Almost 50 specialists have been trained in energy certification of buildings

In light of growing demands for sustainable development and rational use of resources, Kyrgyzstan needs to develop expertise in the field of energy efficiency in buildings. Approximately 50 specialists, including architects, designers, technical university lecturers, engineers and representatives of the construction sector, have undergone training in energy certification of buildings.

The series of training courses, organised by UNISON Group with the participation of European experts, was a major step forward in the formation of a professional community of specialists in energy certification of buildings.

Energy certification of buildings is the determination of a building's energy efficiency class on a seven-point scale from A (most energy efficient) to G (least efficient).

In addition, it allows identifying weak points in the design where the main heat losses occur, offering recommendations for modernising heating, ventilation and thermal insulation systems, reducing utility bills by optimising energy consumption, and increasing the market value of the property by improving its energy performance.

Moreover, energy certification of buildings is aimed at the efficient and rational use of energy resources and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

The main objective of the training series was to improve the qualifications of personnel and develop national capacity in the field of energy audits of buildings.

The training was conducted by international experts Jana Benjalova (Slovakia), an energy efficiency consultant, and Laurent Sokal (Italy), a leading expert on EN ISO international standards and author of methods for calculating heat loss and energy efficiency of buildings in the European Union.

The main topics of the training were algorithms for calculating heat loss through building structures: walls, windows, and foundations.

Earlier, UNISON Group initiated the creation of a State Register of Energy Performance Certificates for Buildings, which allows users to check whether a property has a certificate, familiarise themselves with regulatory documents and technical reports, and increase transparency and accountability in the sector.

The Ministry of Construction, Architecture and Housing and Communal Services conducts state accreditation of specialists in energy certification of buildings and periodic monitoring of the energy efficiency of boilers, heating systems and hot water supply systems.

The Kyrgyz Republic Law on Energy Efficiency of Buildings stipulates that energy audits of buildings may only be carried out by independent accredited specialists. Promoting the profession of building energy certification specialists is key to improving energy efficiency in Kyrgyzstan's residential and public building stock.

In addition, the introduction of energy efficiency standards (class B or higher) is a minimum threshold for new construction and renovation of buildings, which is particularly important in the context of rising energy prices and climate challenges in Kyrgyzstan.