How Uzbekistan Is Embracing Sustainable Construction

The shift from conventional to sustainable and digital construction is no longer a passing trend — it’s a strategic transformation that many countries, including Uzbekistan, are actively navigating. Olga Titovets, CTO of the European office of PMtech Group, shares her insights on which technologies are becoming essential, why BIM is no longer optional, and how the role of women in engineering is evolving.

Design Technology as a Driver of Sustainability

Uzbekistan’s construction sector is increasingly in need of integrated and sustainable solutions. This is driven not only by the growing scale of urban development but also by the need to address environmental risks, seismic vulnerability, and regional climate conditions.

In this context, design approaches rooted in energy efficiency, international certification, and building information modelling (BIM) are gaining importance. These technologies reduce errors, lower costs, and improve quality — not only during construction, but throughout the building’s operational life.

PMtech Group, a technology-driven European design firm, acts as a consultant on such projects and is helping to implement these practices internationally. It’s experience that could be valuable to Uzbekistan as it transitions to higher standards of sustainability and technology in construction.

Green Architecture in Uzbekistan: Just the Beginning

To date, only a handful of buildings in Uzbekistan hold international green certifications — examples include Trilliant Park and the NUR residential complex. But this is just the beginning. The country has already set a clear course for sustainable construction, which is reflected in its regulations. Environmental requirements are being introduced, and the carbon footprint of building materials is being reduced.

Some financial institutions in Uzbekistan have started factoring in environmental criteria when lending to developers. To qualify for subsidies or concessional loans, developers must now demonstrate compliance with sustainability standards. This is consistent with global practice. Every country, sooner or later, moves towards green construction — and once the shift begins, it’s irreversible. In this sense, Uzbekistan is aligning itself with international trends.

Why Green Buildings Make Financial Sense

There’s a common perception that green buildings are more expensive to construct — and it’s true. But they are far more efficient to operate. Energy-efficient systems help reduce electricity and water consumption, which directly lowers monthly costs for residents or tenants, especially in commercial properties such as office centres, warehouses, or shopping malls. Modern climate control systems, air purification, and water recycling all contribute to comfort and long-term savings.

Yes, it requires investment during the construction phase. But every such investment has a payback period. Today, buyers can clearly see when those investments will deliver returns. From our perspective, it’s a rational and financially sound choice that also provides a significantly higher standard of living and working environments.

Challenges and Opportunities in Uzbekistan’s Construction Sector

As construction becomes more complex, the demand for qualified professionals — both among designers and contractors — increases. New standards, environmental regulations, and digital design processes require a different level of expertise than what was common even a few years ago.

In Uzbekistan, we’re seeing a growing interest in companies that are not only experienced but also technologically ready — those using BIM, offering energy-efficient solutions, and addressing engineering risks from the earliest stages of a project. These capabilities are becoming key criteria in choosing partners, particularly for complex or multi-functional developments.

This creates opportunities for both local firms willing to invest in their development and international players with experience in comparable environments.

BIM Is Not a Trend — It’s a Necessity

Among the most in-demand technologies in construction today is BIM — Building Information Modelling. It allows all essential data to be integrated into a digital model: from engineering systems to material delivery schedules. It’s a tool that enhances both the construction process and the long-term management of a building.

Thanks to BIM, facility managers can track when maintenance is due, where replacements are needed, and how to optimise energy use. It’s a universal tool, widely adopted across Europe, Asia and the Americas — and Uzbekistan is no exception. BIM is gaining traction here too.

Women in Construction: Becoming the Norm

When we developed our entry strategy for Uzbekistan, we did wonder how a woman representing an engineering company would be received. I’m pleased to say we encountered nothing but professionalism and openness. I’ve seen many women not only in the business community generally, but also within the construction sector specifically. I personally have never felt that being a woman was a barrier — and that’s a very positive sign.

At PMtech Group, we have an informal policy: for important negotiations, we send a duo — a man and a woman. We approach conversations differently, place emphasis differently, and solve problems differently. That balance strengthens the team.

In sustainable construction, it’s not just about materials or technology — it’s also about how we treat people. And that, too, must be sustainable.