Investing in research and development of greener construction products and practices in Mongolia

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1 IMPACT SHEET SWITCH-ASIA PROJECT SUPPORTING A GREENER AND MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN MONGOLIA Investing in research and development of greener construction products and practices in Mongolia The project promoted development and uptake of greener construction products and practices This publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of GFA Consulting Group GmbH and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.

2 IMPACT SHEET SWITCH-Asia project Greener Construction in Mongolia The Challenge The Mongolian construction industry has expanded rapidly in recent years, with little attention paid to the environmental impact of the sector. Concrete is widely used by the construction industry and conventionally made of a mix of cement, water and aggregates which may be substituted by waste materials, e.g. fly ash and cinder, from power plants. This reduces costs and improves concrete s insulation capacity, also saving natural raw materials. Mongolia has numerous coal-fired power plants producing a huge quantity of fly ash (about tonnes per plant annually), which is currently disposed of in landfill, with negative environmental impacts. Moreover, in the course of the current construction boom in Mongolia, from the design to the material used and the insulation techniques applied, there was little awareness of how to reduce the environmental impact of the construction process, and also of the positive economic consequences of green materials and technologies. Objective The Greener Construction project promoted sustainable production and consumption patterns in the construction industry in Mongolia by mobilising the private sector along with relevant public sector authorities. The project s objectives were: Identification, development and official approval of green construction products made using fly ash; Support for the production and sale of fly ash products; Identification and promotion of green construction products and practices by SMEs in the construction industry; Improvement of the policy environment (green label) in order to facilitate the use of green construction products and practices. TARGET GROUPS Activities / Strategy Conducting Research and Development (R&D) The project organised R&D activities to develop construction products using fly ash and introduced the techniques related to the manufacture to all interested SMEs. The project also improved the occupational health and safety (OHS) of the ash value chain through 11 practical training sessions, which took place at the factories. A series of conference were held on Ash-based product technology introduction for the entire construction sector. OHS was an integral part of the training, showing which types of equipment and clothing should be used during the collection process of ash and in the production processes of ash-based products, and how to work safely with ash. Increasing the Awareness of Green Construction Practices (GCP) The project analysed existing best practice and materials to identify changes necessary for improving the industry s sustainability. This was followed by awareness raising and training to build capacity among SMEs on sustainable practices and products. Further, green construction practices were introduced among workers, professionals and decisionmaking authorities through training, seminars and advocacy. Developing Training Programmes Training on sustainable construction products and practices was provided to three groups: decision makers (public officials), professionals (architects) and workers (builders). The training was institutionalised by incorporating the materials into the curricula of universities, vocational schools and professional association training programmes. Improving Existing Regulations through New Standards The project elaborated the required standards for fly ash products based on existing Mongolian and European standards. It engaged policy makers in an advocacy campaign to improve norms and regulations, and encouraged policies that provide incentives to support proliferation of green construction products and practices. Over 200 SMEs producing construction products and constructing buildings and infrastructure Vocational training schools and universities teaching construction-related subjects and their students (future engineers, architects and skilled workers) Government bodies responsible for construction and environmental policy and standards, such as the Ministry of Construction and Urban Development and the Ministry of Environment and Green Development Vocational school training

