Environmental Safeguard
The AHURP aims to reduce environmental pollution in the Ulaanbaatar city, mitigate climate change, and create a healthy and safe living environment for citizens. The successful implementation of this project will make a significant contribution to Ulaanbaatar’s green and sustainable development.
The project strictly adheres to the relevant environmental laws and regulations of Mongolia, as well as the requirements of the Asian Development Bank’s Safeguard Policy Statement (2009). Classified as Category “B” under ADB’s environmental safeguards, the project is assessed to have relatively minor, site-specific, and reversible impacts. Therefore, environmental assessments are carried out for each project site, and Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) are implemented accordingly.
The implementation of the project will bring about the following impacts in the eco-districts located within the selected areas:
Improving Air Quality
By removing 5,000 household chimneys in ger areas, coal consumption will be eliminated, leading to a significant reduction in air pollution.
Installing 9,528 m² of solar panels will reduce annual CO₂ emissions by several hundred tons, making a tangible contribution to mitigating climate change.
Protecting soil
The removal of 5,000 pit latrines will reduce soil contamination and have a positive impact on public health.
Expanding Green Spaces
A total of 15 hectares of green areas will be created within the eco-districts, improving the quality of living environments and supporting ecological balance.
Green Buildings
The project meets the requirements of the EDGE green building certification system, with designs that reduce energy consumption, water usage, and embodied energy in construction materials by at least 20%.
Construction materials will be environmentally friendly, advanced, and safe for human health.
Waste Management
A waste segregation and recycling system based on active citizen participation will be implemented.
Annual ash waste from ger areas (8,000 tons) will be reduced.
Organic waste from greenhouse farming will be used to produce compost, supporting sustainable consumption and production.
Environmental Safeguards during Construction
The project complies with the relevant environmental laws and regulations of Mongolia, as well as the requirements of the Asian Development Bank’s Safeguard Policy Statement (2009). During the construction phase, a comprehensive set of measures is implemented to prevent, mitigate, and rehabilitate potential adverse impacts on the environment and nearby communities, along with regular monitoring and inspections.
Each construction contractor is required to prepare, approve, and implement an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) that ensures environmental protection, public health, and safety. The contractor’s EMP must
include specific measures to prevent and minimize adverse environmental and social impacts arising from construction works and ensure their effective implementation.
The project ensures public participation and upholds the principles of openness and transparency. In accordance with the Asian Development Bank’s Safeguard Policy Statement (2009) and Mongolia’s Law on Environmental Impact Assessment (2012), the project organizes information-sharing and consultation meetings, while also regularly receiving and addressing feedback from affected communities. In addition, a monitoring group with volunteer members from the project site is in place, which visits the project sites twice a year to review construction activities and related documentation, ensuring transparency and accountability.
The project promotes public participation and transparency. In accordance with ADB's Conservation Policy Document (2009) and the Mongolian Law on Environmental Impact Assessment (2012), information and consultation meetings are organized, and public feedback is regularly received and addressed.