Building Energy Performance Regulation, Energy Poverty, and Health: Evidence from Türkiye

This study examines the association between Türkiye's Building Energy Performance Regulation (BEPR) and self-rated health, focusing on energy poverty as a potential transmission mechanism. Using nationally representative data from the 2006–2023 Turkish Income and Living Conditions Survey, we employ DID-based models that combine the timing of national BEPR implementation with differential pre-policy exposure to insulation-related heating vulnerability. The baseline difference in differences (DID) estimates BEPR-related differential changes over time, propensity score matching (PSM)-DID improves treatment–control comparability, and instrumental variable (IV)-DID is used as a complementary robustness check for potential endogeneity in exposure assignment. Mediation analysis examines four potential energy poverty channels: delayed utility bill payments, damp or deteriorated dwelling conditions, inadequate home heating, and high household energy expenditure burden. Moderation analysis investigates whether the BEPR-related health association varies by income, housing conditions, education, and age.The results suggest that BEPR exposure is positively associated with self-rated health. This association appears to operate mainly through improved indoor environmental conditions, particularly reductions in inadequate heating, dampness, and deteriorated housing. In contrast, the results do not show significant reductions in utility bill payment delays or high energy expenditure burden, suggesting that energy-related financial stress may persist despite improvements in housing quality. The BEPR-related association varies across income, housing, and regional groups, indicating that household resources and pre-existing housing conditions may shape how building performance regulation translates into health-related welfare. Overall, the findings suggest that BEPR may improve health-related welfare by reducing housing-related dimensions of energy poverty; however, complementary financial and implementation-oriented policies are needed to ensure more equitable gains.