3 Scaling-up Strategy Instituting Green Construction Practices into Curricula Selected universities and vocational schools training professionals in the construction industry (engineers, architects and skilled workers) were enabled to teach green construction practices by incorporating project training materials into their curricula. The long-term impact of the action is that the majority of new generations of professionals and skilled workers will be familiar with sustainable products and practice and will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to improve the environmental performance of the sector. Influencing Legislation and Policy Development Close collaboration with relevant ministries, state implementing agencies, local authorities and professional associations enabled the passing of the regulations to promote and support the use of green construction practices and of products made of fly ash. Success is evident from the 26 memoranda of understanding (MoU) signed between the project leader, Caritas Czech Republic (CCR), with ministries, state agencies, professional associations and research and educational institutions. With the MoU, the project was frequently invited to attend green forums, join governmental working groups and contribute in standards development. The project also contributed to raising awareness among decision makers on the importance of SCP, energy efficiency and the necessity to provide incentives to actors within the green construction sector. In 2014, Mongolia adopted a Green Development strategy which included targets and objectives related to the construction sector. A new law on energy efficiency was also approved which was relevant for green construction sector. In November 2015, a MoU was signed with the Ministry of Environment to cooperate on updating regulations related to eco-labels and incentives for clean technologies, including the construction sector. Building the Capacity of the Mongolian Green Building Council (MGBC) The main role of the MGBC is to lobby the government to create supporting policy and incentives in the construction sector in the frame of green development. The project worked with the council to create an enabling environment for green construction sector, including assessing the needs of MGBC in terms of visibility, technical support and capacity building. After analysing the draft of the green rating system designed by MGBC, recommendations were made regarding the rating criteria and implementation of the Mongolian system. The project also supported the council in advertising the benefits of sustainable practice required by the green rating system in terms of reducing carbon emissions, energy and material costs and preventing environmental damage. Through seminars, workshops and training, SMEs were invited to become members of the council and to support its activities. Mongolia is currently experiencing a rapid construction boom and it is evident that there is a lack of knowledge regarding the ecological footprint of the construction industry and benefits of SCP and resource efficiency among the stakeholders. The government bodies responsible for regulating and monitoring construction work in Mongolia lacked standards and policy instruments. As an outcome of the project, Mongolian decision makers SCP knowledge and understanding was improved and thus contributed to the design and implementation of policies that promote sustainable resource management in a life-cycle perspective for goods and services produced and used by governments, the private sector and civil society. Ms. Khongorzul Batbold, Project Coordinator, Caritas Czech Republic Collection of ash at a power plant for the pilot production Pilot production of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks

4 Results Developed Green Construction Products In Mongolia, fly ash produced by power plants has been used to produce construction materials, but there was a lack of a regulatory framework or quality standards. Through the project, greener construction products (made of fly ash) have been developed, met the newly-approved standard (approved in December 2015) and approved for sale. The project submitted a recommendation for a national standard on fly ash construction products to the National Standard Agency, which was approved in December The project s research and development (R&D) has resulted in three ash-based construction materials (AAC blocks, aggregate blocks and dry mortar mixture) that have high quality in terms of properties (strength and insulation), environmental benefits (replacement for sand, also reducing landfill) and cost-effectiveness (SMEs producing ash-based products can save up to 30% of the total cost by using fly ash in their production). SMEs Used Fly Ash in Their Production As a result of the project, SMEs make and sell greener construction products. This was achieved firstly through raising awareness and providing technical training to SMEs on how to manufacture approved products using fly ash, and through supporting these SMEs to establish a producers group to enable them to market fly-ash products During the pilot production stage, we spent much time experimenting and eventually succeeded in finding the most cost-effective and high quality solution. At Dulguun Bars, we started to concentrate our production on ashbased AAC blocks from the beginning of With the new and updated standards initiated by the project, we hope that consumers will understand and accept the fact that ash can be used to make better quality and cost-effective construction products. Mrs. Davaasuren, General Technician, Dulguun Bars LLC (a pilot SME) collectively. The project reached 188 participants through 11 seminars and technical training sessions, and promoted the benefits of the ash-based green products. Mainstreamed Green Construction Products and Practices Key professionals in construction companies, and teachers and students in vocational schools and universities became more aware of the environmental impact of construction work and the opportunities to reduce that impact, thanks to the project. The long-term impact of this is that new generations of professionals and skilled workers will be more familiar with sustainable products and practices and will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to improve the environmental performance of the sector. Established a Favourable Policy Environment The policy environment is now more conducive to green construction products and practices (due to the recently offered incentive, where companies purchasing environmentally friendly technology do not have to pay tax on the equipment or machines), thereby facilitating greater uptake of such products and practices by SMEs. The project built and maintained close relationships with various key stakeholders (government agencies, district authorities, SMEs, academic institutions and professional associations) creating support for integration of green products and technologies in the construction field.

