A view of high rise buildings in Phnom Penh. Heng Chivoan
Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to fighting climate change by improving sustainable and environmentally responsible construction practices, with a goal of increasing renewable energy usage to 70 per cent by 2030.
The minister made the remarks while addressing the Building and Climate Global Forum, organised by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the French Ministry of Environment from March 7-8.
He outlined the steps taken to address global warming in the construction sector, such as approving and implementing the National Cooling Action Plan (NCAP) and developing standards for climate-resilient construction and infrastructure.
He also highlighted the importance of strengthening public awareness and capacity building to implement climate change-related policies and activities.
Sophalleth highlighted additional action plans, including improving urban housing land use planning and building adaptations for sustainability, specifically for low-income and homeless populations.
He also spoke about the necessity for timely climate financing for both conversion and mitigation measures.
“The construction industry plays a vital role in addressing the effects of climate change, and Cambodia reaffirms its commitment to promoting global cooperation for a greener and more resilient future for our country,” he said.
Sophalleth noted the government’s recognition of the importance of the Chaillot Declaration and its formal approval through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, aiming to build a legacy of resilient well-being for present and future generations.
The minister reaffirmed the country’s goal of increasing renewable energy use to 70 per cent by 2030, a commitment that aligns with the long-term carbon-neutral development strategy the nation plans to achieve by 2050.
Following the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), Cambodia expressed its dedication to the ASEAN Green Deal Initiative, which seeks a green, resilient and sustainable future for the ASEAN region.
Sophalleth confirmed that the country will increase its green cover by planting more than 1 million trees per year, targeting 60 per cent forest cover by 2050.
“We have launched a public campaign to raise awareness of the environmental impact of building construction. This includes educating about energy efficiency, reducing plastic use and the advantages of adopting green building standards,” he stated
Sim Bo Visal, a project officer at the ministry and a former adviser to the Cambodian Green Building Council (CamGBC), stated on March 11 that the construction of green buildings, while more expensive than conventional ones, offers overwhelming advantages.
He highlighted that building owners can reap significant profits from operating these structures.
Bo Visal emphasised the need for investors and prospective builders to reconsider their approach towards construction, including paying attention to various phases such as building, usage and demolition.
“Buildings being constructed in Cambodia today, whether in towns or provinces, have not yet been fully considered in all aspects. Some buildings are designed with health and well-being in mind, but they often do not consider the sustainability of the building in relation to the environment,” he stated.
According to the ministry, the country is actively addressing the environmental impacts of the construction sector and climate change.
As part of its strategic approach, the ministry has launched and implemented its Circular Strategy 2023-28, focused on three key pillars: cleanliness, greenery and sustainability.
The aim is to ensure clean environments and promote greener surroundings, particularly in housing, industry and construction enterprises, while also managing waste effectively.
