An overview of sustainability policies and strategies on buildings in Turkey

Abstract

Policies on sustainability of buildings have been progressively gaining importance throughout the world. Turkey is a part of such international movements and is now striving to address its energy performance, by reducing emissions of contaminants derived from energy consumption of buildings, and through the protection of the environment. The present paper links these two elements of development, through the revision of building policies and strategies that take place in Turkey while contextualising worldwide sustainability targets and key trends. This is demonstrated with the aim of identifying the environment and energy goals that underpin the construction sector. As a result, specific actions, regarding policy and implementation arise. These could enable the reduction of energy usage and emission of pollutants, partially through the increase of renewable energy use and the promotion of building certification, as dictated by existing legislation.

Keywords

• sustainable buildings
• sustainable building policies
• sustainable building strategies
• energy policies
• turkey