Attention: Environmental regulations for construction tightened in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is introducing stricter environmental requirements for construction. Companies will now be required to install background monitoring stations and online cameras at construction sites. This was confirmed to QALAMPIR.UZ on November 22, by Aziz Abduhakimov, chairman of the newly established National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change, during a discussion with journalists, environmentalists, and activists.

According to Abduhakimov, under the decree “On Measures to Organize the Activities of the National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan,” signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on November 18, construction projects will now need to comply with international standards. Before construction begins, building companies must install background monitoring stations and online cameras, and adhere to other environmental requirements set out in the forthcoming “Environmental Activity Standards in Construction.”

From January 1, 2026, the installation of background monitoring stations and online cameras will become mandatory at construction sites, according to a phased approach:

•  From January 1, 2026, for sites of 2,000 square meters or larger;
•  From January 1, 2027, for sites of 1,000 square meters or larger;
•  From January 1, 2028, for sites of 500 square meters or larger.

Additionally, starting January 1, 2026, the construction of buildings exceeding 500 square meters with less than 30 percent landscaping or a height of 12 meters will be prohibited.

The National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change, together with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Office of the Prosecutor General, and the Ministry of Construction, will inspect construction sites larger than 500 square meters by May 1, 2026. The inspections will assess whether at least 25 percent of the site is green, sprinklers are installed, washing pools are available for construction vehicle wheels, and tarps or PVC covers are properly used.

Commenting on the new requirements for construction projects and companies, Abduhakimov, who also serves as the President’s adviser on environmental issues, said:

“Air pollution and climate change are not unique phenomena to Uzbekistan. In all countries that have experienced rapid economic growth, such processes—conflicts between environmental and economic interests—have been observed. Initially, priority was given to the economic sector. Now the economic sector is stronger, and decisions pass more easily. That is why our President has focused on the environmental side as well, balancing both sides of the scale.”