UNDP/GEF project opens roundtable discussion on energy efficiency certification

Photo: UNDP Belarus

Paving the way for the new energy efficiency standards for residential buildings in Belarus, the UNDP/GEF project “Improving Energy Efficiency in Residential Buildings in Belarus” hosted a roundtable discussion on key requirements for energy efficiency certification in residential sector.

Around 50 Belarusian and foreign energy efficiency and construction industry experts opened up a frank dialogue on the issue on October 3, 2014 during a seminar and a roundtable discussion at the Minsk Concert Hall.

“The project accelerates Belarus’ efforts to make sustainable progress towards adopting and implementing new energy efficiency standards for new residential buildings,” said Alexandre Grebenkov, UNDP/GEF Project Manager. “The certification system we are discussing today is designed to save consumers money while reducing energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions.”

The representatives of state and private institutions related to energy certification started with reviewing and discussing advanced experience of EU and global approaches in the field, as well as shared their vision on how these best practices and methodologies could be tested and adopted in Belarus.

In an effort to make energy bills short and reduce environmental impact the national policymakers have confidence that Belarusian government can effectively manage a new standards programmes, as well as highlighted the importance of overhauling the energy efficiency certification standards of all new residential buildings.

Apart from these, the roundtable participants focused on existing abstractions to quick and efficient implementation of new energy efficient standards nationwide. The list of challenges ranged from a weak stimulus for business and investors to lack of professional experience and shortcomings in the national legislation in the field.

The attendees were also presented with the experience and lessons learned of the first pilot project on energy certification of buildings in Belarus, implemented by ECO Partnership Initiative in 2011.