CONSTRUCTION FORUM “ENERGY EFFICIENT RENOVATION OF UKRAINE” SUMMARY
On February 13, the Construction Forum “Energy Efficient Reconstruction of Ukraine” was held in Kyiv – an event that brought together 420 participants and 34 speakers and became an effective platform for discussing the tasks and challenges related to the reconstruction of Ukraine on the basis of energy-efficient green construction.
The Forum was attended by representatives of state and local authorities, as well as representatives of education, business, domestic experts and scientists, international consultants, etc. For almost seven hours, the attention of those present was focused on four basic issues, on which the level of quality, functionality, and speed of the reconstruction process of our state directly depend.
So, during the first professional discussion on the topic “Fundamentals of forming a strategy for green and energy-efficient recovery of Ukraine”, government speakers shared common achievements, future plans and tasks in the field of energy-efficient recovery of the building stock of Ukraine. Everyone agreed with the statement that it is necessary to abandon Soviet narratives and forget about the uneconomical use of resources. Moreover, the legislative basis for this is almost ready, it only remains to implement it in practice. Given the importance and necessity of green and energy-efficient recovery, the participants in the discussion outlined three main principles according to which it should take place:
- to build better than before;
- comply with safety regulations;
- take into account inclusivity and accessibility.
The second professional discussion entitled “Cooperation and Synergy: The Role of Specialized Associations in Rebuilding Ukraine” helped the attendees learn about the impact that public and business associations have on the processes of recovery and reconstruction of the country. Based on the speeches of the heads of key industry associations, it became clear that the main function of business associations is to build a “bridge of interaction” between the state and business. In other words, associations act as a center for the formation of expert opinion and help the authorities and business understand each other’s needs. Among other things, representatives of specialized associations outlined the basic areas of interaction:
- examination of the regulatory framework for the functioning of the construction industry;
- assistance in bringing construction legislation into line with modern European norms and standards;
- organization and expert participation in training courses.
The third discussion of the Forum concerned the preparation of a regulatory and technical framework for the effective restoration of Ukraine. All participants in the discussion agreed that, despite the war and colossal destruction, Ukraine managed to lay a solid legislative foundation for the transition from outdated Soviet methods of irrational construction to the best European practices that meet the principles of ecological and energy-efficient construction. The main messages of the discussion:
- The implementation of updated legislation in the construction sector is a difficult path that must be taken side by side by the state, business, and society;
- in addition to norms and standards, it is also necessary to popularize among citizens the idea of conscious and economical consumption of energy resources;
- Automation and digitalization of all stages of construction will be the key to a convenient, high-quality, and non-corrupt restoration of our state.
And the finale of the Construction Forum “Energy-Efficient Reconstruction of Ukraine” was a heated discussion dedicated to the issue of training qualified personnel who will be involved in the reconstruction of our country in the future. Representatives of education, business and the expert community took part in the discussion. During the discussion, the speakers came to the following conclusion:
- Yes, there is indeed a shortage of qualified specialists in the construction sector;
- Business is interested and actively assists educational institutions in preparing the educational process;
- The government, together with educators and business, must change society’s attitude towards the construction professions, because it is on the shoulders of young specialists that the energy-efficient and green reconstruction of Ukraine will be entrusted.
The Public Union “Business for Partnership” sincerely thanks the moderator, speakers and viewers of the Forum for active participation in the event. Your interest in the processes of reconstruction of Ukraine once again proves that our society is courageous, strong and united on its path to victory, peace and the flourishing of an independent European state of Ukraine!