5 IMPACT SHEET SWITCH-Asia project Greener Construction in Mongolia Impact in Numbers Economic Impact Environmental Impact Social Impacts Climate Benefits CO 2 Target Group Engagement 25 SMEs started producing ash-based products. Fly ash is a raw material which reduces production costs, thus increasing Mongolian SMEs competitiveness and allowing business expansion. Increased resource efficiency by using waste (fly ash) to create new products (AAC blocks, aggregate blocks, and dry mortar mixture). Improved the environment through the reduction of fly ash dumped into landfill. Improved people s quality of life by reducing pollution caused by the construction industry, decreasing resource consumption, and improving indoor air quality. Contributed to reducing carbon emissions by increasing energy efficiency. Engaged with the Ministry of Construction and Urban Development, Ministry of Environment and Green Development, and Ministry of Labour, as well as with four state agencies, namely Construction Development Centre, Mongolian Agency of Standardisation and Meteorology, Nuclear Agency, and Research and Design Institute. Built the local capacity on green construction by working with 200 SMEs, three professional associations, Labour Department of 12 Mongolian districts, 10 NGOs and international organisations. Organised 20 conferences on SCP attended by 150 SMEs; 31 conferences on Green Construction Practices attended by 800 participants; 13 conferences on ash-based products involving 150 SMEs; and 41 on-site sessions to train 87 SMEs and 700 engineers, architects and skilled workers. Facilitated the integration of Green Construction Practices (GCP) by the Mongolian University of Science and Technology into its curriculum (September 2015). 128 students have joined the course. Facilitated the signing of MoU with 14 training schools (TVET) resulting in the training of 176 teachers, and five schools Policy Development Europe-Asia Cooperation asia incorporated the Green Construction Practices into their curricula. Some 500 students have joined the course. Organised a training session on energy building audit in Germany, involving nine energy auditors who work with the public sector and private sector. Organised a Green Construction Expo on sustainable construction products in Ulaanbaatar, which attracted visitors, representatives from 43 companies and banks with green portfolios. Engaged with policymakers through conferences, roundtable discussion with four ministries, and study tours for decision makers in the Czech Republic; Contributed to one standard, two regulations which will be updated by Ministry of Environment and Green Development, and Ministry of Tourism for eco-label and incentives for clean technologies. The updated regulations will lead to policies that provide incentives for SCP in the construction sector; Indirectly contributed to the Green Development policy strategy and law on energy efficiency; Institutionalised the new green construction practices. The project signed 26 MoU with state agencies (Research and Design Institute, Construction Development Centre, and Mongolian Agency for Standardisation and Metrology), Labour Departments of Erdenet, Darkhan and Ulaanbaatar districts (in total 9 districts), and professional associations (Mongolian Builders Association and Building Material Manufacturers' Association of Mongolia). Created a more conducive legal framework for GCP by organising study tours to the Czech Republic. Firstly, a 2014 study tour for 11 Mongolian officials. Secondly, a 2016 study tour all actors in the fly-ash value chain (power plants, manufacturers, builders and decisions-makers). These provided the participants an opportunity to network and learn about the European and Czech experience in fly-ash based technology. The project partner, IVL, facilitated a cooperation between Mongolian and Swedish Green Building Councils.

6 Erdenet Darkhan Ulaanbaatar Mongolia Legend Eligible countries for the SWITCH-Asia Programme Non-eligible Asian countries for the SWITCH-Asia Programme Project implementation area City Region Country The boundaries shown on this map do not imply on the part of the European Union any judgment on the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. OBJECTIVES PROJECT CONTACT The project sought to promote sustainable production and consumption patterns and behaviour in the construction industry in Mongolia by mobilising the private sector along with relevant public sector authorities. DURATION PROJECT TOTAL BUDGET 01/ / EUR (EU contribution: 80%) Caritas Czech Republic in Mongolia Chingeltei district, Khoroo 1, Gandirs building 7-703, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Mr. Alexandre Balson, Head of Mission alexandre.balson@caritas.cz Tel.: Ms. Gerelmaa Vangun, Project Officer gerelmaa.vangun@caritas.cz PARTNERS Caritas Czech Republic (CCR) Caritas Mongolia (CM) IVL-Swedish Environmental Research Institute (IVL) Mongolian National Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) Published in April This publication is printed on 100% recycled paper using an eco-friendly process. Photo source: Greener Construction project