In Central Asia and Mongolia, there is growing interest in sustainable construction: many buildings are obtaining certification under systems such as LEED, BREEAM, WELL, and EDGE.
This is because international development institutions are stimulating these emerging markets and increasingly directing concessional financing toward sustainable projects. Consequently, we will see more and more such projects in emerging markets.
LEED, BREEAM, WELL, and EDGE incorporate advanced Western and global construction practices aimed at reducing adverse impacts on the environment and climate, as well as improving a building’s quality and operating performance. Every year, more properties receive certification under these systems, thereby confirming their green-building status internationally.
Our research found that as of June 2024, 164 buildings in Central Asia and Mongolia had applied for certification, and 34 of them had been certified.
Statistics on green-certified properties in Central Asia and Mongolia
The statistics are presented as of April 2024 and cover the number of certified properties and the certification levels achieved by country in Central Asia and Mongolia under the EDGE, LEED, BREEAM, and WELL green-building standards.
* WELL Health-Safety Rating — a rating of health safety for people in indoor spaces. At present, there are few properties in these territories certified under WELL Certification because this is the most complex certification system, requiring greater effort, expertise, and evidence for its implementation.
Examples of buildings implementing green standards
NUR residential complex by Namuna Development in Tashkent — EDGE certification
The NUR residential complex consists of 30 buildings with 9 and 16 stories, 20 of which are undergoing certification. The complex also has extensive infrastructure and is located in the very center of the city. The complex covers an area of 3.55 hectares.
As part of the certification process:
• A technical strategy was developed for certifying the residential complex under the EDGE system. Sections covering energy efficiency, water conservation, the life cycle assessment of materials, the selection of materials and equipment, and
the organization of construction methods were analyzed;
• EDGE requirements will be implemented during the design and construction stages;
• Documentation will be prepared for a comprehensive audit at the design and construction stages.
Center for Contemporary Art in Tashkent — LEED certification
The Center for Contemporary Art is a former diesel power plant (1912); renovation work began in 2022. It is a LEED project with a target rating of Gold.
As part of the certification process:
• A technical strategy for LEED certification was developed.
• The property was assessed at the concept-development stage.
• Measures for sustainable construction and installation work are being developed.
State Museum of Uzbekistan in Tashkent — LEED certification:
The State Museum of Uzbekistan is a project with a total area of 40 000 m2. This museum is located in the historic part of Tashkent, on the grounds of Uzbekistan’s largest national park. The planned building consists of nine stories, including three underground levels.
As part of the certification process:
• A technical strategy was developed for certifying the museum under the LEED system.
• Compliance with LEED requirements was reviewed at the design stage.
• An initial energy analysis was conducted.
Statistics show that the countries of Central Asia and Mongolia are introducing green-certification systems for properties in categories such as offices, housing, infrastructure, and industrial facilities. The emergence of green taxonomies provides a strong impetus for the development of green building. These taxonomies indicate that projects certified under EDGE, LEED, BREEAM, and WELL are classified as green projects and can attract green financing and issue green bonds. This encourages the market to transition to sustainable projects.
Development banks in these territories, such as IFC, EBRD, ADB, and others, also provide financing lines for projects with sustainability and social components. Such projects meet the basic requirements of sustainable development, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and have greater value. They are energy-efficient, which substantially reduces building operating costs, and are conducive to the health of the people who occupy them.