01/11/2024
On October 25, 2024, Norton University in Phnom Penh hosted a landmark public seminar on the Green Building, organized in partnership with the Cambodia Green Building Council (CamGBC). This event gathered industry leaders, students, and professionals focused on advancing sustainable practices, with a primary focus on decarbonizing Cambodiaβs construction sector.
A highlight of the seminar was the presentation by Mr. Sanka Seneviratne, Head of Chip Mong Ecocycle, who shared innovative strategies for reducing carbon emissions in the cement industry, a sector traditionally known for its high COβ output. Mr. Seneviratne highlighted a crucial shift from conventional processes, emphasizing the adoption of low-carbon fuels and alternative materials to reduce the environmental impact of cement production. He introduced the use of application-specific cement formulations tailored to meet particular construction needs, which helps avoid unnecessary resource consumption and enhances efficiency. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of renewable energy, such as solar power, along with waste-derived fuels that provide sustainable, low-carbon alternatives to traditional fossil fuels in cement manufacturing. His presentation laid out a clear, economically viable roadmap for integrating these low-carbon materials and practices, offering substantial benefits for both the environment and the economy.
Beyond the cement sector, the seminar covered a wide array of green building topics. These included insights into the Global Green Building Movement, Sustainable Design and Development principles, Cambodiaβs Green Building Roadmap, various Green Building Certifications, and both international and local codes. Each topic reinforced the importance of a holistic, integrated approach to green building, addressing all stages of the construction processβfrom design through to completion.
Since its establishment in 2019, CamGBC has played a key role in leading Cambodiaβs green building movement. With a mission to guide the building industry toward sustainable, environmentally conscious practices, CamGBC has been active in promoting green building certification, stakeholder engagement, and educational initiatives. These efforts are paving the way for a resilient, low-carbon infrastructure that contributes to Cambodiaβs sustainable future, setting the foundation for long-term environmental responsibility across the countryβs construction sector.