Damascus - Syria and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) on Wednesday signed a project document for energy efficiency building code within the framework of the joint regional cooperation program 2007-2011.
The project aims at reducing CO2 emission associated with the use of electric power in buildings through a new energy efficient building code based on its performance including efficiency standards for energy consumption and the standards for energy-saving products and capacity building.
Total cost of the project was estimated at USD 15.083.750 million (USD 1 ≈ SYP 47). The Syrian government will provide USD 11.5 million as a contribution, 3.5 million of which are an in-kind contribution. Global Environment Facility will contribute by USD 3.460 million while the UNDP will offer USD 123,750.
Minister of Electricity, Ahmad Qussai Kayali, said "energy demand in 2009 reached to 23 million tons of oil equivalent compared to 16 million tons in 2000 with an annual growth above 5%.
He added that energy demand is expected to reach more than 65 million tons in 2030 where 25 million of which can be produced locally.
The Minister said that energy consumption in 2009 exceeded 40%, adding that raising energy use efficiency will help reduce the energy consumption of buildings by up to 20%.
The document provides for carrying out 15 pilot projects throughout the Syrian provinces, he added.
In turn, the UNDP Resident Representative, Ismael Wild al-Sheikh Ahmed, said the project will have positive impact on electricity sector as well as sustainable development, energy and environment.
He added that the document reflects the Syrian government's commitment to international conventions on reducing CO2 emissions and energy consumption in construction sector.
Syria has also issued building thermal insulation code in 2007 and energy efficiency for home appliances labels and standers law no.18 for 2008, in addition to energy conservation law no.3 for 2009.
© SANA (Syria Arab News Agency) 2011
