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  • #392 Iryna Sukhodub on Building Ukraine’s Green Future Through Wartime Reconstruction

#392 Iryna Sukhodub on Building Ukraine’s Green Future Through Wartime Reconstruction

Author

Charlie Cichetti
August 11, 2025

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Iryna Sukhodub reveals how Ukraine’s massive reconstruction effort is driving green building innovation—from IFI-funded sustainable housing for 4.5 million displaced people to the strategic shift from energy-only thinking to comprehensive sustainability that could reshape your project priorities.

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🌱BREAKING DOWN TRADITIONAL BUILDING

In this episode, Iryna revolutionizes traditional reconstruction approaches:
[Key Insight #1] IFI Financing Creates Green Building Momentum

  • What's outdated: Green certification isn’t mandatory in Ukraine, limiting sustainable development incentives.

  • The innovation: International Financial Institutions require sustainability standards for reconstruction loans and grants—driving market demand through financing requirements.

  • Impact: Access to favorable loan rates and grant funding, plus tenant lease requirements from international companies demanding certified buildings.

[Key Insight #2] Resilience + Renewables = Reconstruction Strategy

  • What's outdated: Ukraine’s damaged infrastructure needs rebuilding while serving 4.5 million internally displaced people.

  • The innovation: Integrate PV systems with energy storage for dual benefits—cost reduction and power resilience during electricity shortages.

  • Impact: Lower operational costs plus business continuity during grid disruptions, creating “future-proof” infrastructure investments.

[Key Insight #3] Shift From Energy-Only to Comprehensive Sustainability

  • What's outdated: Ukrainian projects historically focus solely on energy efficiency and renewables, missing broader impact opportunities.

  • The innovation: Expand to embodied carbon, life cycle assessment, accessibility, climate adaptation, and indoor environmental quality.

  • Impact: Enhanced building performance, health outcomes, and alignment with international certification standards like LEED v5 and WELL.

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