A ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ has been signed by the World Green Building Council (WGBC) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) as the two look to work together on a number of projects. The agreement will see both parties support the development of sustainable properties as well as a strong focus on the efficiency of both energy and resources.

5,000 members in Europe, 6 Regional Partners, and 25 Green Building Councils (GBCs) make up the WGBC and they have a single aim of making sustainable buildings and communities. They are attempting to achieve this through transformations in the market and leadership; something that the EBRD, who already work in 30 countries across 3 continents, supports.

Both organisations are active in a number of countries and these will provide the focus to improve sustainable building practices. Promoting the importance of industry standards, efficiency of energy and resources, and the resilience to climate will all be at the forefront of the projects. The two organisations will also look to promote zero waste, green planning and design, the movement of finances and the reduction of carbon emissions.

EBRD Director for Property and Tourism, Claudia Pendred, said “We are very pleased to join forces with the World Green Building Council as we share the same vision and goals for energy and resource efficiency. The EBRD is keen to provide funds for investments in this area and aims to increase our green financing to around 40% of total annual investments by 2020.”