Projects built according to green construction standards are distinguished by high quality, comfort and low operating costs. When developing green projects, priority is given to reducing energy and water consumption and considering human health benefits, safety, minimal or zero negative impact on the environment and the interests of future generations and compatibility with other nearby projects.

All over the world, ecology and related economic and social issues currently play a significant role in the country’s political life. A comprehensive, systemic and comprehensive solution to important environmental issues directly influencing the well-being of our Motherland – that is, the principle of balanced development – underlies the socioeconomic strategy of the Esteemed President. The architectural and construction sector is also among the most environmentally oriented industries and is considered an integral part of solving the country’s social problems. Modern urban development, including its transport infrastructure, is primarily based on achieving positive solutions to environmental problems and the rational use of natural resources. 

The modern era requires making important decisions in three key areas, economic, social and environmental, to ensure sustainable development. These are inextricably linked to the terms and concepts of green economy, green technology, green industry, green construction and green energy, and form the basis of the conceptions of green and smart cities. Green construction is a type of construction that has a minimal impact on the environment. Its goal is the efficient use of energy and material resources throughout the entire life cycle of a building or structure, that is, from the selection of a site for design, construction, operation and renovation until demolition. Such buildings and structures, while promoting the conservation and rational use of natural resources and energy, are distinguished by high quality, convenience and low cost.

With the development of environmental awareness, public interest in green construction is growing, and national and international projects in this area are receiving significant support. Economically developed countries are widely implementing green construction methods. The demand for green construction is driven by the need for energy efficiency and environmentally friendly construction methods. 

The level of compliance of buildings with a green design worldwide is determined according to 10 indicators based on best global practices and international green standards: architecture and planning of the surrounding area, construction organization and management, the compliance of construction and paint materials with environmental performance indicators, the compliance of buildings and equipment with energy efficiency indicators, energy supply from renewable energy sources and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, efficient water use, the recycling of liquid and organic waste, the landscaping of the surrounding area, the creation of a green belt and compliance with building safety requirements. 

The city of Arkadag, located at the picturesque foothills of the Kopetdag Mountains, is a shining example of a modern smart city based on advanced digital information and communications technology and green technologies. Eco-friendly materials were used in the construction of the first phase of the city’s facilities. At the opening ceremony of the new city, 21 international certificates were presented, recognizing the city’s achievements in a wide range of areas. These include:

– A Certificate of Appreciation from the UN Habitat to the city of Arkadag for its efforts to implement the principles of inclusive, safe, sustainable and smart communities, contributing to the localization of the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda in Turkmenistan; 

– A Certificate from the Global Green Growth Institute – “Green and Smart City of Arkadag”;

– A Certificate of Compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals and International Green Building Requirements, based on the results of an independent scientific and technical study by the Central Research and Design Institute of the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Communal Services of the Russian Federation.

The design and construction of Arkadag City took into account Turkmenistan’s arid climate. When selecting the site, factors such as the natural landscape and surrounding environment were considered, including the proximity of mountains, which create a unique microclimate at the foothills. 

One of the key requirements of green construction is closely linked to the maintenance of a clean environment and to the design, construction and operation of buildings and structures. Furthermore, when implementing green construction requirements, it is important to consider the ecological, natural and geographical features of the region and to eliminate or minimize the harmful impact of buildings on wildlife. Green construction requirements also call for the efficient use of fuel, energy, water and material resources and the use of environmentally friendly products in construction. 

The prevalence of sunny days in our country allows widely using renewable energy sources, particularly solar energy, in green buildings. This will reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions from residential buildings and public utilities, which contribute to rising global temperatures and climate change. The issue of renewable energy sources is also linked to improving the energy efficiency of the economy. Energy efficiency and the use of alternative energy sources are key components of Turkmenistan’s state policy on climate change. In these cases, annual energy metering and annual adjustments based on air temperature, as energy consumption varies throughout the day, and the use of energy storage devices are key requirements for green construction. In this regard, it is also important to use architectural solutions aimed at improving the energy efficiency of buildings; specifically, the location of buildings should be favourable for directing sunlight. For the widespread use of wind turbines, another alternative energy source, a certain minimal wind speed is required. 

In accordance with green building requirements, the Arkadag City Plan took into account the region’s primary wind directions throughout the year, the architectural layout of buildings and the orientation of major streets. This ensures natural air purification.

Gundogdy AYMAMMEDOV,
a cadet of the Border Institute of Turkmenistan