The National Housing and Building Research Center (HBRC), led by Dr. Mohamed Massoud El-Saadawy, participated in the International Conference on Energy Efficiency in Buildings held in Cairo. This participation aligns with Egypt’s efforts to achieve energy efficiency in buildings. During the conference, the outcomes of the third phase of the BUILD_ME project were presented. The project is funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) in Germany and aims to enhance energy efficiency in buildings across the Middle East. Several partners are involved in the project, including Guidehouse Germany, the National Housing and Building Research Center, the Integrated Development Group in Egypt, and partners from Jordan and Lebanon.
The project has enabled the National Housing and Building Research Center to issue Energy Efficiency Certificates for buildings using an energy efficiency tool developed by the project team. These certificates are expected to support activities related to energy-efficient construction and facilitate green financing for building projects. Additionally, both the certificates and the energy efficiency tool provide a standardized model for calculating energy consumption in buildings, aligning with the requirements for energy conservation.
The tool is designed to incorporate best environmental practices while also considering local climate conditions in Egypt. It accounts for detailed construction specifications and primary energy factors, providing realistic estimates of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions and accurate cost estimations for improving building energy performance. Furthermore, it offers insights into the investment payback period for energy efficiency measures.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has endorsed the tool to qualify buildings for green financing schemes. This initiative aligns with Egypt’s National Climate Change Strategy and the Green Building Strategy, launched by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.