Increasing energy consumption worldwide and the effects of climate change make it inevitable to adopt sustainable practices in the construction sector. The 40 percent share of buildings in global energy consumption highlights the transformation of the sector as a critical necessity. In this context, Izotim Founder and CEO Salim Ünal emphasized that innovative approaches such as green facade systems are important for the future of cities and said, “With increasing population and urbanization, turning to sustainable building solutions is not only an environmental necessity, but also an economic and social necessity.”
Cities are growing and the number of buildings is increasing rapidly around the world. According to the United Nations’ predictions, the rapid growth of the global population and its shift towards urban areas means that the current building stock will double by 2050. This growth necessitates vertical construction and brings with it the need for sustainable solutions.
In line with the targets set in the Paris Agreement, many countries aim to create 2050% net zero carbon buildings and cities by 100. In order to realize this vision, it is of great importance to adopt innovative approaches that increase energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact in the construction sector.
Turkey has also taken an important step towards achieving this goal. The Turkish Standards Institute (TSE) has renewed the “TS 825-Heat Insulation Rules in Buildings Standard”, which was prepared to ensure that buildings consume less energy and prevent heat loss. These new rules became valid as of April 1. New buildings will now be designed for both heating and cooling. Thus, a 25 percent decrease in energy use is expected.
“Building Facades Must Be Sustainable”
Drawing attention to the importance of maximizing the energy efficiency of buildings in order to build a sustainable future, Izotim Founder and CEO Salim Ünal said, “We should not forget that the facade of a building is not just a garment, but also a smart layer that directly affects its energy consumption, environmental impact and longevity. As a sector, we must build more livable and environmentally sensitive structures by offering innovative facade solutions that bring together aesthetics, functionality, energy efficiency and sustainability.
"Facade systems have a direct say in the performance and environmental impact of our buildings. Aesthetics and functionality are important, of course, but today, facades must also meet vital requirements such as energy efficiency, sustainability and longevity," he said.
“A Long-Term Investment”
Ünal, who stated that the right façade system is a long-term investment, continued his words as follows: “In fact, choosing the right façade not only meets today’s aesthetic and functional needs, but also means smart financial planning for the future. For example, although the integration of solar-powered façade systems requires an initial investment cost, it significantly reduces energy costs in the long term by enabling buildings to generate their own electricity.
Intelligent insulation systems work with a similar logic. They automatically adjust the insulation level according to the outside weather conditions, optimizing the energy used for heating and cooling. This ensures a continuous reduction in energy bills and increases the energy efficiency class of the building. Dynamic lighting control reduces electricity consumption by ensuring effective use of daylight and preventing unnecessary lighting. Thanks to sensors and timing systems, only the amount of light needed is used, which means significant energy savings in the long term.
Although each of these technologies may seem like a cost element at first glance, they are actually investments that pay for themselves and even provide profit thanks to the savings to be made on future energy expenses.”
