UNDP assists the Government of Uzbekistan in providing the rural population with improved, affordable and environmentally friendly living conditions. Today, the rural housing sector of Uzbekistan is rapidly developing, which raises the question of transforming it to a more sustainable development pathway that ensures the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. This can be achieved through the introduction of energy-efficient and low-carbon technology among the rural population.

On 26 July 2019, UNDP/GEF and Ministry of Construction project "Market Transformation for Sustainable Rural Housing in Uzbekistan" project organized a workshop on “Design/engineering solutions for low-carbon buildings. Best practices and workable engineering solutions for use of Photovoltaic panels and Solar Water Heaters”, within which international best practices for the development of projects with the introduction of alternative energy have been shared.

During the event, more than 25 local specialists (developers of building codes, architects, designers, engineers) represented design institutes (Qishloq Qurilish Loyiha, ToshuyjoyLITI, O’zshaharzo’zlik LITI, Tashgiprogor etc.) and architecture bureaus were trained on and raised their awareness about the main aspects of solar water heater systems and photovoltaic panels in buildings and the principles of housing’s design with the introduction of the above mentioned equipment.

Moreover, workshop participants received information about the best international practices in green building designs, practical solutions for the integration of solar water heaters and photovoltaic panels in the residential building construction.

The knowledge gained during the training will be used by specialists to design low-carbon housing equipped with units using renewable energy sources (solar energy) throughout Uzbekistan, which will improve the living conditions of the population of the country and help to put the housing sector on a sustainable development path.