Assessing Energy Efficiency Practices in Turkey's Building Sector: A Systematic Literature Review

Energy efficiency in buildings has become a critical focus area in addressing global energy challenges, particularly in countries like Turkey, where the building sector accounts for a significant portion of energy consumption. This study presents a systematic literature review (SLR) on energy efficiency practices in buildings in Turkey, specifically focusing on existing policies, regulations, and strategies. The review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of energy efficiency in the Turkish building sector, identify gaps in implementation, and highlight opportunities for improvement. The research methodology involved a structured search of academic databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, and TR Dizin, using carefully designed search criteria. Keywords such as "energy efficiency," "buildings," "Turkey," and "regulations" were combined with Boolean operators to ensure a targeted and relevant dataset. Studies addressing energy efficiency policies, standards, and practices in Turkey were included, while those unrelated to the building sector or focusing on non-relevant topics (e.g., food or animal-related energy studies) were excluded. The final dataset was analysed to identify key themes, including regulatory frameworks, energy performance certificates, green building certifications, and innovative design strategies. Preliminary findings reveal that while Turkey has made significant progress in implementing energy efficiency regulations, such as the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) system and mandatory building codes, challenges remain in enforcement, public awareness, and integration of renewable energy technologies. The study also highlights the need for region-specific strategies, financial incentives, and stakeholder collaboration to enhance energy efficiency in both new and existing buildings. This review contributes to the knowledge of sustainable building practices in Turkey and provides valuable insights for architects, policymakers, and researchers aiming to advance energy efficiency in the built environment. The findings will serve as a foundation for future research and policy development in this critical area. Keywords: Energy efficiency, buildings, Turkey, regulations, sustainable architecture, energy performance.