energy panels, wind energy, and heat pumps.

The thermal insulation values ​​of the windows will be improved

By increasing the minimum energy performance of these buildings from "C" to "B", the thickness of the insulation materials used in thermal insulation will need to be increased by at least 2 centimeters. In this context, minimum thermal insulation material thicknesses will increase from 5 centimeters to 7-8 centimeters in Istanbul, and from 6 centimeters to 8-9 centimeters in Ankara. In addition, the thermal insulation values ​​of the windows will be improved.

In this way, it will be ensured that the buildings consume 25 percent less energy on average without deteriorating the thermal comfort conditions.

10 billion liras will be reduced annually in Turkey's energy import bill

According to the regulation, as of January 1, 2023, licenses will not be issued for buildings whose projects are not prepared accordingly.

As of January 1, 2025, it has also been made mandatory to extend it to all buildings over 2 thousand square meters and to provide at least 10 percent of the energy used from renewable energy sources.

With the construction of the buildings in accordance with these conditions after 2023, it is aimed to reduce Turkey's energy import bill by 10 billion liras annually, and by 2025, the annual decrease is expected to reach 15 billion liras.