Environmental Impact of a Yurt: Carbon Footprint and Energy Efficiency
The yurt, traditionally used by nomadic peoples, is gaining popularity as an eco-friendly and energy-efficient alternative to conventional homes. Its intelligent design and minimal use of materials reduce its environmental impact while significantly lowering energy consumption for heating and cooling.
Carbon Footprint in Yurt Construction
Wooden Structure
The frame of a 6-meter-diameter yurt is typically made from softwoods such as pine, spruce, or eucalyptus. Its construction requires approximately 0.5–1 m³ of wood. Producing 1 m³ of wood emits 50–100 kg of CO₂, meaning the total carbon footprint of the yurt’s wooden structure is 25–100 kg of CO₂.
Comparison with conventional materials:
- Producing 1 ton of cement: 900 kg of CO₂.
- Producing 1 m³ of bricks: 250–300 kg of CO₂.
- Producing 1 m³ of concrete: 150–200 kg of CO₂.
A yurt requires significantly less wood than a traditional wooden-frame house and does not use cement or bricks, making it a much more sustainable construction option.
PVC Exterior Covering
Modern yurts use PVC covers to protect against wind and rain. A 6-meter-diameter yurt requires approximately 35 m² of PVC, which weighs around 22.75 kg. Producing 1 kg of PVC generates 2–3 kg of CO₂, meaning the total carbon footprint of the PVC covering is 45–68 kg of CO₂.
Alternative materials to PVC:
- Polyester with PU coating: more eco-friendly but less durable.
- Technical cotton with waterproof treatments: a natural material requiring maintenance.
- Advanced membranes (such as ETFE): eco-friendly but costly.
Thermal Insulation
Modern yurts can be insulated with different materials. A 6-meter yurt requires approximately 60 m² of insulation, weighing 30 kg. Producing 1 kg of synthetic insulation emits 1.5 kg of CO₂, meaning the total carbon footprint of the insulation is 45 kg of CO₂.
Insulation options:
- Sheep wool felt: a natural material but requires maintenance.
- Aluminized membranes: reflective materials that help regulate temperature and prevent overheating.
Total Carbon Footprint of a Yurt’s Construction
Adding up emissions from key materials, the construction of a 6-meter yurt generates approximately 115–213 kg of CO₂.
Comparison with conventional homes:
- A similarly sized wooden-frame house emits 1–2 tons of CO₂.
- A brick house emits 5–10 tons of CO₂.
A yurt produces up to 10 times fewer CO₂ emissions than a brick house and up to 5 times fewer than a conventional wooden-frame house.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in a Yurt
Heating Efficiency
The round shape of a yurt allows it to retain heat more effectively in winter. Unlike a square-shaped house, where heat escapes through corners and walls, the yurt distributes warmth evenly.
Yurts require 50-70% less energy for heating compared to conventional houses. A 30 m² house needs 10–12 kWh per day to stay warm in winter, whereas a yurt of the same size requires only 3–5 kWh per day.
Key factors for thermal efficiency:
- The round shape reduces heat loss.
- The structure ensures even heat distribution.
- The use of traditional stoves, bioethanol heaters, or infrared heating options.
Natural Cooling in Summer
Yurts are designed to withstand extreme conditions while maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures, even in hot climates.
Why yurts don’t overheat:
- The central opening (toono) allows hot air to escape.
- Side walls can be lifted to improve airflow.
- Reflective insulation reduces heat absorption by 30–40%.
In desert regions such as Mongolia and Kazakhstan, yurts remain comfortable even when outdoor temperatures reach +40°C.
Durability and Recycling
Yurts are designed to last for decades with proper maintenance.
- The wooden frame can last 30+ years.
- The PVC cover needs replacement every 8–10 years.
- Natural materials like wool insulation decompose naturally and do not pollute the environment.
Yurts can be disassembled and relocated, minimizing construction waste and allowing reuse in different locations.
Conclusion
Yurts require 5 to 10 times fewer resources for construction than traditional homes. During use, they consume 50-70% less energy for heating, making them one of the most sustainable and environmentally friendly housing options.
Key benefits of a yurt:
- Significantly reduced carbon footprint in construction.
- High energy efficiency through natural insulation and ventilation.
- Durability and ability to be reused without generating waste.
Adaptability to different climates, reducing artificial energy needs.
