New project on energy efficient design and construction of residential buildings to be launched in Kazakhstan

ASTANA. February 15. KAZINFORM A presentation of a new project on energy efficient design and construction of residential buildings will be held in Astana on Feb 16. The joint project aimed at energy efficiency in residential sector of Kazakhstan has been initiated by the United Nations Development Programme in collaboration with Agency for Construction and Housing Utilities of the RK with financial support of Global Environment Facility.

Energy sector of Kazakhstan generates about 80% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, 90% of which comes from power and heat generation. At this point, residential sector is the third-leading energy consumer in the country after the energy and manufacturing sectors, and, consequently, represents one of the largest sectors of GHG emissions. Buildings, primarily residential, accounts for 13.5% of power and 24% of heat demand. Taking into account official projections and expected fast growth of housing construction, energy efficiency becomes a national strategic priority for Kazakhstan.

The goal of this project is to transform practices and markets in the building sector of Kazakhstan towards more energy-efficient design and construction. The project includes components, each targeting specific issues, such as development and enforcement of energy-efficient codes, standards, and labels for buildings; expanded production and certification of energy-efficient building materials and products. Through education and outreach the project will promote energy-efficient building design and technology. Best practices of energy-efficient building design and construction will be demonstrated on some state-funded residential buildings.

During the event the concept of the project will be introduced to the participants, and main project objectives and activities will be discussed for experience and views exchange, the press release of the UNDP in Kazakhstan reads.

The event will be attended by representatives of the Ministry of environmental protection of the RK, Ministry of industry and new technologies, Agency for Construction and Housing Utilities, JSC "Kazakhstan center of modernization and development of Housing Utilities", State Committee of Architectural-Construction Control in Astana, Gosenergonadzor, as well as business and design companies, academic universities and institutes, international and local consultants, etc.