Anar Guliyev: Transition to green construction in Azerbaijan is crucial

Globally, cities account for about 70% of total emissions and more than two-thirds of energy consumption, Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of Azerbaijan, said during the High-Level Energy and Urban Dialogue held within the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Report informs.

According to him, cities are the driving force of mobility, trade, and innovation, generating nearly 80% of global GDP: "This places cities at the center of climate change mitigation efforts and makes the way we plan, design, and build urban environments more critical than ever."

Guliyev emphasized that in Azerbaijan, energy efficiency and climate resilience have become integral to urban policy:

"Green construction and energy-efficient buildings are now a top priority in our urban strategy. This approach reflects our conviction that shaping a sustainable urban future depends directly on minimizing the long-term ecological impacts of construction and infrastructure. Transitioning to green construction is not only an environmental necessity but also an important economic opportunity. Investments in energy-efficient buildings reduce operating costs of sustainable infrastructure, improve citizens' quality of life, attract new investments, stimulate innovative solutions, and create additional jobs. All of this contributes significantly to ensuring long-term economic resilience."