AZERTAC reports that on July 30, a roundtable on Sustainable Green Construction in Azerbaijan brought together local and international construction companies as well as relevant government authorities.

The purpose of the meeting was to create a collaboration platform for the transition to sustainable and zero-carbon construction, taking into account the environmental impact of the construction sector. Participants included local construction companies, construction-production enterprises, foreign companies and experts, and representatives of government agencies. During the event, discussions focused on international opportunities for decarbonization, the environmental benefits of using low-emission construction materials, potential challenges, and ongoing and planned efforts toward sustainable development and climate action.

The roundtable was attended by COP29 Designated President Muxtar Babayev, Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture of Azerbaijan, Anar Guliyev, COP29 High-Level Climate Champion Nigar Arpadarai, as well as representatives from the UN, World Bank, International Finance Corporation, and leading construction companies both locally and globally.

In her opening remarks, Nigar Arpadarai emphasized that the private sector is a pillar of the national economy and highlighted the important role of business leaders in driving change in the construction sector. As COP29 High-Level Climate Champion, she stressed her goal of supporting local businesses on the path to decarbonization and ensuring that the voices of private enterprises are heard.

During the meeting, COP29 Designated President Muxtar Babayev welcomed the participation of construction sector representatives in supporting the government’s efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change and encouraged entrepreneurs to contribute to promoting sustainable green construction in Azerbaijan.

Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture, highlighted that liberated territories in Karabakh, Eastern Zangazur, and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic have been designated as green energy zones. He noted that innovative approaches such as smart cities and smart villages are being implemented, and ecosystems are being restored. He added: “The reconstruction work in Karabakh under the Great Return project demonstrates the region’s significant potential. Protecting the environment is a key priority in the large-scale redevelopment of the liberated territories.”

Participants affirmed their support for the country’s efforts to limit carbon emissions to 1.5°C, recognizing the role of the construction sector not only in reducing emissions but also in improving energy efficiency, and expressed their readiness to make ongoing contributions toward these goals.

Within the framework of the roundtable, a Declaration on Sustainable Green Construction in Azerbaijan was signed by representatives from PMD Group, the Restoration, Construction and Management Services in Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavend, the Restoration, Construction and Management Services in Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan, Pasha Real Estate Group, 6th Floor, Aral Group, Huner Group, SR Construction, Kristal Absheron, Avant Group, and Baku City Residence.

The signed declaration focuses on collective efforts toward global decarbonization targets, including promoting decarbonization, measuring and reporting emissions, ensuring transparency and collaboration, exchanging knowledge and expertise, and integrating climate actions into business models.