Imagine staying warm during the harsh winter and cool during the summer—while significantly reducing your heating and cooling expenses. With the “Switch Off Air Pollution in Mongolian Cities” project, this has become a reality for many families.

Funded by the SWITCH-Asia program of the European Union, “Switch Off Air Pollution in Mongolian Cities” initiative has brought meaningful improvements to households across Mongolia. Between 2018 and 2022, the project provided insulation for 1,546 homes, helping to prevent the use of 2,411 tons of fuel and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 3,556 tons.

In recognition of its impact, the project was awarded “Best Business Case for Financing Sustainable Consumption and Production” by the EU’s SWITCH-Asia Programme in 2021.

By upgrading heating systems and installing proper insulation, households have been able to reduce fuel consumption by 30% to 50%—creating warmer, more comfortable living environments while lowering energy costs.

Testimonial from Ya. Purev, a beneficiary of the "SOAP" project

“Before we got insulation, our home used to be extremely cold in the winter, and we were spending a lot on both fuel and electricity. That’s what made us decide to get proper insulation. 

Now, our home is much warmer and our electricity bills have gone down significantly. We used to pay about ₮400,000 per month, but after the insulation, that dropped to ₮180,000. On top of that, we’ve seen many benefits. Our coal usage has been cut by half, and there are no more drafts coming through the doors or windows. 

Before, during winter, if our child walked barefoot even for a moment, they would immediately catch a cold. We used to light the stove twice a day—morning and evening. But now, we only need to light it once in the morning, and it stays warm all day. 

In the past, we tried to insulate on our own, guessing where the heat might be escaping. But once we had trained people to assess the house and identify the exact sources of heat loss, we were able to insulate just those areas, which was also much more cost-effective.”

"Based on the insulation consultant’s advice that our house was losing heat through the roof, walls, and foundation, we decided to insulate those specific areas. Our house used to have a lot of problems—cracks, drafts, and gaps. But now, we’ve realized that when insulation is done properly, it can keep your home warm for a lifetime."

In the first phase of the "Switch Off Air Pollution in Mongolian cities" project, 1,546 households benefited from improved insulation, saving on electricity and fuel costs while making a healthier, more sustainable choice for their future. 

But the impact didn’t stop there. Under the same project, the "Easy Solution" initiative was also successfully implemented. From 2018 to 2022, a total of 1,429 households took part in this campaign, which focused on teaching simple, do-it-yourself insulation techniques using readily available materials.

As a result, participating families were able to reduce their energy consumption by an average of 16%, creating positive outcomes not only for their budgets but also for the environment.

Simple, affordable, and effective—these solutions are a great first step toward meaningful change.

Of course, the most effective approach is to insulate your home from the start—before it’s too late. However, there are also warning signs that indicate your home may urgently need a “Insulation by SOAP” If you notice any of the following issues, don’t wait to take action:

• Condensation on windows and walls – When warm, moist indoor air comes into contact with cold surfaces like windows or walls, condensation forms. This is often caused by poor insulation and, over time, can lead to mold growth and deterioration of building materials.
• Your home gets cold again just 2–3 hours after the fire dies down
• The air feels damp even when you haven’t been cooking
• You’re consistently paying high electricity and fuel bills

These signs mean your home is losing heat—and money. Timely insulation can help protect your health, comfort, and finances.

As part of the ongoing “SOAP II” project (2022–2026), the goal is to facilitate green loans for 1,000 households and implement cost-saving insulation solutions in 5,900 homes. We believe that you could be the next beneficiary of this impactful initiative.

A warm and welcoming home when you open the door, and clear skies without the haze of smoke outside your window—insulation is a key to a peaceful and comfortable life. After all, a warm, cozy atmosphere at home is often the foundation of a truly warm and happy family life.

The “SOAP II” project is jointly implemented by the Geres International NGO, Building Energy Efficiency Center of MUST, the Mongolian National Construction Association NGO, the Mongolian Women’s Fund, and the Mongolia Green Finance Corporation. Financing for the project is provided by the European Union’s SWITCH-Asia program, Abbe Pierre Foundation, GAGGA Fund, and the French Development Agency.

Source: Дулаан шийдэл төсөл