Seminar on “Energy efficiency in the building sector; Norwegian and European best practices” held on 1 July 2011 at the   Business centre - Poytaht, it was organized in association with Norwegian Ministry Of Foreign Affairs and Uzbek Association of consulting engineers and constructors, and technical support by the company «Klean Energy».   

More than 70 representatives of the public agencies, private organizations operating in the field of efficiency in the building sector, professors and teachers from Institutes of higher education, experts in power engineering, consultant s and project executors attended the seminar.     

President of the company ENSI, Mr. Trond Dahlsveen demonstrated an interesting presentation, which gave insight to participants about the Norwegian best practices. Presentation on “Structured and efficiency project development - step by step” was demonstrated by Valeriy Golubchinko, Senior Project Manager, ENSI. Presentation of Kahramon Usmanov, Project Manager, UNDP / GEF project "Improving the energy efficiency of social facilities in Uzbekistan" was also actual topic.   

As in many other countries, buildings account for a substantial part of total energy consumption in Uzbekistan; 49% or 17 million tons of oil equivalents, annually. With increasing tariffs, the energy cost becomes an economic burden both in public and private buildings. Improved energy efficiency should be included both in renovation of existing and construction of new buildings.

 Currently, the construction of buildings is done according to outdated building norms and practices, where energy efficiency considerations are not yet factored into the design and construction process, leading to excessive energy consumption and making major contribution to Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the country.

The growing demand in education and healthcare services requires further renovation and construction of public buildings, including schools, colleges, kindergartens, hospitals and others.

The ongoing UNDP/GEF Project "Promoting Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings in Uzbekistan” is aimed to address barriers to promotion of energy efficiency in public buildings.

In Europe, including Norway, improved energy efficiency in the building sector has been an important issue for many years, and is now higher at the agenda than ever before. A lot of experience has been gained, and many of the lessons learned should be of relevance and interest also in Uzbekistan.

In addition to be informed on the latest development of the UNDP/GEF project, the Seminar will provide information about Norwegian and European experience and lessons learned:

·         Legal framework

·         Energy Auditing and Certification of Buildings

·         Energy efficiency technologies and solutions - examples