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Kazakh-German exchange of experience for sustainable construction and energy efficiency took place in Berlin

A delegation of specialists from Kazakhstan took part in a professional study tour to Berlin, organised within the framework of the Energy Dialogue initiative of the German Energy Agency (dena) with the support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK). From 30 March to 4 April 2025 the tour appeared as an important step in strengthening the technical dialogue between Germany and Kazakhstan in the context of climate challenges and sustainable development. The event was realised in partnership with the Housing Initiative for Eastern Europe (IWO e.V.) and leading professional organisations in the fields of construction, architecture and engineering technology.

The study tour focused on decarbonisation of buildings, energy efficient design and professional education in the construction sector. The participants were representatives of Kazakhstan line ministries, construction companies and industry associations interested in transforming the construction sector with climate-neutral solutions.

The tour’s programme started with working sessions at the EUREF campus, Berlin's centre for sustainable technology and urban development. Kristina Haverkamp, Managing Director of dena, addressed the delegation with welcoming remarks, stressing that this exchange of experience goes beyond professional dialogue to become a platform for joint action in response to the challenges of the climate agenda. The BMWK representative Linus Herzig also emphasised the importance of Central Asian countries in Germany's strategic partnership, highlighting the high potential for cooperation in the field of sustainable urbanism

During the tour sessions, participants learnt about European and German standards in construction, state support mechanisms, examples of energy-efficient districts and approaches to city-level design. Special attention was paid to the issues of professional education in the German construction industry. In discussions with representatives of Hanse Parlament and the Federal Chamber of Engineers, dual training models, certification of specialists and professional development programmes were discussed.

Ruslan Lepesov, representing the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan, noted the following:

"It was particularly valuable for us to see how Germany has built a systematic link between urban planning policy, construction standards and personnel training. And it is important that the issues of integrated development of territories, legal regulation and respect for property rights are presented here with a high degree of maturity."

The practical part of the tour included visits to residential and public buildings designed to meet energy efficiency requirements, innovative facilities and professional companies. Particularly impressive was the excursion on the Gasometer building followed by a presentation of its renovation tools. The visit to GRAFTLAB, one of Berlin's leading architectural offices, was a clear demonstration of how sustainability principles are implemented in concrete projects and even in the company’s office.

Representatives of the Kazakhstan delegation noted that they were impressed by the systematic nature of the German training model, which not only ensures quality but also sets a sustainable culture for the profession. In this context, the work of the Berlin Chamber of Architecture was also presented, emphasising sustainable design, as well as the role and responsibility of the architect in the implementation of climate policy.

Konstantin Glushko, Chairman of the Association of Commercial Property Owners Qazproperty shared his impressions:

"For the real estate market of Kazakhstan, participation in such a dialogue is an opportunity to consciously move towards international standards. It is noteworthy that despite the highly professional level of speakers and the status of experts, we felt that our designers and specialists in many areas are not lagging behind. However, this is not a competition, but an exchange that benefits everyone.”

The tour’s programme also included a trip to the Berlin district of Marzahn-Hellersdorf, where the participants were shown examples of renovation of large-panel housing stock. The excursion was led by Ralf Protz, Director of the Competence Centre for Large Housing, who shared practices for modernising buildings with regard to social, energy and financial aspects.

On the final day, the participants summarised the results of the tour and discussed possible formats for further cooperation. Gulzhan Tleukenova, Head of International Construction at dena, summed up the discussion:

"It is obvious to us that your interest in the topics of the study visit is high. We hope that this trip will be the beginning of a sustainable professional dialogue, within the framework of which ideas are transformed into real projects. And the idea of creating a coordination platform for scaling modernisation could be one of our next joint goals."