Energy Efficiency in the Construction Sector: Uzbekistan–Germany Cooperation within the VEGERA Project

18.06.2025

#International cooperation

On June 17, 2025, the grand opening ceremony of the innovative “DEMO HOUSE” laboratory, established within the framework of the VEGERA international project, was held at the “TIIAME” National Research University.

Brief Overview of the VEGERA Project

Full Title:

Improving Energy Efficiency in the Construction Sector through the Use of Renewable Raw Materials from Agroforestry Systems

Objective:

To enhance energy efficiency by producing construction materials from renewable resources derived from agriculture and agroforestry—such as poplar wood, straw, soil, and agricultural waste.

Project Duration:

2021–2025

Partners:

  • Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (Germany)

  • “TIIAME” National Research University (Uzbekistan)

  • Berlin University of Technology (Natural Building Lab)

  • Organizations and academic institutions from China, Japan, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Turkey, and others

  • ICRAF (World Agroforestry Centre)

  • Several agriculture and environmental organizations

Funding:

German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), within the International Climate Initiative (IKI)

About the “DEMO HOUSE”

This laboratory, which serves as a demonstration site, is an eco-house built entirely from local renewable materials and integrates the following features:

  • Energy-efficient design using natural insulation and agroforestry-based construction materials

  • Green technologies for heating in winter and cooling in summer

  • Digital tools for research and education: AutoCAD, Revit, 3D MAX

  • Practical skill-building through educational modules and e-learning platforms

Opening Ceremony and Keynote Speakers

The event featured welcome speeches from the following prominent leaders:

  1. Prof. Bakhadir  Mirzaev – Rector of “TIIAME” National Research University, VEGERA Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan

  2. Prof. B.A. Tulaganov – Rector of Tashkent Institute of Architecture and Construction

  3. Prof. Dr. Martin Welp – VEGERA Project Coordinator in Germany, Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE)

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, several presentations were delivered on cutting-edge topics:

  1. Dr. Javed Rizvi – Director for Asia, ICRAF

  2. Prof. Dr. Eyke Roswag‑Klinge – Berlin University of Technology

  3. Paul Moritz Henes – Natural Building Lab, Berlin

  4. B. Azizova – VEGERA Project Member, Berlin University of Technology

  5. A.Kh. Qosimov – Founder of “E’tiqod” LLC, expert in building materials

  6. Guzal Eshchanova – Associate Professor at “TIIAME” NRU, VEGERA Project Member

Key Focus Areas of the Event

  • Lectures on the use, potential, and environmental advantages of agroforestry-based raw materials used in the DEMO HOUSE construction

  • Presentations comparing experiences from Berlin and Uzbekistan

  • Practical recommendations on local practices, policy development, and educational modules

Expected Outcomes

  • Real-life learning opportunities for students through hands-on training and research

  • Emergence of new micro-export opportunities, products, and jobs in rural areas

  • Development of a climate-adapted environmental education platform for Central Asia

The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where participants actively shared ideas and raised thought-provoking questions.