Uzpromstroybank (Sanoat Qurilish Bank) has initiated the certification of its branches under the international EDGE system, a green building standard developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC, a member of the World Bank Group). The bank aims to enhance energy efficiency, reduce water consumption, and minimize the carbon footprint of its assets. This is a significant step towards sustainable development and environmental responsibility.

 

The Center for Environmental Engineering and Research (HPBS) is actively supporting SQB in achieving certification. As part of this collaboration, a comprehensive set of activities is being carried out to ensure that the bank's branches meet the EDGE requirements. Here are the key stages of our work:

 

• Initial Inspection of Branches: Conducting inspections of the bank's branches throughout Uzbekistan, including major cities and regions. HPBS experts conduct thorough audits of the building's thermal envelope and engineering systems, collecting necessary documentation for further analysis.

 

• Analysis of Objects and Certification Strategy Development: Based on the collected data, an analysis of the objects' compliance with EDGE standards is carried out, and a certification strategy is developed, including a set of measures to ensure the bank's branches meet EDGE requirements.

 

• Conducting Information Seminars: Organizing and conducting seminars on EDGE to train bank employees on the basics and requirements of certification.

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• Support During Modernization: Consulting on the EDGE system and providing support during the modernization of facilities. Accredited experts check and control all implemented measures to ensure that the building meets the certification requirements.

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• Preparation of Technical Documentation: Collecting and preparing a complete set of technical documentation for the audit. HPBS prepares project documentation and technical data for the equipment, adapting them to meet EDGE examination requirements.

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• Branch Audit: Conducting independent audits of the facilities, including document verification and professional independent audits by specialists accredited as EDGE Auditors from IFC.

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• Expertise Support: Communicating with the certifying body, defending the project and solutions before the auditor, and coordinating special conditions with EDGE developers (IFC). Obtaining EDGE certificates for the facilities.

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Our Achievements and Future Steps in the Certification of Uzpromstroybank Branches

 

 

 

We are pleased to share the current results of our work:

 

 

We have inspected Uzpromstroybank branches throughout Uzbekistan, including Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand, and the Fergana Valley.

 

• Ten more facilities in remote areas are ahead.
• The analysis of the facilities identified key areas for improvement. We have developed a certification strategy that includes a set of measures to improve energy efficiency, reduce water consumption, and lower emissions.
• EDGE information seminars for bank employees have been conducted. Specialists also participated in the EDGE Expert training, where accredited EDGE Faculty and EDGE Auditors trained them on working with the EDGE green building certification system at Westminster University in Tashkent.

 

 

The bank has begun modernization of its branches following the developed recommendations, and our experts provide comprehensive support and consultations. We are confident that these efforts will lead to significant environmental impact reduction and bring tangible benefits to the client.

 

We express our gratitude to the Uzpromstroybank team for welcoming our experts to the branches and actively participating in the certification process. Thanks to a comprehensive approach, the coordinated work of the team, and the overall determination, the EDGE certification will be successfully completed, leading the company to achieve its international sustainability and ESG goals.