A new five-year multinational project which aims to contribute to a regional transition to low carbon buildings was launched today.

The Asia Low Carbon Buildings Transition (ALCBT) project is expected to make a significant contribution to reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in Cambodia’s building sector.

The initiative is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) under its International Climate Initiative (IKI) and will be implemented by the South Korean-based intergovernmental agency Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), in collaboration with its partner organisations, as well as the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning, and Construction.

The GGGI will also lead the ALCBT project in India, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.

A GGGI press release explained that in 2019, residential, commercial, and state buildings accounted for 43 per cent of the nation's total energy consumption. 

Without improved energy efficiency, demand is set to increase six times by 2040, it added.

Cambodia has set a national target of saving by 19 per cent of total energy consumption – and 34 per cent and 25 per cent in residential and commercial buildings respectively – by 2030, according to the National Energy Efficiency Policy 2022-2030.

“While Cambodia is relatively new to green building concepts, we recognise the opportunity for eco-friendly and energy-saving in the construction industry. It could boost growth in the sector and contribute to Cambodia’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality in 2050 under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change,” said Say Samal, Minister of Land Management, Urban Planning, and Construction.

“This project will be instrumental in developing low carbon tools to support this vision,” he added.

Stefan Messerer, German ambassador to Cambodia, noted that Cambodia's booming building sector, driven by stable economic growth, contributes significantly to electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

“This IKI-funded project is a crucial step in helping Cambodia unlock the full potential of green buildings,” he said.

Helena McLeod, deputy director-general of the GGGI, explained that the institute has supported Cambodia on its green growth journey for some time. It has assisted the government in implementing sustainable energy practices in the garment sector, electric mobility and waste management, as well as carbon financing. 

“Green building technology offers a win-win situation for Cambodia. The ALCBT project will help reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, while creating healthier and more comfortable living and working environments for all Cambodians,” she said.