New ADBI Report Highlights Urgent Need for Home Insulation in Central Asia
A recent working paper published by the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) titled “House Insulation: Perceived Needs and Willingness in Central Asia” sheds light on the critical issue of home insulation in the region. Authored by Burulcha Sulaimanova, Dina Azhgaliyeva, and Hans Holzhacker, the report analyses the readiness of households to insulate their houses, which is important for energy-efficient practices among households, particularly in light of rising energy consumption and reliance on outdated heating systems in Central Asia. The paper is based on data from the CAREC Institute/ADBI/Public Opinion Research Institute (PORI) project on household energy use in the Fergana Valley – financed by the Asian Development Bank. (https://lnkd.in/dQu_ZsYq)
The data shows that urban residents are less likely to insulate their homes compared to those in rural areas, highlighting a disparity that could exacerbate energy inefficiencies. Older household heads are less likely to undertake insulation measures, while construction materials and heating sources significantly influence insulation decisions. The energy-saving behavior index developed in the paper suggests that promoting energy-saving behaviors could lead to a broader acceptance of insulation practices, ultimately enhancing energy efficiency across the region.
The findings of this report are particularly relevant as Central Asia grapples with high energy consumption rates and a growing population. The Kyrgyz Republic, for instance, has seen its residential energy consumption quadruple between 2010 and 2019, with many homes constructed before 1980 lacking modern energy efficiency standards. The authors argue that improving insulation not only contributes to energy savings but also plays a vital role in reducing reliance on dirty fuels, thereby supporting the region’s decarbonization efforts.