IMSAD Chairman Tayfun Küçükoğlu Makes Statements

Türkiye İnşaat Malzemesi Sanayicileri Derneği (Türkiye İMSAD) Board Chairman Tayfun Küçükoğlu made statements on the occasion of "Energy Efficiency Week," 8–14 January. Emphasizing growing global demand for green buildings and sustainable materials, Küçükoğlu said, "We must prioritize developing environmentally friendly innovative materials by focusing on sustainable structures. Today, construction materials can be produced by recycling industrial waste. Innovation work that brings together R&D efforts from different sectors can yield effective results. As the trend toward smart cities and environmentally friendly buildings accelerates, we act with the awareness that our responsibility as construction materials manufacturers has increased further."

"We must use energy efficiently for a healthy world"

Stating that climate change is a global problem affecting not only our country but the entire world, Küçükoğlu said, "Although the term climate change makes it feel like we are talking about an uncertain distant future, we no longer have time to waste. We have already begun to experience what we now call the 'future.' Global warming is already beginning to affect our daily lives through its many negative impacts, from changing climate and causing enough rainfall to bring flooding disasters in summer months to creating water scarcity signals in winter. In light of this, today when the trend toward energy-efficient, environmentally friendly buildings is accelerating, it is of great importance that we construct our buildings with sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. Through this awareness, we can make significant contributions to both household budgets and our economy. At the same time, we must use energy efficiently in order to leave a healthier world for future generations." [caption id="attachment_158989" align="aligncenter"] Türkiye İMSAD Board Chairman Tayfun Küçükoğlu[/caption]

"The global climate crisis makes efficiency imperative in our cities"

Stating that energy efficiency in existing buildings in Turkey must become widespread rapidly, Küçükoğlu continued, "Rising energy costs worldwide show that both producers and consumers must become more conscious. Because the global climate crisis makes efficiency in our cities imperative for our energy sources to be sustainable. We are obliged to use energy efficiently in order to reduce energy consumption in the buildings we inhabit and to leave healthier cities with a higher quality of life for future generations. In both today's and tomorrow's cities, energy, water, waste, and time efficiency rank among the most critical issues. Measures for environmental protection play an important role in building a sustainable future for us."

"Through efficient energy use, we can reduce our current account deficit"

Noting that energy efficiency achieved in existing buildings as well as new ones could also reduce the country's current account deficit, Küçükoğlu said, "Through energy efficiency applications that quickly offset what appears to be high investment costs, we can prevent energy waste in our industrial facilities and buildings for many years. With our technological capabilities and production capacity today, we can build not just zero-energy buildings as prominent in Europe, but buildings that do not consume energy but actually produce it. We have the necessary capabilities both with our renewable energy sources and with our ability to design such projects. I believe that without delay, we will take the necessary steps to use our resources in the most efficient way according to our needs."