To address air pollution in Mongolia, it is imperative to mitigate heat loss in residential homes within ger district communities. The "SOAP Project," executed from 2018 to 2022, witnessed the implementation of energy-efficient insulation solutions in 1,546 households, resulting in a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 3,556 tons. Following its success, the "SOAP " project, was launched in December 2022. The "SOAP II" project aims to insulate 5,900 households, empower 160 SME entrepreneurs, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 17,700 tons over a four-year duration. In our interview, we discussed with J. Unurbayar, the insulation advisor of the "SOAP 2" about SOAP II project and insulation methods.
- Can you please introduce yourself to our readers at the beginning of the interview?
- My name is J. Unurbayar. I have 15 years of experience in the construction industry. Currently, I am working as an insulation advisor for the SOAP 2 project and running a building company since 2021.
- Where does heat loss typically occur in Mongolian detached houses? What are the primary causes
- Heat loss is common due to various factors, such as wrong choices or inadequate insulation materials. When building a house, Mongolian people tend to focus solely on the structure, roof, windows, and doors of their homes, while neglecting the importance of insulation. This is especially problematic for houses constructed with bricks, wood, and blocks, which require proper insulation to prevent issues such as dampness, rapid cooling (even with heating appliances running), excessive electricity consumption, and condensation on walls and windows. These problems not only affect thermal comfort but also pose health risks due to the growth of mold and mildew. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize insulation during the construction or renovation of homes to ensure a comfortable and healthy living environment.
- Could you introduce the SOAP II project t our readers?
- Certainly. The "SOAP 2" project, initiated in 2022, aims to combat air pollution by insulating private homes in Ulaanbaatar's Ger neighborhood, thereby reducing heat loss. This project is a continuation of the successful efforts of its predecessor, the "SOAP Project," which commenced in 2018 and is scheduled for completion by 2026. Financial support for the project is provided by esteemed organizations such as the European Union's Switch-Asia program, the Abbe Pierre Foundation, the GAGGA Fund, and the French Development Agency. However, the project's implementation is a collaborative effort involving Geres International NGO, the Building Energy Efficiency Center under MUST, the Mongolian National Construction Association NGO, the Mongolian Women's Fund, and the Mongolia Green Finance Corporation. In addition to my primary role, I contribute as an energy insulation consultant for the "SOAP II” project. Since joining, I've assessed over 100 households and successfully insulated more than 70 homes.
- How many types of insulation does the "SOAP II" project offer?
- Within the scope of our project, we provide various insulation solutions including roof, attic insulation, wall insulation, window improvements, foundation insulation, optional floor insulation, and full insulation. We also offer comprehensive home insulation packages tailored to individual needs.
- Can you provide more details about the insulation materials that were used in the project?
- Certainly. Our insulation technologies adhere to standards set by the Building Energy Efficiency Center under MUST. For instance, we utilize materials such as mineral wool, stone wool, and sheep's wool for roof attic insulation. We use mineral wool material for wall insulation, with ventilation, and a protective metal facade on the outside. Window improvements use thermally efficient triple-glazed windows. Base insulation finish options include color designs, while floor insulation materials range from linoleum and parque. Mineral wool insulation, comprising 98% mineral content, effectively traps air in its porous structure, making it an excellent heat and sound insulator. Stone wool, derived from volcanic rock, serves similar purposes and is widely used in building insulation.
- How does the diagnostic process work to identify areas of heat loss in homes?
- Insulation advisors often encounter homes with inadequate insulation, prompting the need for thorough technical assessments. In cases where homeowners claim to have insulation yet experience heat loss, thermal cameras are employed during winter to detect temperature discrepancies. A significant difference of 15 degrees or more between interior and exterior temperatures indicates substantial heat loss. Additionally, manual technical assessments are conducted to measure heat loss and provide cost estimates for suitable insulation products. As part of my responsibilities, I conduct technical assessment to determine heat loss levels and propose insulation solutions tailored to each household's unique requirements. Trained insulation teams, overseen by the Mongolian National Construction Association NGO, execute the insulation work. Upon completion, households receive energy efficiency certification from energy auditors.
- Is it possible for people to apply for green loans to insulate their houses?
- Absolutely. It is indeed possible to obtain green loans from banks that are collaborating with SOAP II projects such as Khan Bank, Xac Bank, State Bank, and Bogd Bank. For instance, Khan Bank offers loans of up to 20 million MNT over 30 months at an annual interest rate of 14.4%. Similarly, Khac Bank provides loans of up to 50 million MNT at an annual interest rate of 16.8%, while State Bank offers loans of up to 15 million MNT with annual interest rates ranging from 12% to 14.4%. To be eligible, you typically need a stable employment history and a clean credit record. Furthermore, loans with discounted interest are available from Non-Banking Financial Institutions (NBFIs) such as GSB Capital, Visionfund Mongolia, and Transcapital.
- How can interested individuals get in touch with SOAP II project?
- Individuals can order a technical assessment by contacting us at 7505-2000 or Dulaan Shiidel page’s chat. Following the order, our insulation advisors will assess heat loss of the house and provide a customized price offer .
