One in Three People in Turkey Cannot Heat Their Homes Properly

Research by TÜİK (Turkish Statistical Institute) indicates that the inability to heat homes due to insufficient insulation is the most prevalent housing and environmental issue in the country. Emrullah Eruslu, CEO of Eryap Group, pointed out that one in three people in Turkey faces heating issues at home, with one in three homes suffering from roof leaks and moisture problems. He stated, “According to TÜİK’s findings, 20% of citizens cannot afford heating costs. These issues stem from a lack of insulation and insulation applications that fail to meet standards. Proper insulation not only provides a definitive solution to heating and roof leaks but also pays for itself within 2-3 years.”

The Impact of Insufficient Insulation on Households and the National Economy
 

The 2022 Poverty and Living Conditions Survey and 2023 Poverty Rates Study conducted by TÜİK further reveal the negative impacts of inadequate insulation on both household budgets and the broader economy. According to the findings, one in three people cannot adequately heat their homes due to insufficient insulation, and one in three households struggles with moisture issues. This lack of insulation is the most common housing issue in Turkey.
 

Emrullah Eruslu, CEO of Eryap Group, the only fully domestically owned Turkish brand in the insulation sector under Bonus Insulation, emphasized that 20% of citizens cannot afford heating costs due to poor or inadequate insulation standards. “The primary cause of these issues is a lack of insulation and poorly implemented insulation practices that do not meet required standards. Retrofitting buildings with thermal insulation and installing waterproofing on roofs and facades can solve these issues effectively. Insulation applied to standard specifications can reduce the financial and environmental burdens on family budgets and the national economy, with proper insulation quickly paying off within a 2-3 year period.”
 

One in Three People Cannot Heat Their Homes, and One in Five Cannot Afford Heating Costs

According to TÜİK, 32.6% of the population in non-institutional residences suffers from heating issues due to a lack of insulation. “Approximately 80% of Turkey’s building stock is not subject to energy efficiency regulations. While insulation materials are used at thicknesses of 3-5 cm in Turkey, countries with similar climates apply insulation at 15-20 cm,” Eruslu said. He added, “Using thicker insulation panels, contrary to misconceptions, does not significantly increase construction costs but does offer considerable savings in heating costs. For example, in a properly insulated building using our Bonus Stone Wool product manufactured at our Bonus Insulation Hendek Sakarya facility, energy savings can reach up to 60%. The revision of the Thermal Insulation Standard for Buildings (TS 825) is crucial, as are compliance with standards, regulations, and societal awareness.”

Economic and Environmental Costs of Poor Insulation: Up to $12–15 Billion Annually

Eruslu continued, “Although Turkey’s energy imports saw a slight decline from $100 billion in 2022 to an average of $70–80 billion, approximately one-third of this energy is used in buildings. Significant energy losses occur, and higher greenhouse gas emissions result from poorly insulated buildings. The annual economic cost of energy losses from uninsulated or inadequately insulated buildings is estimated to be between $12 and $15 billion. Effective insulation can reduce building-related carbon emissions by up to 60%, which is invaluable for environmental sustainability. The Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB) concept, introduced by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change in 2022, sets a precedent in energy efficiency regulations. This concept defines buildings with the highest energy performance, supported by renewable energy. Beyond energy efficiency, nZEB focuses on maximizing insulation quality, essential for meeting the criteria. In a significant 2023 development, a presidential directive raised the energy savings target for certain public buildings to 30% by 2030, from the previous 15%. However, solutions are needed for all buildings, as our energy wastage is 3 to 5 times higher than that of developed countries. Aligning our energy limits and U-values with developed countries, as outlined in the Energy Efficiency Strategy Document, and adopting nZEB transformation will provide significant contributions to both the national economy and household budgets.”
 

One in Three Roofs Leaks

According to TÜİK, 32% of the non-institutional population faces issues such as leaking roofs and damp walls. “Waterproofing, such as our advanced technology Bonus membrane products designed for sloped and steep roofs, can be applied retrospectively to prevent roof leaks,” Eruslu said. “In addition to protecting the structural integrity of buildings, waterproofing prevents mold and bacteria growth, which can negatively affect human health and living comfort. Compliance with standards and regulations, along with public awareness, is crucial in waterproofing as well.”