This year’s motto for the program series, “It pays to build green,” draws attention to the fact that sustainable construction and renovation are beneficial from both an economic and social perspective. Among its core messages, HuGBC emphasizes that buildings are responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon dioxide emissions, which is why energy-efficient solutions, the use of natural building materials, and the renovation of existing buildings can play a key role in climate protection. As Gábor Szarvas, president of HuGBC, put it: although the effects of climate change are noticeable in our everyday lives, more and more positive, green practices give cause for optimism.  

In her welcoming speech, Renáta Határ, Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Construction and Transport, said that the government intends to support the spread of green building practices not through prohibitions, but through incentives.  

During Green Building Week, so-called Green Walks, building tours, and workshops for young people await those interested, showcasing the best domestic examples. The guests at the opening ceremony kicked off the week’s professional program with a tour of the Gellért Campus, a university building complex with LEED Gold certification and an AA+ energy efficiency certificate.