Needs assessment stakeholder Consultation workshop to develop and incorporate “Green Building Concept” into Bachelor & Master of Architecture Program has been held today at Asaree Maalam of SHE Building. The workshop was organized by Maldives National University with assistance from Ministry of Environment and Energy. In the workshop 20 participants from different government agencies, education and private sector participated.

The purpose of the workshop was to attain stakeholder input in undertaking a needs assessment to revise the curriculum of Bachelor of Architecture Programme and develop a curriculum for masters of architecture programme conducted by Maldives National University.

Speaking at the workshop opening ceremony Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Environment and Energy, Mr. Ajwad Musthafa noted that once the revised Bachelor and new Masters course is implemented much needed capacity in design building focusing on green building will be developed in the Maldives. Ibrahim Nadheem, Associate Lecturer of Maldives National University highlighted that the stakeholder input received today would be crucial to development of the Architecture program.

The needs assessment is prepared to identify
• How much the current Bachelors programme covers energy efficiency and green building concepts
• Gaps in the curriculum and institution
• Develop Master of Architecture curriculum

This activity is carried out by “Strengthening Low Carbon Energy Island Strategies” project, which is implemented by Ministry of Environment and Energy (MEE) assisted by United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and financed by Government of Maldives and Global Environment Facility (GEF). The project aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through energy efficiency in the building sector, increasing energy efficiency in the building sector by developing appropriate policies, guidelines and standards.