New Partnership to Improve Mongolian Construction Standards

The Mongolia Ministry of Construction and Urban Development (MCUD) signed a new MOU with the IFC for the joint development of new regulations and policies to promote environmentally friendly construction in Mongolia.

In one respect, Mongolia is one of the Most urbanized countries in Asia, with 72% of its population living in a city. However about 60% of city dwellers live in traditional tent-like gers. Many of these gers, as well as newer housing rely on stoves or coal burning to provide heating in the cold winter. This contributes to pollution and health problems.

Mandatory measures are expected to provide significant benefits in the reduction of pollution and improving public health. The partnership between MCUD and IFC is intended to promote stronger energy efficiency regulations and sustainable construction.

The Government of Mongolia aims to reduce heat losses from buildings by 20 percent by 2020 and 40 percent by 2030, compared to 2014 levels.