A Field Survey of Traditional Nomadic Dwelling Gers Used as Urban Habitats in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

In Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, 30% of households in urban settlements live in traditional mobile dwellings—gers. This study outlines urban gers based on a field survey of 49 households. The authors analyse space heating and thermal characteristics of ger envelopes, which are essential factors for the emission of air pollutants during winters. The results suggest the necessity of urgent policy implementation of the change of coal stoves to other appliances with better energy performance and lower pollutant emissions. Further, there is a need for new, customised methods to improve the thermal insulation of gers, based on local economy and needs.