Maldives Trains 40 Construction Experts to Boost Energy Efficiency in Buildings

The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy has launched a specialized three-day training workshop aimed at integrating energy efficiency into the Maldives' building sector. Held at Meerumaa Hall from September 29 to October 1, the program is a collaborative effort with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC). The workshop brings together 40 professionals from the architecture, engineering, and construction industries to master the Maldives Energy Efficiency Guideline for Buildings. Delivered by energy experts from Deloitte Maldives, the curriculum focuses on practical applications tailored to the archipelago's unique tropical climate, including thermal comfort, renewable energy systems, and advanced building energy modelling using eQUEST software. State Minister Dr. Muaviyath Mohamed officially opened the session, emphasizing that energy efficiency must be a priority from the very first draft of a building's design. According to Dr. Muaviyath, the decisions made during the initial planning and construction phases have a lasting, cumulative impact on the nation's overall energy consumption. While the government has provided the technical framework through the national guidelines, the State Minister noted that the guidelines are only effective if the professionals implementing them possess the necessary practical skills. By bridging the gap between policy and practice, the workshop seeks to ensure that sustainable design becomes a standard rather than an exception in Maldivian construction. The initiative aims to strengthen the technical capacity of the local workforce, fostering a wider adoption of sustainable practices. This strategic move is expected to reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment and lower long-term operational costs for building owners across the islands.