10% Renewable Energy Obligation in New Buildings with NSEB

Thanks to the Regulation on Energy Performance in Buildings (BEPY), which came into force in 2008, energy efficiency in buildings has become legal in Turkey. Within the framework of this regulation, the Energy Performance Certificate (EKB) application for buildings has started. These steps have formed the cornerstones of energy conservation and sustainability policies. With the updates made over time, the concept of Almost Zero Energy Buildings (NSEB) has also entered our lives.

With the new regulation introduced on January 1, 2025, within the scope of NSEB, it has become mandatory to meet at least 10% of the energy used in new buildings with a total construction area of 2000 square meters or more, which is the basis for the license, from renewable sources. Thus, the Almost Zero Energy Buildings model is no longer just a goal, but a concrete necessity for the construction industry.

What Does a Near-Zero Energy Building Mean and Why is NSEB Necessary?

Almost Zero Energy Buildings (NSEB) are structures that have low energy consumption and meet a large part of their energy needs from renewable energy sources. These buildings can produce their own energy with renewable sources while minimizing energy use with high insulation standards and smart home technologies. So, why are near-zero energy buildings necessary? NSEB approach;

• Reduces carbon emissions,
• Limits fossil fuel consumption,
•  Makes a significant contribution towards the 2053 net zero emission target,
• It offers users more comfortable and environmentally friendly living spaces.

In addition, within the scope of the Energy Performance in Buildings Regulation (BEPY), at least 10% renewable energy obligation has been introduced for projects of 2000 square meters and above. Thus, a legal requirement for energy efficiency has arisen and the building blocks of sustainable cities have been created.

What Do the New Regulations Bring?

With the regulation made in the Regulation on Energy Performance in Buildings as of January 1, 2025;

• All new buildings with a total construction area of 2000 square meters and above were covered,
• The Energy Performance Certificate (EKB) obligation has been strengthened,
• Energy performance class has been increased from C to at least B,
• The use of at least 10% renewable energy has officially become mandatory.

All these regulations have made renewable energy a license requirement in new buildings. Now in projects;

• Rooftop solar energy panels,
• Heat pump systems,
• Energy storage solutions,
• Carport systems

Technologies such as these have not been extra choices, but standard solutions mandated by legislation.

Expected Impacts and Targets with Almost Zero Energy Buildings

The mandatory use of renewable energy sources in new buildings is not just a legal requirement. It also means a great opportunity for the country's economy and sustainable environment. According to the statement made by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, it is aimed to build an average of 30 thousand buildings every year in accordance with NSEB criteria by 2025. If this target is achieved, there are some gains foreseen in terms of energy and environment throughout the country.

The prominent gains expected in the medium and long term with NSEB can be listed as follows:

• Annual energy savings of 1850 GWh: Based on TURKSTAT’s annual average electricity consumption data of households, this amount corresponds to the annual electricity consumption of an average of 740 thousand households. In just 1 year, savings equivalent to the energy needs of tens of thousands of households will be achieved.
• 450 thousand tons of carbon emission reduction: Considering that an average tree holds 30 kg of CO₂ annually, this reduction amount is equivalent to the annual cleaning capacity of approximately 15 million trees.
• A total of 102,000 GWh of energy savings by 2035: Thanks to this savings, Turkey's dependence on imported resources used in electricity generation will be significantly reduced. Thus, new business models and employment opportunities will arise in the sector as renewable energy investments will accelerate.
• Progress towards the 2053 net zero emission target: The NSEB regulation will create the infrastructure of carbon-neutral cities in the long term and Turkey will become compatible with international standards in the sustainable urbanization process.

What Does NSEB Mean for the Construction Industry?

With the Almost Zero Energy Building approach, a new standard has been introduced for the use of renewable energy in the construction industry. With the latest regulations, at least 10% of the energy to be consumed in new buildings of 2,000 m² and above must be provided from renewable sources in order to obtain a license.

These regulations make it imperative that projects not only provide energy efficiency but also be supported by renewable energy solutions. The regulation does not strictly limit which technologies must be used, different alternatives can be considered to meet this rate.

The most common solutions that can be used to meet the NSEB requirement are;

• Rooftop solar panels
• Heat pump systems
• Energy storage solutions

In addition to these, innovative applications such as Carport SPP and BIPV systems are among the options that comply with the legislation.

As a result, the NSEB regulation directs construction firms to collaborate with reliable and certified energy companies to make their projects more sustainable. This paves the way for transformation in the sector both environmentally and economically.

CW Energy Solutions in Near-Zero Energy Building Applications

CW Enerji, one of the leading brands in the renewable energy sector in Turkey, offers reliable solar energy solutions to construction companies in the new period that started with NSEB.

The advantages of CW Enerji in Almost Zero Energy Building applications can be listed as follows;

• Wide product range: It gathers different needs under one roof, from rooftop SPP, Carport SPP, BIPV and rooftop integrated systems to lithium battery and heat pump systems.
• Domestic production power: It provides quality, trust and supply continuity to projects by producing many components such as solar panels, panel cells, lithium batteries and aluminum mounting systems locally in fully integrated facilities in Antalya.
• Quality and Certification: All products are produced in accordance with international testing standards and are backed by a long-lasting performance guarantee.
• Project Design and Engineering Support: The experienced engineering team offers turnkey solutions that comply with regulations at every step from the project stage to commissioning.
• Wide Reference Network: It has proven its reliability with projects completed in thousands of residences, industrial facilities and commercial buildings all over Turkey.
• Sustainability Vision: In line with the 2053 net zero emission target, it develops solutions that meet not only today's needs but also the needs of the future.

In short, CW Enerji makes renewable energy investments required under NSEB not only a regulatory requirement, but also an investment that ensures long-term efficiency and reliability.

Meet CW Enerji's reliable solutions to implement your projects in accordance with NSEB criteria and ensure long-term energy efficiency.