22 April 2015: In an effort to encourage the establishment of energy efficiency audit companies in its region of Turkey, the Southeast Anatolia Regional Development Administration of the Turkish Ministry of Development (GAP RDA) inaugurated an ‘Energy Efficiency Incubation Center’ in Gaziantep, Turkey. The Center, which is receiving technical support from the UN Development Programme (UNDP), also aims to spark the emergence of a technical workforce and create energy efficiency jobs.

Speaking at the inauguration event on 22 April 2015, UNDP Administrator Helen Clark stated that the Center is “part of broader efforts to support sustainable and inclusive growth in the region,” adding that the Center’s location is of special importance as Gaziantep “accounts for 4% of Turkey’s industrial electricity consumption, and is the major industrial growth center of Southeast Anatolia.”

The Center was established as part of GAP RDA’s project ‘Utilization of Renewable Energy Resources and Increasing Energy Efficiency in Southeast Anatolia Region (PHASE 2),’ which is supported by UNDP. The Gaziantep Chamber of Industry and Gaziantep University partnered with GAP RDA on the establishment of the Center.

Of the structural aspects of the Center, Clark highlighted that the building “complies with the highest energy efficiency standards, known as ‘passive house standards.’ Renewable energy sources, such as solar and internal heat sources, will be used for the air conditioning of the building throughout the year.”

Thanking all the partners involved in the project, Clark announced that experiences and successes of the Center would be shared across borders to encourage other countries to replicate the achievements. [UNDP Press Release] [UNDP Administrator Remarks]