What does the rule say?
According to information reported in the news, with an amendment to the Building Energy Performance (BEP) Regulation by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, the minimum share of energy demand that must be met from renewable sources in new buildings with a total usable area above 2,000 m² was raised from 5% to 10%, and it began to be applied as of 2025. In the news, solar panels and heat pumps are cited as examples of these systems (DHA).
For the scope, exceptions and calculation method, the current text of the regulation and the assessment of an energy performance certificate (EKB) specialist should be taken as the basis. This article is for general information only.
How does a heat pump contribute to this requirement?
A heat pump draws most of the energy needed for heating from the outdoor air, the ground or water; electricity is used only to move that heat. For this reason, the environmental portion of the heat a heat pump provides can be evaluated as renewable energy. In practice, the following combinations stand out in projects:
- Central air-to-water heat pump + underfloor heating: high efficiency with low water temperature in residential projects.
- Heat pump + solar panel: part of the heat pump's electricity is also generated on site.
- Apartment-type heat pumps: a separate unit and meter in each independent unit.
- VRF heat pump systems: heating and cooling in a single system for commercial and office buildings: VRF air conditioner.
- Heat pump water heater for hot water: produces domestic hot water efficiently.
Checklist for contractors and project designers
- Have the heat loss and heat gain calculation done at an early stage; the unit capacity is selected accordingly.
- Allocate the location of the outdoor units (roof, terrace, ground) in the architectural project; observe noise and airflow rules.
- Plan the electrical infrastructure according to the heat pump's power.
- Design the heating installation to operate at low temperature (underfloor heating or suitable radiators).
- Prepare the unit data to be used in the EKB calculation (SCOP, capacity) with manufacturer documents.
- Include the commissioning and first-year maintenance plan in the specification.
The right heat pump solution for your project
Tell us the project area, the number of independent units and your heating system preference, and we will prepare a system recommendation and a quote.
At YOİ Mühendislik, we provide heat pump, VRF and central system selection, design support, installation and commissioning on residential and commercial projects. We are an authorized service for LG Therma V and LG Multi V products. Details: engineering consulting, heat pump.
Frequently asked questions
Which buildings does the 10% renewable energy requirement cover?
According to news reports, it covers new buildings with a total usable area above 2,000 m². For the exact scope, the current text of the regulation should be consulted.
Is a heat pump counted as renewable energy?
In news reports, heat pumps are cited, along with solar panels, as examples of renewable energy systems. Its contribution to the calculation is determined by the energy performance certificate (EKB) specialist.
Do existing buildings also have to comply with this requirement?
The regulation is being discussed for new buildings. For major renovations of existing buildings, the relevant provisions of the regulation should be checked.
Solar panels or a heat pump?
In most projects, using them together gives the best result: the heat pump heats efficiently, and the panels produce part of the electricity.