The role of buildings in energy efficiency

Buildings are of great importance in the energy sector in terms of energy efficiency and renewable energy potential. The buildings, which offer an energy saving potential of approximately 13.5 TWh through energy efficiency, also provide a distributed generation opportunity of 22 TWh. The digitalization concepts required to manage electrification and the changing energy system are also at the forefront in terms of the possibility of being implemented in buildings. Buildings that contain a large part of the 6.6 TWh electrification potential with technologies such as heat pumps and electric cooking, as well as the contribution of digital technologies such as smart meters to flexibility, are in the middle of all these concepts and carry the basic elements of the energy transformation that the world and our country are in. For this very reason, buildings are at the forefront of the sectors that need to be addressed first in climate and environmental issues. Although the energy consumption in buildings is mostly due to the use of natural gas and electricity, these two sources constitute two-thirds of the total energy consumption of the sector. Energy consumption for heating purposes, on the other hand, constitutes more than 40% of the total consumption on average.

When we look at the resource-based distribution of the total final energy consumption in buildings in our country, it is seen that fossil resources are used at a rate of 60 percent and renewable energy resources at a rate of about 15 percent. More than 60 percent of the directly used renewable energy belongs to the use of wood, waste and biomass for heating purposes. Geothermal energy consumption is 2 Mtoe, and solar water heating is 0.6 Mtoe. Our country maintains its leading position in the world in solar water heating. The share of electricity in the total final energy consumption of buildings is approximately 30 percent.

Necessary measures must be taken urgently to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change to levels that will not cause more harm to the world. Electrification of the increasing heating and cooling needs in buildings with rapid urbanization with efficient technologies such as heat pumps, and thus meeting the increasing electricity need with distributed renewable energy generation has a key role. Flexibility methods such as demand-side management, battery storage and smart grids need to be increased that can balance variable generation and optimize the system for greater integration of wind and solar power between the electricity sector and buildings. Thus, buildings, which can be a medium of flexibility for the electricity sector, will also be able to keep up with the nearly zero-energy building targets.

So, how can we individually contribute to this transformation?

There are some small or big touches that we can do in the houses we live in, both to adapt to the currents in the world and to initiate change. For example, we can start by choosing houses that use the sun and wind correctly in terms of energy efficiency and have passive architectural methods applied. Sufficient and correct insulation is another feature.

The fact that the electrical household appliances we use are A class high efficiency, providing lighting with LED systems, reducing the use of products with resistance (iron, dryer, water heater, etc.), not heating the place we live in more than necessary in winter (21-22 C is ideal) will increase energy savings. Running washing machines and dishwashers after they are full, using aerators on taps, and not leaving the water running unnecessarily while brushing teeth or in the shower can be effective ways to save water.

In addition to saving methods, renewable energy systems, such as generating hot water and electricity from solar energy, significantly reduce bills. The investment costs for these systems are also decreasing, and the implementation is facilitated by the regulations. Heating and cooling with electrical systems instead of fossil resources such as coal and natural gas (for example, a heat pump) can also accelerate the clean energy transformation.

Electric vehicles in transportation will become widespread in the coming years, and buses are already being used in cities. It is only a matter of time before private vehicles are electrified… Digital technologies compatible with these systems, smart infrastructure and meters, artificial intelligence and blockchain stand out as concepts that should be followed.

In buildings, especially energy efficiency, renewable energy, electrification and digital technologies required to manage the energy system will accelerate the transition to a lower cost, cleaner and safer energy system. It is inevitable that such an energy transformation, together with the right policies and financing tools, will reduce energy consumption and emissions in buildings. In addition to a better quality of life, it is possible for buildings to produce the clean energy we need and have positive effects on the environment, climate and human health. The biggest chance falls to us as the people who live in the buildings. Let's not forget: Environmentally friendly and smart people come before an environmentally friendly and smart building.