To address air pollution in Mongolia, it is imperative to mitigate heat loss in residential homes within ger district communities. The "SOAP Project," executed from 2018 to 2022, witnessed the implementation of energy-efficient insulation solutions in 1,546 households, resulting in a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 3,556 tons. Following its success, the "SOAP " project, was launched in December 2022. The "SOAP II" project aims to insulate 5,900 households, empower 160 SME entrepreneurs, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 17,700 tons over a four-year duration. In our interview, we discussed with J. Unurbayar, the insulation advisor of the "SOAP 2" about SOAP II project and insulation methods.
- Can you please introduce yourself to our readers at the beginning of the interview?
- My name is J. Unurbayar. I have 15 years of experience in the construction industry. Currently, I am working as an insulation advisor for the SOAP 2 project and running a building company since 2021.
- Where does heat loss typically occur in Mongolian detached houses? What are the primary causes
- Heat loss is common due to various factors, such as wrong choices or inadequate insulation materials. When building a house, Mongolian people tend to focus solely on the structure, roof, windows, and doors of their homes, while neglecting the importance of insulation. This is especially problematic for houses constructed with bricks, wood, and blocks, which require proper insulation to prevent issues such as dampness, rapid cooling (even with heating appliances running), excessive electricity consumption, and condensation on walls and windows. These problems not only affect thermal comfort but also pose health risks due to the growth of mold and mildew. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize insulation during the construction or renovation of homes to ensure a comfortable and healthy living environment.
- Could you introduce the SOAP II project t our readers?
- Certainly. The "SOAP 2" project, initiated in 2022, aims to combat air pollution by insulating private homes in Ulaanbaatar's Ger neighborhood, thereby reducing heat loss. This project is a continuation of the successful efforts of its predecessor, the "SOAP Project," which commenced in 2018 and is scheduled for completion by 2026. Financial support for the project is provided by esteemed organizations such as the European Union's Switch-Asia program, the Abbe Pierre Foundation, the GAGGA Fund, and the French Development Agency. However, the project's implementation is a collaborative effort involving Geres International NGO, the Building Energy Efficiency Center under MUST, the Mongolian National Construction Association NGO, the Mongolian Women's Fund, and the Mongolia Green Finance Corporation. In addition to my primary role, I contribute as an energy insulation consultant for the "SOAP II” project. Since joining, I've assessed over 100 households and successfully insulated more than 70 homes.
- How many types of insulation does the "SOAP II" project offer?
- Within the scope of our project, we provide various insulation solutions including roof, attic insulation, wall insulation, window improvements, foundation insulation, optional floor insulation, and full insulation. We also offer comprehensive home insulation packages tailored to individual needs.
- Can you provide more details about the insulation materials that were used in the project?
- Certainly. Our insulation technologies adhere to standards set by the Building Energy Efficiency Center under MUST. For instance, we utilize materials such as mineral wool, stone wool, and sheep's wool for roof attic insulation. We use mineral wool material for wall insulation, with ventilation, and a protective metal facade on the outside. Window improvements use thermally efficient triple-glazed windows. Base insulation finish options include color designs, while floor insulation materials range from linoleum and parque. Mineral wool insulation, comprising 98% mineral content, effectively traps air in its porous structure, making it an excellent heat and sound insulator. Stone wool, derived from volcanic rock, serves similar purposes and is widely used in building insulation.
- How does the diagnostic process work to identify areas of heat loss in homes?
- Insulation advisors often encounter homes with inadequate insulation, prompting the need for thorough technical assessments. In cases where homeowners claim to have insulation yet experience heat loss, thermal cameras are employed during winter to detect temperature discrepancies. A significant difference of 15 degrees or more between interior and exterior temperatures indicates substantial heat loss. Additionally, manual technical assessments are conducted to measure heat loss and provide cost estimates for suitable insulation products. As part of my responsibilities, I conduct technical assessment to determine heat loss levels and propose insulation solutions tailored to each household's unique requirements. Trained insulation teams, overseen by the Mongolian National Construction Association NGO, execute the insulation work. Upon completion, households receive energy efficiency certification from energy auditors.
- Is it possible for people to apply for green loans to insulate their houses?
- Absolutely. It is indeed possible to obtain green loans from banks that are collaborating with SOAP II projects such as Khan Bank, Xac Bank, State Bank, and Bogd Bank. For instance, Khan Bank offers loans of up to 20 million MNT over 30 months at an annual interest rate of 14.4%. Similarly, Khac Bank provides loans of up to 50 million MNT at an annual interest rate of 16.8%, while State Bank offers loans of up to 15 million MNT with annual interest rates ranging from 12% to 14.4%. To be eligible, you typically need a stable employment history and a clean credit record. Furthermore, loans with discounted interest are available from Non-Banking Financial Institutions (NBFIs) such as GSB Capital, Visionfund Mongolia, and Transcapital.
- How can interested individuals get in touch with SOAP II project?
- Individuals can order a technical assessment by contacting us at 7505-2000 or Dulaan Shiidel page’s chat. Following the order, our insulation advisors will assess heat loss of the house and provide a customized price offer .