Successful Train the Trainers Conference at Shanghai Expo, EU Pavilion Go back »

2010-07-30 | All chapters

With the occurance of the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, issues of sustainable construction have drawn the utmost attention of a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, architects, designers and real-estate developers. The Pavilions offer excellent showcases of energy-efficient buildings and construction materials, in line with the focus of the SWITCH-Asia Project “Train the Trainers” on green buildings.

The “Train the Trainers” Conference on “Sustainable energy-efficient construction practices and new materials, with showcases live from Expo” brought together 130 Chinese practitioners, authorities and the academia to elaborate on the achievements, challenges and new opportunities available in the field of ‘green construction’, with the aim of raising awareness and further promoting the adoption of more sustainable construction practices.

The Conference was officially inaugurated by Dr Ioana Kraft, General Manager of the European Chamber in Shanghai and by Prof. Yang, Dean at the Tongji University School of Materials, Science and Engineering that partners up with the European Chamber and the Swedish IVL Institute in implementing the “Train the trainers” Project.

Johan Cauwenbergh, Minister Counsellor, Head of Operations with the EU Delegation to China and Mongolia, delivered an opening speech on the relevance of the EU-funded SWITCH-Asia Programme and of Sino-European cooperation at large on issues of energy-efficient construction, sustainable growth and environmental impact.

The “Train the trainers” Project was introduced in-depth by EUCCC Project Leader Silvia Sartori and Tongji University Project Coordinator Zhang Yongming. Thereafter, the thematic session started with Professor Yan Bilan from the China Construction Materials Research Institute who presented the status of sustainable construction material development.

This overview was followed by a North China’s case-study on challenges and solutions to energy-efficient construction practices and materials, thoroughly illustrated by Ms Peng Mengyue from the Centre of Science and Technology Construction of the Ministry of Housing Urban Rural Development (MoHURD). The morning session concluded with some Expo-specific flavor as Professor Han Jihong of the Shanghai Building Institute of Building Sciences depicted “Green technologies application for typical pavilions in the Shanghai Expo”.

After a networking lunch held at the Belgium Pavilion, which also hosts the European Pavilion, an intensive afternoon session took place, featuring additional outstanding speakers and technical insights. First, National Changjiang Scholar Professor Zhao of the Wuhan University of Science and Technology offered a presentation on ‘energy-efficient design and multiple functions of construction glass’. Foreign know-how was contributed by MUDI Chief Designer Markus Diem who introduced the design, techniques and supporting structures of passive houses drawing from Germany’s expertise.

Renowned BROAD Air Conditioning President Zhang Yue presented “Low-cost and feasible approaches to improve energy-efficiency in China”, turning also to his experience as Vice-Chairman of the UNEP-Sustainable Buildings and Construction Initiative.Finally, En Vision Founder Huang Jinming offered innovative insights into energy saving and green construction, with both Chinese and foreign showcases.

During these sessions, lively Q&A sessions took place where participants interacted with speakers and panelists, exchanging views and delving into additional technical details. At the conclusion of the workshops, attendees were offered the chance to witness concrete best practices of the discussed theoretical content as applied by the Expo Pavilions themselves. The Conference wrapped up with a VIP tour of European Pavilions, including those of Finland, Germany, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.

The “Train the trainers” Project team wishes to thank once again all the speakers, Chinese and European authorities for their support and contribution to this outstanding event, which was very positively received by the audience.
More events will be organized on different aspects of sustainable construction and targeting various stakeholders.
For more news and updates, please visit www.train-the-trainers.net

Attendees congregate at the close of the Train the Trainers Conference at Shanghai Expo 
(Photo courtesy of Zachary Franklin, China Files)