Renovation is important, especially when heating costs rise. It is better to use wood or steel, not plastic foam. These are ultimately cheaper and more durable.
Kadri-Ann Kertsmik is researching how to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings. She says that materials play a big role. For example, EPS (expanded polystyrene) may not last long.
In Mustamäe, some houses have already replaced insulation because it did not last. The EPS layer can fall off and even damage the entire plaster. This is dangerous and costly.
Factory-made renovation is better. For this, wood or cement boards are used. They last longer and are easier to maintain. A cement board lasts 50 years.
The use of EPS is harmful to the environment. When it is removed, it cannot be reused. In the case of factory-made renovation, old materials can be more easily recycled.
If you consider 30 years, factory-made renovation turns out to be cheaper in the end. At first it seems more expensive, but in the long run it is a wise choice.
Tartu's goal is to become climate neutral by 2040. Kertsmik researched how to achieve this. Buildings make up a large part of the city's carbon footprint.
Renovation helps reduce the carbon footprint. But achieving climate neutrality requires much more energy. For example, a large power plant would be needed.
Renovation is good, but behind the slogans there must be real actions. Kertsmik recommends being critical and looking at the big picture.