Shaping A Sustainable Tomorrow: HPBS’s Zavaleeva Insights on Green Construction in Uzbekistan
The first Uzbekistan Green Building Forum, held from November 6 to 8, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Tashkent, was a turning point in Uzbekistan’s transition to sustainable building practices. Leading experts, investors, and government representatives gathered to explore the adoption of international green standards and sustainable construction solutions.
Economic advantages of green building
As highlighted by Anna Zavaleeva, Director at the Centre for Research and Environmental Engineering (HPBS), the economic benefits of green construction were at the forefront of the discussions. Green buildings, which consume 25% less energy, 11% less water, and have 19% lower operating costs, offer substantial financial returns. These buildings also result in 27% higher tenant satisfaction and a 34% smaller carbon footprint, demonstrating that green practices are not just beneficial for the environment but also profitability.
Zavaleeva also discussed the importance of green certifications for driving investments. In Uzbekistan, over 40 projects are currently pursuing green certifications, underscoring a significant shift towards sustainable construction. With new international financing requirements in 2024, sustainability has become a crucial criterion for funding, pushing more projects to embrace green standards.
The role of education in green construction
Beyond financial aspects, Zavaleeva emphasized the importance of aligning education and training with industry needs. She argued that green construction education should start early in technical fields, such as architecture, construction, and energy engineering. Introducing sustainable development principles as early as the third year in these programs would help create a workforce equipped with the necessary skills to meet global climate goals.
She pointed out that the lack of local teams skilled in green construction is a pressing issue in Uzbekistan. Many projects are still reliant on international project teams due to the shortage of local expertise. To address this, there is a need to invest in fundamental educational programs, which would bridge these gaps by equipping students with both technical skills and project management competencies, essential for the successful implementation of green projects.
Industry standards and certification
Zavaleeva also touched on the role of industry standards and certification systems, such as EDGE, LEED, BREEAM, and WELL, in ensuring high-quality construction. These standards, which anticipate future market demands, are critical for maintaining high industry standards and ensuring that sustainable technologies are incorporated into building designs.
By adopting these standards, Uzbekistan can ensure that its green building sector remains competitive and forward-thinking.
Government’s role in green construction
A crucial point raised was the role of government leadership in promoting green building practices. Zavaleeva cited the example of the U.S., where LEED certification for government buildings became mandatory. In Washington, D.C., the city itself was even certified under green standards.
She called for similar initiatives in Uzbekistan, with government buildings and state projects leading by example.
Collaborative efforts across sectors
In her address, she stressed the importance of collaborative efforts between government bodies, businesses, and educational institutions to foster a thriving ecosystem for green building education. As she pointed out, green standards advocate for a holistic construction approach, where healthier cities are not just a goal but a responsibility for all stakeholders.
Given that people spend 90% of their time indoors, it is crucial to integrate health and sustainability in building designs, ensuring that the entire built environment supports the well-being of the population.
Raising public awareness
To promote green construction, Zavaleeva emphasized the importance of awareness campaigns that effectively engage both the public and developers. Drawing from her own experience in conducting awareness campaigns, she shared that successful outreach happens when businesses with a clear understanding of the benefits of certification share their knowledge with others. These campaigns should be interactive, encouraging discussions between those with experience and those eager to learn.
The forums, she noted, attract a high attendance rate in Uzbekistan compared to other countries, showing a strong interest in sustainable building practices. Following these awareness events, participants often engage in in-depth training on EDGE certification — an international standard for green buildings — preparing them to become certified EDGE experts. So far, Zavaleeva’s team has trained over 70 specialists in Uzbekistan and Mongolia, a significant achievement for the region.
The 1st Uzbekistan Green Building Forum demonstrated not only the economic and environmental benefits of green building but also underscored the importance of education, government support, and collaborative efforts across all sectors. By focusing on training the workforce, ensuring high standards through certifications, and leading by example, Uzbekistan is poised to become a leader in green construction in Central Asia.
