Dialogue on Sustainability and Energy Efficiency in Buildings

Apr 30, 2019 Latest News

FIABCI World President Assen Makedonov was in Tbilisi, Georgia from March 27th to 28th, following Property Georgia’s invitation to take part in the international conference Energy Efficiency in Buildings. Representatives from governmental and non-governmental organizations, diplomatic corps, construction-development companies, international financial institutions and thematic international educational bodies were among the participants of the high-level event aimed at sharing best practices related to energy efficiency in the sector. The two-day trip also allowed some time for Mr. Makedonov to meet with local associations, companies, and academic and public institutions to share information on the history, mission and value proposition of FIABCI, as well as the Chapter creation process in Georgia.

Buildings generate nearly 40% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions

On March 28^th, when speaking to the audience of the international conference at the Tbilisi Marriott Hotel, the FIABCI World President focused on two main areas. Firstly, the role of the property professionals in supporting best practices for building energy efficiency and FIABCI’s concern for the environment and the residents of urban centers: The message is clear: The property and construction industry will play a very big role in either helping to manage the impact of urbanization on the world. Secondly, the initiatives that the federation has undertaken in support of issues surrounding this very topic, including the series of publications The City We Need is Affordable. Many of the solutions featured in these publications can easily be adapted to other markets and can serve as an inspiration for new, local innovations. In May, in conjunction with the 70^th World Real Estate Congress in Moscow, the fourth edition will be published and later become available for download from the FIABCI website.

The FIABCI World President spoke among other experts in the field of energy efficiency to discuss the certification of buildings, as well as investment and development of greener infrastructures.

The drop in the price of clean technologies and the rise of smart policies are driving businesses to climate-smart investments. Global energy-efficiency potential is large and growing. The International Finance Corporation (or IFC) reports that governments and businesses invest more than US$300 billion annually towards the improvement of the efficiency of power grids, transport, industry and buildings.

Last but not least, the FIABCI World President highlighted new initiatives and partnerships currently in place and in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #11: To make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. These include the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GABC), the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), the green building certification system for emerging markets (EDGE).