Polluted air, rising utility costs and outdated buildings - these challenges are already affecting the quality of life in the cities of Kyrgyzstan . Solving these problems is impossible without a transition to energy-efficient and environmentally responsible construction. This was the key topic of the practice-oriented training "Green Technologies for the Development of Energy-Efficient Construction and Doing Business in Kyrgyzstan", which was held on June 25, 2025 in Bishkek.
The event was aimed at involving the business sector, design and construction organizations, as well as suppliers of energy-efficient and resource-saving equipment in the process of sustainable renovation of buildings, increasing energy efficiency and reducing the negative impact on the environment.
Among the participants were representatives of the Center for Standardization and Metrology at the IEC of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Ozone Center at the Ministry of Energy and the Environment of the Kyrgyz Republic, UNISON Group, technical specialists in the field of renewable energy sources and design, and many others .
Particular attention was paid to the possibilities of green financing, the use of RES (renewable energy sources) and the role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in solving the problem of air pollution in the cities of Kyrgyzstan.
Participants discussed modern energy- and resource-efficient technologies and their payback calculations, foreign and local experience in building renovation, successful examples of architectural projects for low-rise residential buildings for reuse, approaches to the implementation of solar panels, heat pumps and other technological solutions for sustainable construction.
The recommendations voiced include the need to include VRF systems and heat pumps in the register of renewable energy sources of the Kyrgyz Republic, lifting restrictions on electricity consumption for households and businesses up to 10 kW, accelerating the gasification of residential areas in Bishkek, developing tax and tariff incentives for green technologies, creating a state information support system, including media campaigns and educational work through local governments.
Ideas were also proposed for the formation of a National Green Fund, stimulation of the issuance of green bonds, creation of digital platforms for uniting participants in the construction and energy markets, support for housing cooperatives in the renovation of facilities using energy-efficient solutions and provision of subsidies for the implementation of innovative approaches.
The issue of the need to revise the regulatory framework, strengthen the training of qualified personnel and create experimental sites for testing modern solutions in construction, insufficient work to promote green technologies in the regions, and the lack of a national verifier for green projects were raised separately.
According to experts, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the principles of energy efficiency when designing buildings. Among the key advantages of energy-efficient construction were noted: a reduction in the negative impact on the environment, an increase in the quality of life of the population, a significant reduction in utility and heating costs, as well as a reduction in the overall level of energy consumption.
Particular attention was paid to the role of energy-efficient solutions in preventing smog in Bishkek and other cities of Kyrgyzstan, ensuring compliance with international standards and achieving national UN sustainable development goals.
"The private sector can make a significant contribution to solving the problem of air pollution. Of course, government agencies play a key role, but without the participation of businesses, it is extremely difficult to achieve sustainable results. To make this possible, it is necessary to create favorable conditions. There is often an opinion that the population is not ready to invest in energy-efficient solutions. However, this is not true, people are ready to invest, especially given the high costs of utilities," said Bermet Moldobaeva, head of the International Organization for Migration office in Kyrgyzstan .
"In the context of energy challenges, climate change and rising air pollution in the capital, the development of sustainable construction and green business practices is becoming not just relevant, but a strategically necessary direction for Kyrgyzstan. Without a comprehensive approach that unites the efforts of the state, the private sector and international partners, it is impossible to achieve real changes. Today, it is important not only to introduce energy-efficient technologies, but also to generate demand, stimulate investment and ensure the availability of green solutions for everyone from architects to households," emphasized UNISON Group President Nurzat Abdyrasulova .
The event was held within the framework of the project “Promoting the inclusion of internal migrants in the green renovation process”, supported by The International Organization for Migration Development Fund ( IDF ). Implemented by UNISON Group in Kyrgyzstan.
