Short description of the overall project

A new building complex demonstrating an energy-efficient, resource-saving building concept using modern, environmentally friendly technologies has been planned, executed and put into operation. This concept is being rolled out on a broad basis throughout Ukraine’s construction sector.

In cooperation with the project, policy-makers, associations, planners and private sector representatives sought a suitable pilot project to showcase energy-efficient construction. The construction site that has been selected for the new 51,000m2 residential and office complex is in the capital city of Kyiv.

German consulting and engineering firms are advising the investors, planners and construction companies on the design of an energy concept. The Ukrainian partners are also receiving support during construction and in facility management to ensure quality. Both facility staff and the building’s users are to be instructed in how to use the new technology. When finished, the building is to use 30 to 50 per cent less energy than typical new builds in Ukraine. The development of innovative energy concepts and the use of modern, environmentally sound technologies (solar thermal and heat recovery technologies) will initially cause higher investments. However, this will be compensated over the full life of the building by lower energy and running costs, which is a major consideration.

Short description of activities financed by the donation

A large number of Ukrainian construction experts and decision-makers are taking part in regular guided tours around the pilot project. The site is thus serving a training purpose throughout the entire construction phase. Many international organisations are using the complex as a showcase project to demonstrate the use of European standards in energy-efficient construction.

Several training institutes have modified their curricula in the field of energy-efficient construction with advice from GIZ:

• The National Technical University of Ukraine “Kyiv Polytechnic Institute” revised its curriculum in late 2012 and introduced courses on energy-efficient construction.
• The Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture is currently working towards introducing a master’s degree in energy-efficient construction.

Furthermore, the general conditions for energy-efficient construction have been improved, also with advisory support from GIZ:

• The Green Building Council Ukraine was established in 2011. It actively promotes sustainable construction among investors and building developers and has introduced building certificates to the market.
• Secondary standards to prepare for the introduction of the EU buildings directive were modified and approved in 2014.