Anna Zavaleeva, Director for HPBS Central Asia and international markets, spoke about a major joint project between HPBS and SQB: the certification of 39 bank branches according to the international EDGE green building standard. This is more than just an infrastructure upgrade — it is a strategic decision by the Bank’s Board.

 

What we delivered with the HPBS team:

 1. Developed the technical certification strategy.

 2. Conducted on-site audits across the country — from Karakalpakstan to the Fergana Valley.

 3. Collected all available project and as-built documentation, and performed detailed measurements for older buildings.

 4. Analyzed energy and water consumption, and calculated the carbon footprint of the building materials.

 5. Designed tailored measures to meet EDGE certification criteria — including reducing energy and water use, and minimizing embodied carbon.

 6. Completed the audit and prepared each facility for certification.

The results: Certified green buildings.

 

 

Why green certification matters for banks:

 • Reduces operational costs.

 • Attracts green financing.

 • Builds trust among clients, partners, and international investors.

 • Supports the national climate agenda.

 • Fosters a culture of sustainability within the bank.

 

It was especially rewarding to present five more EDGE certificates to SQB branches: Almazar, Sergeli, Chilanzar, the Tashkent City office, and Bunyodkor.

 

To date, 13 out of 39 SQB branches have successfully completed EDGE certification.

 

The award ceremony was attended by:

• Anna Zavaleeva Director for HPBS Central Asia and international markets

• Sakshi Varma, representative of the International Finance Corporation (IFC)

 • Ilkhom Mamatkulov, Rector of MDIS Tashkent.

 

And this is just the beginning. SQB is setting a strong example of how a financial institution can be a true driver of sustainable development in the region — and we at HPBS are proud to be part of this movement.