In May 2024, training for the EDGE Expert qualification (Green Building Specialist) took place in Tashkent, with participation from specialists of various companies. Over the summer, the following professionals passed their exams and obtained EDGE Expert certification:

 

• Marina Kupriyanova, Partner and Director of HPBS Netherlands
• Alexandra Gorshkova, HPBS EDGE Project Specialist in Central Asia
• Doniyor Madatov, HPBS EDGE Project Specialist in Uzbekistan
• Zafar Zakirov, Energy Advisor at GIZ Central Asia
• Farhodbek Mamadzhanov, Head of Sustainable Energy Team at Jury

 

This significant achievement confirms their high level of professional competence in the field of sustainable development and green certification.

 

EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) is an international standard developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) that promotes energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable construction. The EDGE Expert status allows professionals to consult companies on implementing sustainable solutions in construction projects and support the building certification process.

 

The experts demonstrated in-depth knowledge of the EDGE methodology and its practical application, enabling them to more effectively support projects aiming for green certification.

 

We congratulate these professionals, now certified experts, on this significant achievement and thank them for their contributions to the advancement of green building worldwide.

 

 

 

Impressions from Taking the EDGE Expert Exam

 

 

What was the most challenging part of taking the exam?

 

Doniyor Madatov: “The hardest part, in my opinion, happens before the exam when the proctor starts checking your room, desk, and pockets. The fewer objects there are in the room, the easier it will be. The exam itself isn't particularly difficult if you are familiar with the topic and have prepared for the exam.”

 

 

How did you prepare for the exam?

 

Farhodbek Mamadzhanov: “Regarding my preparation, I won’t lie and say I studied day and night with the EDGE User Guide. In reality, the course organized by the HPBS team helped a lot. I tried to understand the core principles of EDGE through Ilya and Anastasia’s lectures. This helped form the main framework of my preparation. After that, I went through the EDGE App on my own, noting various aspects of the program where possible. For the building certification process, I read from the EDGE materials. In fact, I didn’t have enough time for thorough preparation due to my work commitments, so I focused on what I gained during the course, supplementing it with a couple of hours of self-study. A good command of English certainly helped a lot.”

 

 

Why did you want to obtain the EDGE Expert qualification?

 

Alexandra Gorshkova: “I wanted to obtain the EDGE Expert qualification to expand my knowledge in the field of green building. Additionally, our company receives many requests for EDGE certification, and having a deep understanding of the system allows us to provide high-quality consulting services to our clients.”

 

 

What advice would you give to other professionals who will take the exam in the future?

 

Marina Kupriyanova: “When preparing for the exam, read several guides that cover both technical information about EDGE measures and descriptions of the roles of certification participants and administrative processes. Start studying these guides in advance, about three weeks before the exam date. All the documents are very well-structured and written in clear language. Enjoy your preparation for the exam!”

 

Once again, we thank the experts for their hard work.

 

This success also underscores the Center for Research and Environmental Engineering's commitment to high levels of professionalism, quality of knowledge, and services we provide to our clients and students.

 

The next training session will take place in the fall. Check out the program and sign up to participate.